Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Microsoft Train Simulator: German Railroads Volume One – The Seventies: Along the Bigge Lake delivers a deeply authentic simulation experience for rail enthusiasts. The add-on expands the base game with roughly 100 kilometers of secondary track spanning the Finnentrop–Olpe–Betzdorf and Olpe–Dieringhausen lines. As you navigate these routes, you’ll contend with era-appropriate signaling systems, realistic timetables, and the operational quirks of 1970s Deutsche Bundesbahn rail service.

The scenario list offers a diverse range of tasks. You can haul freight with the newly included BR 211, BR 212, or one of the BR 323 variants, switching cars at branch points and managing heavy loads. Passenger service enthusiasts will appreciate driving the BR 798 or BR 795 railcars on local commuter runs, adhering to station stops and maintaining schedules. Each scenario emphasizes procedural operation—braking distances, coupling procedures, and throttle management are all faithfully recreated.

Controls are intuitive for dedicated sim fans but still accessible to newcomers willing to learn. Detailed driver’s cabs feature functional gauges and switches, and the in-cab tutorial guides you through basic operations. If you prefer free-roam, you can also explore the full line at your leisure, experiment with different rolling stock combinations, or simply enjoy the changing landscapes of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Graphics

The visual fidelity in German Railroads Volume One captures the rustic beauty of 1970s rural Germany. Rolling hills, dense forests, and the shores of Bigge Lake are rendered with convincing textures and carefully placed props like farmhouses, small stations, and signal boxes. The route’s terrain undulations and track alignments feel organic, evoking the characteristic charm of secondary branch lines.

Rolling stock models are meticulously detailed. Each of the six drivable locomotives and railcars features period-accurate liveries, signage, and weathering. Interior cab views include clear instrumentation, and external models display correct buffer shapes, roof fans, and bogie details. Lighting effects—such as headlight beams cutting through early morning mist—add to the immersive atmosphere.

While the add-on reflects the graphical standards of its era, it remains visually appealing when run at modern resolutions. Vegetation may appear slightly repetitive at close range, but ambient sounds and dynamic shadows compensate by enhancing realism. Overall, the visuals strike a fine balance between performance and authenticity, ensuring smooth frame rates on mid-range PC hardware.

Story

Although Microsoft Train Simulator and its add-ons aren’t narrative-driven, German Railroads Volume One creates its own sense of history. Transporting passengers and freight in the 1970s places you amid the transitional period of diesel locomotion, before widespread electrification arrived in Germany’s hinterlands. The add-on’s documentation includes historical notes about the Deutsche Bundesbahn’s operations, route construction, and rolling stock roles.

Each scenario implicitly tells a story of regional connectivity: agricultural produce transported from villages to larger markets, timber shipments over winding tracks, and commuter railcars shuttling locals to work. Taking on early morning freight duties with a BR 217 or conducting an afternoon passenger run in a BR 798 railcar brings these small narratives to life, giving you a glimpse into daily railroading life half a century ago.

The evenings along the Bigge Lake route are especially evocative. As you pause at a signal box or wait for a passing train crew, you’ll notice the changing sky and ambient ambient sounds of nature, reinforcing the era’s slower pace. Though it’s not a story in the traditional sense, the add-on’s setting and scenarios craft an experiential narrative that will engage history buffs and simulation fans alike.

Overall Experience

German Railroads Volume One is a must-have for dedicated Microsoft Train Simulator players seeking to expand their rail network into historic German territory. The combination of authentic routes, licensed rolling stock, and era-specific scenarios provides hours of challenging and rewarding gameplay. Whether you’re dispatching timber trains or ferrying passengers between quaint stations, the attention to detail shines through.

The add-on strikes a rewarding balance between realism and accessibility. While seasoned simmers will appreciate the depth of operating procedures and scenario variety, newcomers can still find enjoyment in free-roam exploration and basic freight hauls. The included manual offers a solid grounding in locomotive operation, route history, and scenario objectives.

In terms of value, German Railroads Volume One offers substantial content—over 100km of track, 48 freight cars, 9 passenger cars, and 6 distinct engines/railcars—making it one of the more comprehensive expansions for Microsoft Train Simulator. For anyone fascinated by 1970s rail operations in North Rhine-Westphalia, this add-on delivers an engaging, historically rich experience that will keep you on the rails for countless hours.

Retro Replay Score

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