Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

German Railroads Volume Two – Fast Railcars on the Runway builds upon the solid foundations of Microsoft Train Simulator by delivering a meticulously recreated 170 km main line between Münster and Bremen. From the moment you take the throttle, the add-on impresses with its authentic physics model: each locomotive responds realistically to throttle inputs, brake pressures, and track gradients. Whether you’re easing the massive BR 140 freight locomotive out of the yard or coaxing the high-speed VT 11.5 railcar up to line speed, you’ll feel the subtle differences in acceleration, braking distances, and in-cab feedback.

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The package ships with a robust set of scenarios that range from tight schedule intercity runs to heavy freight hauls. You can choose from a mix of time-table services and free-run sessions, testing your ability to juggle punctuality and smooth operations. AI-driven traffic on the “runway” route is dense and varied—regional passenger EMUs dart past long freight rakes, while express trains slice through scenic farmland. This constant movement elevates immersion and keeps you on your toes, especially during peak hours or in low-visibility conditions.

One of the add-on’s strengths is its diverse roster of drivable locomotives and railcars. You’ll command five mainline diesels—the BR 110, BR 140, BR 212/217 duo, and the agile BR 323—each offering distinct handling and power characteristics. For those craving high-speed thrills, the three classic railcars (VT 11.5, VT 08, ET 403) shine on the faster stretches of track. Their responsive controls and rapid pace provide a welcome contrast to the lumbering freight duties, ensuring the gameplay loop never becomes monotonous.

Graphics

Despite its age, Microsoft Train Simulator’s engine holds up well under this German-themed facelift. The route between Münster and Bremen is lined with period-accurate trackside details—from signal gantries and catenary masts to realistic mileposts and station nameboards. Fields, small villages, and industrial sidings are rendered with solid geometric models and sharp textures, immersing you in the North German countryside.

Rolling stock benefits from officially licensed liveries and Deutsche Bundesbahn logos, all faithfully reproduced in crisp, high-resolution skins. The locomotives and railcars feature detailed cabins with working gauges, switches, and handles, while external elements like bogies, buffers, and exhaust ports exhibit convincing depth. Night lighting and headlight beams look particularly striking when you tackle late-evening freights or winter fog scenarios.

Performance remains smooth on modern hardware, though you may need to tweak detail settings if you push draw distances or crowd the rails with AI traffic. The add-on integrates seamlessly into the MSTS environment, inheriting its dynamic weather and time-of-day transitions. Overall, the visual package strikes a commendable balance between authenticity and performance, letting you lose yourself in the rolling German landscape without frequent stutters or pop-in.

Story

While there is no traditional “narrative” in the sense of a campaign or characters, German Railroads Volume Two weaves an atmospheric story through its scenarios and route design. The nickname “the runway” speaks to this corridor’s importance: a busy freight artery by day, it also hosted famed Trans Europ Express railcars in the golden age of German rail. Each scenario invites you to step into that living history, whether you’re piloting a sleek VT 08 across open plains or shunting coal hoppers into a sorting yard.

The sense of progression is palpable as you master each locomotive’s nuances and grow more confident tackling tight timetables. Early scenarios ease you in with local passenger duties aboard the BR 323, while later challenges demand precision long-haul freight operations with the BR 140. Along the way, you’ll learn the ebb and flow of real German timetable practice, discovering how a delayed freight can ripple across the entire line and force on-the-fly rescheduling.

Scattered “slice-of-life” events further enrich the experience: you might spot an ET 403 EMU screaming past in a special rail tour, or pause at Bremen Hauptbahnhof to exchange passengers and clear a path for an incoming express. These little moments of railroad drama, set against the backdrop of authentic stations and junctions, give the add-on a thematic cohesion that transcends mere simulation.

Overall Experience

German Railroads Volume Two is a darling for train simulation enthusiasts, offering both breadth and depth. The sheer length of the route—170 km of main line—means you can spend hours exploring every branch, siding, and signal without repeating the same stretch twice. Add to that a rich locomotive roster and a variety of service types, and you have a package that rewards both casual “free-run” exploration and minute-by-minute timetable discipline.

The learning curve is moderate: newcomers to MSTS will need time to master the simulation’s controls, brake systems, and signalling rules, but an extensive set of training scenarios helps flatten the initial hump. Once you’ve got the hang of it, the satisfaction of nailing a run from Münster to Bremen—especially under adverse weather or tight schedules—is unparalleled in the MSTS catalog.

For potential buyers seeking an authentic slice of German railroading history, this add-on delivers in spades. It combines accurate modeling, varied operations, and engaging scenario design to craft an immersive rail-fanning playground. Whether you’re a veteran MSTS driver or a newcomer looking for a robust first route, Fast Railcars on the Runway is a worthy investment in virtual railroading.

Retro Replay Score

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