Train Sim World 7: Diesel Legends of the Great Western Add-On delivers a focused railway simulation experience set on the Great Western Express route. Players operate authentic 1970s British diesel locomotives and multiple units in an era before high-speed trains dominated the network. The add-on requires the separate Great Western Express Remastered route and recreates loco-hauled expresses, commuter DMU runs, shunting duties, and empty stock movements around Old Oak Common depot.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on precise control of period-correct rolling stock across the Paddington to Reading corridor. Drivers handle the BR Class 52 Western diesel-hydraulic locomotives, each of the 74 examples from D1000 to D1073 appearing with individual nameplates in weathered BR Blue. The BR Class 101 DMU manages commuter services with mechanically geared performance, while the BR Class 08 shunter performs yard work. BR Mk2 coaches and the Mk1 BG van complete the formations in matching BR Blue/Grey liveries.
Vehicle dynamics follow real-world characteristics through detailed cabs that include accurate instrumentation, suspension behavior, and handling. Sound design incorporates authentic recordings with specific updates such as a revised horn on the Class 101 and multiple whistle variants on the Class 08. Recent compatibility patches added guard mode functionality, optional passenger announcements on the Class 101 and Mk2 stock, plus lighting and material refinements. Tutorials introduce the distinct operational procedures of the era, including locomotive changes and depot movements.
Game Modes
Five dedicated scenarios place players in specific 1970s tasks, such as collecting carriages with a Class 52, assisting a failed locomotive with the Class 08, or completing evening DMU turns into the depot. These activities emphasize timetable adherence, coupling operations, and route familiarization under varying conditions including heavy snow.
A separate 24-hour timetable recreates the BR Blue era with roughly 177 core services. This mode runs independently from the modern timetable and supports guard mode for additional procedural elements. Journey Mode extends the experience with extended activities drawn from the full timetable. Owners of compatible add-ons such as Northern Trans-Pennine or Tees Valley Line gain extra services through Class 45, 47, and 31 substitutions on express and semi-fast workings. The timetable integrates with Explore on Foot for foot-based observation before selecting a driving role.
The Locomotives and Route Integration
Every Class 52 receives unique detailing that reflects individual locomotive identities. The Class 101 operates with end-specific horn sounds, while the Class 08 offers randomized whistle options during shunting. Formations support both fast-line expresses and slower commuter patterns typical of the early 1970s. The add-on layers directly onto the remastered Great Western Express infrastructure, preserving the core route geometry while overlaying era-appropriate traffic and procedures. Creators can extend the content through Livery Designer, Formation Designer, and Scenario Planner tools, with finished work shareable via the Creators Club.
Is It Worth Playing?
This add-on suits players who enjoy detailed single-player railway simulation and have a specific interest in 1970s British diesel operations on the Great Western main line. The separate timetable and scenarios provide distinct content from the modern route services, with verified updates ensuring compatibility and refined audio-visual presentation. Reception for the broader Great Western Express Remastered package registers as mostly positive among users who value the expanded traffic density and stock upgrades. Those already invested in the base route and seeking authentic period locomotives will find the most value, particularly when combined with other UK add-ons that expand the timetable further. Newcomers should first acquire the required remastered route to access the full set of services and features.
