In Train Simulator Classic, Soldier Summit is a legendary mountain pass experience, transporting you to the 1980s Denver & Rio Grande Western (D&RGW) as it battles the Wasatch Range. This route is famous for its punishing gradients and the immense engineering required to move heavy coal over the Continental Divide.
🏔️ The Route: Battling the Wasatch Range
Soldier Summit is a masterclass in mountain railroading, demanding careful speed control and heavy-duty braking.
- The Geography: The base route covers 69 miles between the industrial hubs of Provo and Helper, Utah.
- The Gilluly Loops: To manage the 2.4% ruling grade, the line utilizes the famous Gilluly Loops—a massive double-horseshoe curve that sees tracks snake across the canyon walls at three different levels to gain elevation toward the 7,440-foot summit.
- The Full 118-Mile Run: By adding the Salt Lake City Extension, you can complete the entire journey from Helper to Salt Lake City, creating a massive corridor perfect for long-distance manifest and passenger runs.
🚆 Motive Power: The Tunnel Motors
The pack features the specialized equipment that the D&RGW made famous for surviving high-altitude tunnels.
- D&RGW SD40T-2: Known as the “Tunnel Motor,” this locomotive features air intakes moved to the bottom of the frame to pull in cooler air and avoid overheating while laboring through the smoky Wasatch tunnels.
- D&RGW GP9: The veteran road switcher, ideal for the local mine runs and the heavy switching duties at the Provo Yard.
- Amtrak F40PH: Paired with a full set of “California Zephyr” passenger cars for intercity service between the mountains.
🛠️ Expansions: The “Rio Grande Zephyr” Era
For many, the draw of Soldier Summit is the transition from the iconic streamliners to modern heavy haulage.
- Scenario Pack 01 (High Iron Simulations): This pack is essential for history buffs. It adds scenarios for the Rio Grande Zephyr (using the D&RGW F9) and brings in the heavy EMD SD45 for specialized Utah Railway coal duties.
- Scenario Pack 02: Focuses on the “Southern Pacific Era” following the merger, introducing high-speed intermodal and manifest runs using modern SD70M power.
🛒 Winter 2025 Pricing & Access
As of December 26, 2025, the route is a centerpiece of the Steam Winter Sale.
| Item | Standard Price | Sale Price (Dec 2025) |
| Soldier Summit Route Add-On | $39.99 | $9.99 (75% Off) |
| Salt Lake City Extension | $19.99 | $6.39 (60% Off) |
| High Iron Scenario Pack 01 | $9.99 | $4.99 |
