Trainz 22: Pro Train: Altoona Works

The Pro Train: Altoona Works DLC for Trainz Railroad Simulator 2022 was developed by 3DZug and released on August 20, 2024. Published by N3V Games, this downloadable content introduces a detailed recreation of the Altoona Works, a significant railroad industrial complex in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Established between 1850 and 1925 by the Pennsylvania Railroad, Altoona Works was once the largest railroad shop complex in the world, serving as a vital hub for locomotive and railroad car production. The DLC offers players an immersive experience of this historic site, allowing them to operate within a meticulously crafted environment that captures the essence of early 20th-century American railroading.

The DLC features an open-world route centered around the Altoona Works, providing players with the opportunity to engage in various shunting operations and explore the expansive industrial complex. Included are four sessions, with one designed for multiplayer gameplay, allowing for collaborative operations. The content introduces several new locomotives, such as the CSX SW1500 in YN2 and YN3 liveries, as well as multiple Norfolk Southern SW1500 variants and heritage units like the NS 8025 (Monongahela), NS 8098 (Conrail), and NS 8104 (Lehigh Valley). These locomotives are equipped with advanced features, including fuel consumption and fan speed adjustments related to engine load, enhancing the realism of the simulation.

Promotion for the Pro Train: Altoona Works DLC was carried out through official Trainz platforms, including the Steam store and the Trainz Portal. The DLC was highlighted as part of the ongoing effort to provide Trainz players with high-quality, immersive experiences that capture the essence of real-world railroading. The release was positioned as a significant addition for players interested in exploring American rail operations and landscapes, particularly those with an interest in the unique characteristics of the Altoona Works and its historical significance.

Upon release, the DLC received a mix of feedback from the Trainz community. While many players appreciated the detailed modeling and the opportunity to operate within a historically significant setting, some expressed concerns about the inclusion of locomotives that were already available in previous DLC packs. This overlap led to discussions about the value proposition of the DLC for existing players. Despite these concerns, the Pro Train: Altoona Works DLC was generally well-received for its attention to detail and the immersive experience it offered, contributing to the game's diverse library of content and providing more options for players interested in exploring American rail operations within the simulation.