Introducing: High Iron Simulations
High Iron Simulations have been a Partner developer for Train Simulator Classic since 2016, producing a variety of TSC products ranging from scenario and locomotive packs to routes. This is their first release for Train Sim World.
Their team represents an experienced group of developers including Michael Stephan, Rick Grout, Cesar “Mannu” Pach, Ricardo "Reppo" Rivera, Jonathan Lewis, Martin Velozo and Gary Dolzall.
In May 2024, we announced their intentions to develop a Santa Fe themed Gameplay Pack, with gradual updates coming over the course of subsequent months.
High Iron Simulations also has a U.S. freight route and a Locomotive Pack in active development, and additional products in planning.
The Setting: Cajon Pass, early 1990s
Cast your mind back to Californian railroading of the 1990s and picture the scene; the former ATSF, known simply as Santa Fe, was one of the most prominent Class 1 Railroads of the United States. Since its inception in 1859, Santa Fe had amassed over 13000 route miles and was the operator of some of the most famous trains in the US, as well as of course, a vast freight network.
In this Add-on for Train Sim World 6, the lavish colors of the ATSF repopulate the rugged Cajon Pass route, recreating the experience of the early 1990s - the final years of Santa Fe operations. Embark on a variety of duties with 2 classic examples of ATSF equipment; the C40-8W and SD40-2, in iconic Warbonnet and freight liveries.
Utilizing a new trio of freight cars from ATSF’s roster, as well as contemporary variations of existing equipment, get to work hauling locals, switching in yards and running mainline manifests, as well as hefty intermodals across an all-new timetable based on real Santa Fe schedules, and 5 new scenarios.
Scheduled services will include player-drivable services featuring mainline intermodal and freight trains, switching, and locals. The services are closely based on actual Santa Fe freight schedules and horsepower assignments of the era and include more than 250 train movements per 24-hour period.
Additionally, Union Pacific freight movements across Cajon Pass will be represented in an extra layer using UP equipment from the Sherman Hill route Add-on.
The Rolling Stock
SD40-2
AT&SF blue-and-yellow freight livery
The SD40-2 is an all-American hero which is nationwide-renowned for its yesteryear mainline service. Now considered a veteran, the SD40-2 is kept to secondary duties in charge of local working and switching in yards and industries. This turbocharged, 3,000-horsepower six-axle locomotive was part of the heart and soul of the Electro-Motive Dash 2 line, along with other locomotives types like the GP38-2, seen in other Train Sim World Add-ons.
Santa Fe-specific details have been modeled on this rebuilt variant of the SD40-2, including the distinctive inset lower headlight. The inclusion of Union Pacific layers for players of Sherman Hill adds even more SD40-20 action!
Anyone new to the SD40-2 can get familiar with the controls of an unbranded version in Train Sim World 6's Training Center.
C40-8W
Warbonnet red-and-silver livery
General Electric’s C40-8W (also commonly known as the Dash 8-40CW) was produced at GE’s Erie, Pennsylvania plant from 1989 through 1994. GE constructed 847 of the 4,000-horsepower, six-axle (C-C) diesels powered by the builder’s capable 7FDL16 four-cycle power plant. An evolutionary refinement of GE’s advanced line of diesels begun with the “Dash 7” series, the C40-8W is visually notable for its use of the stylish “North American Cab.”
Previously a CSX version of this locomotive was released as a separate Add-on for the Sand Patch Grade route.
Like the SD40-2, specific Santa Fe features have been modeled on this variant for the Santa Fe Gameplay Pack, such as the unique “gull wing” cab.
There will be a new tutorial to play guiding players through the controls of the C40-8W as part of this Add-on.
Wagons and Freight Cars
The pack also features three entirely new AT&SF freight cars and three existing TSW freight cars repainted in Santa Fe liveries.
The new items of rolling stock are:
Santa Fe two-bay cement covered hopper
Santa Fe three-bay ribbed-side covered hopper
86-foot auto parts boxcar
Train Sim World 6: Santa Fe on Cajon Pass will release on 13th November for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Epic Games Store, and Steam for $17.99/£14.99/€17.99
Please note that Santa Fe on Cajon Pass will be released on PC and 9th Gen Console platforms only.
The Route: Cajon Pass
The Cajon Pass route Add-on is required to make use of the gameplay in the Santa Fe Add-on. The standard route and schedule is set in the early 2000s, featuring the bold livery of BNSF.
85-miles (136 km) of route between Barstow and San Bernardino, California offer stunning scenery and challenging gradients for long freight consists. Unlike the Santa Fe pack, the Cajon Pass Add-on features the state-of-the-art ES44C4 diesel electric locomotive in addition to the BNSF variant of the SD40-2.
Players of passenger-focused California route Add-ons San Bernardino Line and Antelope Valley Line can expand their operations with both layered services and Route Hopping with the Cajon Pass Add-on.
Train Sim World 6: Out Now
Free Starter Pack available until 11th November 2025
You can still upgrade to Train Sim World 6 via the Train Sim World: Free Starter Pack, which is available to download to your collection permanently until 11th November 2025.
Whilst this won't grant you any new routes or trains, it will allow you to then purchase the Santa Fe on Cajon Pass Add-on, for use on the Cajon Pass route (if you own it).
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