In Train Simulator Classic, the Montana Hi-Line: Shelby – Havre route represents the vast, high-speed “Big Sky” corridor of the BNSF Northern Transcon. Developed by Great Northerner (VNHRR), this 108-mile segment is a study in “momentum railroading,” where heavy freight trains must navigate a constant “sawtooth” gradient across the expansive Montana plains.
📍 Route Geography: The Eastern Subdivision
While much of the route appears flat at a glance, the technical reality is a challenging series of rolling hills and heavy industrial hubs.
- Mainline Scope: Covers 108 miles of critical trackage between the major rail hubs of Shelby and Havre.
- The “Sawtooth” Profile: The route features frequent 1% grades that constantly rise and fall. Managing a mile-long intermodal train here requires a delicate balance of dynamic braking and throttle to avoid “string-lining” or overspeeding.
- Operational Hubs:
- Havre: Includes a masterfully recreated maintenance and shop complex, a major staging point for BNSF power.
- Chester: Features two massive rapid-loading grain loop tracks, perfect for practicing unit-train spotting.
- The Full Hi-Line: By combining this route with the Marias Pass Add-On, you can create a continuous simulation from Havre all the way west to Whitefish.
🚆 Included Power & Rolling Stock
The base package focuses on modern BNSF operations, providing the heavy horsepower needed for the “transcon” pace.
- BNSF ES44DC: The primary modern workhorse for high-speed intermodal and grain service.
- EMD GP38-2 & SW1500: Essential for the localized switching duties at the grain elevators dotted along the line.
- Passenger Operations: The route is a scheduled stop for Amtrak’s Empire Builder. While the stops are modeled, you typically need the P42DC Empire Builder Pack to run authentic Amtrak career scenarios.
⏳ Historical “Backdated” Version
A significant draw for the community is the Montana Hi-Line: 1950s/60s Version available on the Steam Workshop.
- Era Transformation: Recreates the line as it looked during the Great Northern Railway era, featuring period-accurate depot buildings, GN-style signals, and 1950s track layouts.
- Requirements: You must own the base modern Hi-Line DLC. It also requires a separate asset pack download from Golden Age Rails to see the custom historic buildings.
🛒 2025 Pricing & Winter Sale
As of December 26, 2025, the Montana Hi-Line is part of the ongoing holiday promotions.
- Standard Price: Montana Hi-Line: Shelby – Havre typically retails for $39.99.
- Current Sale: Available for $19.99 (50% off) until January 5, 2026.
- Scenario Pack 01: Also discounted to $4.99, adding 10 realistic career scenarios focused on heavy haul and Amtrak operations.
