In Train Simulator Classic, Sherman Hill is the quintessential American heavy-haul experience. Recreating the 60-mile Union Pacific (UP) crossing of the Laramie Mountains in Wyoming, this route is famous for its grueling 1.5% westbound grade and the summit at the Continental Divide, which sits at a thin-aired 8,247 feet.
🏔️ Route Dynamics: The Laramie Subdivision
Sherman Hill is not just about power; it is about the physics of moving massive tonnage across a high-altitude wilderness.
- Cheyenne to Laramie: The route connects these two legendary railroad towns via three distinct mainlines. Track 3 (the “Borie Cutoff”) provides a gentler gradient for heavy westbound trains, while Tracks 1 and 2 take the more direct, steeper path.
- Extreme Physics: You’ll need to master the use of dynamic brakes on the long descents into Laramie and manage wheel slip during the snowy climbs out of Cheyenne.
- Modern vs. Classic: The base route depicts the modern era, but the track layout remains largely identical to the one established during the legendary steam-to-diesel transition.
🚆 Motive Power: Modern & Veteran
The standard route add-on comes with a versatile fleet of Union Pacific locomotives:
- SD70M & ES44AC: The high-horsepower “Super Fleet” units designed for modern intermodal and coal services.
- SD40-2: The venerable “Everywhere Service” locomotive, used for manifest freight and local duties.
- SW10 “Hammerhead”: A unique UP-exclusive switcher used for marshaling cars in the massive Cheyenne Yard.
⚔️ The “Battle for Sherman Hill” Collection
For those who want the full history of the Divide, the Battle for Sherman Hill is an expansive bundle that adds over 50 years of variety.
| Era | Key Locomotives Included | Highlight Feature |
| Steam | 4-8-8-4 Big Boy & 4-6-6-4 Challenger | The world’s largest steam power. |
| Turbine | 8,500-HP Gas Turbine (“Big Blow”) | The loudest, most powerful single units ever built. |
| Modern | SD70ACe & SD60M | Includes the D&RGW and UP Heritage liveries. |
🛒 2025 Pricing & Winter Sale
As of December 26, 2025, Sherman Hill is currently available at a steep discount during the Steam Winter Sale.
- Standard Price: Sherman Hill Route Add-On is typically $19.99.
- Sale Price: Currently $5.99 (70% off) until January 5, 2026.7
- Bundle Deal: The Battle for Sherman Hill Collection is discounted to $15.99, offering nearly $100 worth of locomotives for a fraction of the cost.
