In Train Simulator Classic, the Glasgow Subway Route Add-On is a uniquely claustrophobic and technical simulation of the world’s third-oldest underground system. Developed by Thomson Interactive, this DLC is famous for its “miniature” scale, recreating the 10km (6.5 mile) circular loop with startling precision—from the rare 4ft gauge track to the tiny 11ft diameter tunnels that make even a London Tube train look spacious.
📍 The “Clockwork Orange”: Route & Infrastructure
The Glasgow Subway is entirely underground except for the depot, meaning the simulation focuses heavily on tunnel lighting, station ambiance, and technical operations.
- Twin-Circle Loop: Includes both the Inner Circle (anti-clockwise) and Outer Circle (clockwise) tracks. Because the tunnels are separate, you’ll rarely see your counterparts except at specific junctions.
- Broomloan Depot: As the only section of the route above ground, the depot features a functional train washer, animated shed doors, and the access ramps that replaced the original system’s crane-lift pits in the 1980s.
- Station Detail: Recreates all 15 stations, from the modern glass of Partick to the deep-level island platforms of St Enoch and Buchanan Street.
🚆 Rolling Stock: The Metro-Cammell Era
While the real-world subway transitioned to Stadler “driverless” trains in late 2023, this add-on preserves the legendary Second Generation (1980s) fleet.
- “Clockwork Orange” Livery: Features the iconic Metro-Cammell units in their vibrant orange and black branding, complete with the “shoogling” motion physics the line was known for.
- Dynamic Passengers: Includes a unique system where the number of passengers inside your carriages varies randomly between stations, adding to the immersion of a living transit system.
- Authentic Cab: A 1:1 recreation of the 1980s cab, featuring working Permissible Speed Lamps and the distinct “Ready to Start” indicator system.
🕹️ ATO vs. Manual: How to Drive
One of the most praised features of this add-on is its accurate Automatic Train Operation (ATO) simulation, which was a high-tech novelty when the system modernized in 1980.
- Automatic Mode (ATO): As the driver, your role is to manage the station stops. Once the “Auto Permit” light illuminates, you open the doors, close them, and press the “Auto Start” button. The train then handles the acceleration, cruising, and braking to the next station autonomously.
- Protected Manual: For a greater challenge, you can switch to manual control. However, the system still monitors your speed; if you exceed the limit shown on the cab’s speed lamps, the Automatic Train Protection (ATP) will intervene with an emergency brake application.
- The “Manual Challenge”: The route includes a specific career scenario designed to test your ability to stop perfectly at the platform markers without the help of the ATO computer.
🛒 2025 Buying Guide & Compatibility
With the release of the Train Simulator Classic 2025 core update in October, this route has seen improved performance, particularly in terms of frame rates within the densely detailed station areas.
| Item | Standard Price | Holiday Sale (Dec 2025) |
| Glasgow Subway Route Add-On | $24.99 | $9.99 (60% Off) |
| TSC 2025 Core Game | $29.99 | $14.99 |
Note on Train Sim World: As of December 2025, the Glasgow Subway remains exclusive to Train Simulator Classic. While Train Sim World 5 features the Glasgow – Edinburgh mainline, it does not include the underground circular network.
