In Train Simulator Classic, the Isle of Wight Route Add-On serves as a complete digital preservation of the island’s unique railway ecosystem. Developed by Thomson Interactive, this expansion is distinguished by its inclusion of both the modernized third-rail network and the historic steam heritage line, making it a more comprehensive package than its newer Train Sim World counterparts.
📍 Route Geography: The Twin Lines
The Isle of Wight is famous for its restricted loading gauge, necessitating the use of specialized, smaller equipment.
- The Island Line (Electrified): A 10-mile (16 km) corridor stretching from the wooden planks of Ryde Pier Head to the seaside terminus at Shanklin.
- The Ryde Tunnel Challenge: Drivers must navigate the Ryde Tunnel, which was historically deepened but remains significantly lower than the UK standard. This height restriction is why the line famously utilized former London Underground stock for decades.
- IOW Steam Railway (Heritage): A 5-mile (8 km) bonus section running from the interchange at Smallbrook Junction to Wootton. This inclusion allows for seamless transitions between modern commuter runs and vintage steam operations.
🚆 Specialized Rolling Stock
The add-on features a diverse roster of equipment, much of which was repurposed from the mainland to fit the island’s unique constraints.
- Class 483 EMU: These are refurbished 1938 London Underground tube stock units. They appear in the classic Network SouthEast and London Transport liveries, complete with their signature “bouncing” physics on the island’s uneven track.
- W37 “Invincible”: A 1915-built 0-4-0ST steam locomotive, providing an authentic driving experience for the heritage branch.
- Vintage Fleet: Includes meticulously modeled 19th-century composite and third-class carriages.
- Maintenance Equipment: Features the DX 68809 Diesel Personnel Carrier and a 20t support trailer for engineering scenarios.
🎮 Gameplay & Scenarios
The pack includes 14 career scenarios that test the driver’s ability to maintain tight timetables while managing the power-draw limitations of the island’s third-rail system.
- Operational Highlights: Scenarios like “Shanklin Sunrise” focus on the early morning commuter rush, while the “Santa Special” takes players onto the steam line for festive heritage runs.
- 2025 Performance: Running on the Train Simulator Classic 2025 engine, the route benefits from improved memory management, which is critical for the dense foliage and detailed pier structures found at Ryde.
🛒 Why Choose “Classic” in 2025?
While newer titles like Train Sim World 5/6 feature the modern Class 484 (former London District Line stock), the Classic version remains the only choice for players who want the Steam Railway included.
| Feature | Train Simulator Classic | Train Sim World 6 |
| Main Line (Ryde–Shanklin) | Yes | Yes |
| Steam Heritage Line | Yes (Full 5 miles) | No |
| 1938 Tube Stock (Class 483) | Yes | No (Class 484 only) |
| Steam Power (W37) | Yes | No |
