In Train Simulator Classic, the Marias Pass: Shelby – Whitefish Route Add-On recreates the legendary BNSF Hi-Line Subdivision as it traverses the Continental Divide. Developed by Dovetail Games, this 152-mile mountain corridor is a centerpiece of North American railroading, famous for its transition from the vast Montana prairies to the rugged, snow-drenched peaks of the Rocky Mountains.
🏔️ Route Geography & Technical Landmarks
The route is renowned for its vast scale and the technical challenge of managing heavy freight across extreme topography.
- Mainline Reach: Spans 152 miles (245 km) from the high plains of Shelby to the forest-rimmed yard at Whitefish.
- The Kalispell Branch: Includes a detailed 13-mile (approx. 21 km) secondary line extending from Columbia Falls to Kalispell, primarily used for local industrial switching.
- Engineering Highlights:
- Marias Pass Summit: The lowest railroad crossing of the Rockies in the U.S., yet still a punishing climb with grades up to 1.8% on the western slope.
- Visual Easter Eggs: Look for the famous “Concrete Penguin” statue at Cut Bank and the massive “Dalek” grain silo at Browning.
- Mountain Infrastructure: Navigate through miles of snow sheds and across towering steel trestles like those at Cut Bank and Java.
🚆 Rolling Stock & Power
The add-on features the heavy diesel power required to move massive unit trains over the divide.
- GE ES44DC: A modern Tier 2 workhorse provided in the orange-and-black BNSF Heritage III livery.
- EMD SW1500: A versatile switcher in Burlington Northern (BN) green, essential for marshaling cars in the Whitefish and Shelby yards.
- Freight Fleet: Includes specialized 50ft boxcars and lumber cars with period-accurate BNSF and BN branding.
📊 Comparison: Modern vs. Backdated Marias Pass
While the official DLC depicts the modern BNSF era, a popular community project allows for a total “time travel” experience.
🛒 2025 Pricing & Global Availability
As of December 24, 2025, Marias Pass is a cornerstone of the Train Simulator Classic library.
- Sale Alert: During the current Steam Winter Sale, the route is available for $7.99 (60% off its standard $19.99 price) until January 5, 2026.
- Legacy Note: Originally restricted to the North American region due to licensing, the route was unlocked for Global Access in late 2021, allowing engineers worldwide to tackle the Divide.
