Train Simulator: Salt Lake City Route Extension

The Salt Lake City Route Extension for Train Simulator Classic was developed and published by Dovetail Games and released in 2018 as an add-on to the Soldier Summit route. It extended the line westward from Provo to Salt Lake City, adding around 40 miles of additional track and creating a continuous drive from Helper to Salt Lake City. This allowed players to experience a larger and more diverse slice of Utah railroading, combining the dramatic Wasatch Mountain scenery of Soldier Summit with the busy urban and industrial sprawl of Salt Lake City.

Unlike the mountainous focus of the base Soldier Summit route, the extension introduced more suburban and industrial railroading. This included freight yards, sidings, and the approach into Salt Lake City itself, giving players a contrast in operational style. Long freights could now be taken from the mountain passes down into busy rail terminals, offering gameplay that felt closer to the real-world Union Pacific operations across the region. The addition of urban complexity gave the route more replay value and balance, appealing to both freight and passenger enthusiasts.

One of the major highlights of the DLC was the inclusion of Amtrak’s classic EMD F40PH diesel locomotive, paired with a complete set of Amtrak Superliner passenger cars. This addition made it possible to run passenger services across the new extension, reflecting Amtrak’s real-world presence in Salt Lake City. The F40PH was faithfully recreated with authentic cab controls and sounds, while the Superliner set included coaches, diners, and sleepers, offering players a full and accurate passenger experience. These additions broadened the scope of the route beyond freight, adding a new layer of variety.

Reception to the Salt Lake City Route Extension was positive, with players praising both the expanded mileage and the inclusion of iconic Amtrak equipment. The ability to drive heavy Union Pacific freights through mountain grades and then switch to passenger duties with the F40PH and Superliners gave the route unique flexibility. By combining the ruggedness of Soldier Summit with the bustle of Salt Lake City and the addition of authentic Amtrak services, the DLC was regarded as a strong and worthwhile expansion for Train Simulator Classic.

Key Points:

• Developed and published by Dovetail Games in 2018

• Extends the Soldier Summit route from Provo to Salt Lake City (around 40 miles)

• Creates a continuous drivable line from Helper to Salt Lake City

• Includes Amtrak’s EMD F40PH diesel locomotive and complete Superliner passenger car set

• Features Union Pacific freight operations with yards, sidings, and industrial areas

• Praised for variety, realism, and combining both freight and passenger gameplay