In Train Simulator Classic, the Weardale & Teesdale Network is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive historical route expansions ever released. Spanning a sprawling 100-mile network in North East England, it serves as a digital preservation of a lost era, capturing the transition from steam to diesel between 1950 and 1960—just years before the sweeping Beeching closures dismantled much of the region’s rail infrastructure.
📍 A Network of Industry and Heritage
Unlike linear routes, this add-on provides a web of interconnected lines that supported the massive coal and steel industries of County Durham and the Pennines.
- The Golden Age of Coal: The route features the bustling collieries of the North East, including the famous Shildon Railway Works (now home to the Locomotion museum) and the heavy industrial traffic of the Darlington Works.
- Scenic Branch Lines: Experience the stark contrast between the heavy industry of Durham and Darlington and the breathtaking rural climbs up to Wearhead and Middleton-in-Teesdale.
- Infrastructure Detail: The route is notable for its authentic LNER-style semaphore signaling and a mix of early color light signals, accurately reflecting the technological overlap of the 1950s.
🚆 Rolling Stock & Unique Equipment
The pack is a treasure trove for fans of British Railways (BR) Green traction and heavy-duty freight.
- Motive Power: Features a versatile roster including the Class 101 DMU for passenger services and the Class 08, 25, and 37 diesels for heavy freight.
- The “Slug”: Includes the rare Diesel Brake Tender (Slug) in BR Green, used to provide additional braking force for heavy mineral trains hauled by locomotives without sufficient vacuum braking power.
- Freight Roster: A deep selection of period-accurate wagons, specifically the 21t Mineral Hoppers and 16t Steel Mineral Wagons that were the lifeblood of the Teesdale network.
🛠️ Community Enhancements & 2025 Performance
As of December 26, 2025, this route remains a top-tier recommendation for historical realism, especially when paired with community-made patches.
- The “Scenery Patch”: Many players use the Weardale & Teesdale Scenery Patch (available via Train Sim Community), which replaces legacy trees and tracks with high-definition assets from Vulcan Productions and Golden Age Developments.
- Steam Workshop: There are currently hundreds of free scenarios available on the Workshop. A popular series by Highball Simulation adds complex shunting and multi-part freight operations using additional period-accurate steam locomotives.
🛒 Winter 2025 Buying Guide
This route is currently a featured item in the Steam Winter Sale.
| Item | Standard Price | Sale Price (Dec 2025) |
| Weardale & Teesdale Network | $39.99 | $16.00 (60% Off) |
| BR Class 105 Twin Pack | $44.99 | $17.99 |
| Rail Subscription | $10.99/mo | $7.69 (Intro Offer) |
