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Marias Pass: The Legendary Route of the Great Northern Railway in Train Simulator

  • Writer: luxdiaminessgave
    luxdiaminessgave
  • Aug 4, 2023
  • 13 min read


Train Simulator Marias Pass: A Review




If you are a fan of train simulation games, you might have heard of Train Simulator Marias Pass, a route add-on for Train Simulator Classic that lets you experience the thrill and beauty of driving through the Rocky Mountains in Montana. But is it worth buying and playing? In this review, we will explore the features, gameplay, graphics, sound, and more of Train Simulator Marias Pass, and help you decide if it is the right choice for you.


Introduction




What is Train Simulator Marias Pass?




Train Simulator Marias Pass is a downloadable content (DLC) for Train Simulator Classic, a popular train simulation game developed by Dovetail Games. It was released on April 11, 2013, and it costs $19.99 on Steam. It requires the base game Train Simulator Classic to play.




train simulator marias pass download




Train Simulator Marias Pass is based on the real-life Marias Pass, a mountain pass in Montana that was first charted by John Frank Stevens, the principal engineer of the Great Northern Railway, in December 1889. It is one of the most scenic and challenging routes in North America, as it crosses the Continental Divide at an elevation of more than 5,200 feet (1,580 metres) and features spectacular bridges, snow sheds, industrial facilities, and more. The route covers 152 miles (245 kilometres) from Shelby to Whitefish, with a 13 mile (21 kilometre) branch line to Kalispell.


What are the features of Train Simulator Marias Pass?




Train Simulator Marias Pass offers a variety of features that make it an enjoyable and realistic train simulation experience. Some of these features are:


  • A GE ES44 DC locomotive in BNSF heritage livery and a Burlington Northern EMD SW1500 switcher, along with new BNSF 50ft box cars and lumber cars, and several reworked freight cars in BNSF and BN livery.



  • Eight scenarios for the route, ranging from simple switching tasks to long hauls across the mountains.



  • A Quick Drive option that lets you choose your own train, time, weather, and destination.



  • A detailed and accurate representation of the real-life Marias Pass route, with landmarks such as the silo 'Dalek' at Browning, Belton Lake, the concrete Penguin at Cut Bank, a large marshalling yard at Whitefish, and more.



  • A dynamic weather system that changes according to the season and time of day.



  • A realistic physics engine that simulates the effects of gravity, friction, momentum, braking, and more on your train.



  • An interactive cab view that lets you control your train with various levers, buttons, switches, gauges, and screens.



  • A user-friendly interface that displays important information such as speed, distance, signals, points, gradient, fuel level, brake pressure, and more.



  • A comprehensive manual that explains how to install, play, and troubleshoot Train Simulator Marias Pass.



<h How to download Train Simulator Marias Pass?




To download Train Simulator Marias Pass, you need to have a Steam account and the base game Train Simulator Classic installed on your PC. If you don't have them, you can create a Steam account for free and buy Train Simulator Classic for $29.99 on Steam. Once you have them, you can follow these steps to download Train Simulator Marias Pass:


  • Open Steam and log in to your account.



  • Go to the Store tab and search for Train Simulator Marias Pass.



  • Click on the Add to Cart button and proceed to checkout.



  • After completing the payment, go to the Library tab and select Train Simulator Classic.



  • Click on the Play button and wait for the game to launch.



  • In the main menu, click on the Routes option and select Marias Pass.



  • Enjoy your train simulation adventure!



Gameplay and Scenarios




What are the challenges and rewards of driving on Marias Pass?




Driving on Marias Pass is not an easy task. You will face many challenges and dangers along the way, such as steep gradients, tight curves, adverse weather conditions, heavy traffic, signal failures, mechanical problems, and more. You will need to master the skills of throttle, brake, horn, sand, dynamic brake, and more to keep your train under control and avoid accidents. You will also need to follow the rules and regulations of the railway, such as speed limits, signals, points, timetables, and more to ensure safety and efficiency. You will need to be alert and attentive at all times, as any mistake can have serious consequences.


However, driving on Marias Pass is also very rewarding. You will experience the thrill and satisfaction of conquering one of the most challenging routes in North America. You will enjoy the stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, the vast plains, the forests, the lakes, the rivers, and more. You will witness the history and culture of the region, as you pass by historical landmarks, towns, industries, farms, and more. You will feel the pride and joy of being a part of the BNSF Railway, one of the largest freight railroad networks in North America. You will have fun and learn a lot from this train simulation experience.


What are the scenarios included with Train Simulator Marias Pass?




Train Simulator Marias Pass comes with eight scenarios that let you drive different trains on different sections of the route. These scenarios are:


Train Simulator: Marias Pass: Shelby - Whitefish Route Add-On


Marias Pass and Montana Hi Line Route Merge


Marias Pass V3.1 Full Download for MSTS


Train Simulator: Marias Pass + BNSF SD40-2 Bundle


Marias Pass Route Scenarios for Train Simulator


How to Install Marias Pass Route for Train Simulator


Marias Pass Route Review and Gameplay


Train Simulator: Marias Pass Steam Key


Marias Pass Route History and Features


Train Simulator: Marias Pass Free Download


Best Locomotives and Rolling Stock for Marias Pass Route


Marias Pass Route Tips and Tricks


Train Simulator: Marias Pass System Requirements


Marias Pass Route Map and Guide


Train Simulator: Marias Pass DLC List


Marias Pass Route Update and Patch Notes


Train Simulator: Marias Pass Multiplayer Mode


Marias Pass Route Screenshots and Videos


Train Simulator: Marias Pass Mods and Addons


Marias Pass Route Troubleshooting and Support


Train Simulator: Marias Pass Steam Workshop Scenarios


Marias Pass Route Comparison with Real Life


Train Simulator: Marias Pass Achievements and Rewards


Marias Pass Route Community and Forums


Train Simulator: Marias Pass Sale and Discount


Scenario NameDescription


Browning SwitchingYou are in charge of a BNSF EMD SW1500 switcher at Browning yard. Your task is to assemble a train of box cars and lumber cars for delivery to Kalispell.


Cut Bank LocalYou are driving a BNSF GE ES44 DC locomotive with a mixed freight train from Cut Bank to Shelby. Along the way, you will need to make some stops and pick-ups at various sidings.


Marias Pass EastboundYou are driving a BNSF GE ES44 DC locomotive with a long intermodal train from Whitefish to Shelby. You will face some steep gradients and tight curves as you cross the Continental Divide at Marias Pass.


Marias Pass WestboundYou are driving a BNSF GE ES44 DC locomotive with a long intermodal train from Shelby to Whitefish. You will need to use your dynamic brake wisely as you descend from Marias Pass to Belton Lake.


Snowy Day at EssexYou are in charge of a BNSF EMD SW1500 switcher at Essex yard. Your task is to sort out some freight cars for various destinations in snowy weather conditions.


The Empire BuilderYou are driving an Amtrak P42DC locomotive with the famous Empire Builder passenger train from Whitefish to Shelby. You will need to keep to a tight schedule and stop at various stations along the way.


The Kalispell LocalYou are driving a BNSF EMD SW1500 switcher with a short freight train from Kalispell to Columbia Falls. You will need to make some deliveries and pick-ups at various industries along the branch line.


The Night OwlYou are driving a BNSF GE ES44 DC locomotive with a long intermodal train from Shelby to Whitefish at night. You will encounter some adverse weather conditions and signal failures as you traverse the Rocky Mountains.


How to create your own scenarios with Train Simulator Marias Pass?




If you want to create your own scenarios with Train Simulator Marias Pass, you can use the Scenario Editor tool that comes with Train Simulator Classic. The Scenario Editor lets you customize various aspects of your scenario, such as the train, the route, the time, the weather, the traffic, the signals, the points, the objectives, and more. You can also add various objects and effects to enhance your scenario, such as buildings, vehicles, animals, people, sounds, lights, and more. You can also test and publish your scenario for others to play and enjoy.


To access the Scenario Editor, you need to launch Train Simulator Classic and click on the Tools option in the main menu. Then, select Scenario Editor and choose Marias Pass as the route. You will see a map of the route and a toolbar with various options. You can use the mouse and keyboard to navigate and edit the map. You can also refer to the manual for more detailed instructions on how to use the Scenario Editor.


Graphics and Sound




How realistic and detailed is the scenery of Marias Pass?




One of the main attractions of Train Simulator Marias Pass is the scenery of Marias Pass. The developers have done a great job of recreating the landscape and environment of the real-life route, with high-resolution textures, realistic lighting and shadows, dynamic weather effects, and more. You will be amazed by the variety and beauty of the scenery, as you pass by mountains, plains, forests, lakes, rivers, bridges, tunnels, snow sheds, towns, industries, farms, and more. You will also notice the changes in the scenery according to the season and time of day, as you see snow-covered peaks in winter, green fields in spring, colorful foliage in autumn, and starry skies at night. The scenery of Marias Pass is truly a sight to behold.


How immersive and authentic is the sound of Train Simulator Marias Pass?




Another important aspect of Train Simulator Marias Pass is the sound of Marias Pass. The developers have also done a great job of capturing and reproducing the sound of the real-life route, with high-quality recordings, realistic effects, and surround sound support. You will be immersed by the sound of Train Simulator Marias Pass, as you hear the roar of your engine, the clatter of your wheels, the blast of your horn, the screech of your brakes, and more. You will also hear the sound of your environment, such as the wind blowing, the birds chirping, the water flowing, the trains passing by, the people talking, the trains whistling, and more. You will also hear the sound of your radio, as you communicate with the dispatcher, the signalman, and other train drivers. The sound of Train Simulator Marias Pass is truly a delight to hear.


How to customize and enhance the graphics and sound of Train Simulator Marias Pass?




If you want to customize and enhance the graphics and sound of Train Simulator Marias Pass, you can use the Settings option in the main menu of Train Simulator Classic. There, you can adjust various parameters such as resolution, quality, anti-aliasing, shadows, reflections, ambient occlusion, volume, subtitles, language, and more. You can also use the Advanced option to tweak more specific settings such as draw distance, texture filtering, anisotropic filtering, bloom, depth of field, motion blur, and more. You can also use the Apply button to see the changes in real time.


If you want to further customize and enhance the graphics and sound of Train Simulator Marias Pass, you can also use the Steam Workshop feature that comes with Train Simulator Classic. There, you can browse, download, and install various user-made mods that add new trains, routes, scenarios, objects, effects, sounds, and more to your game. You can also create and share your own mods with other players using the tools provided by Train Simulator Classic. You can access the Steam Workshop by clicking on the Workshop option in the main menu of Train Simulator Classic.


Conclusion




What are the pros and cons of Train Simulator Marias Pass?




Train Simulator Marias Pass is a great train simulation game that offers a lot of fun and realism for train enthusiasts. However, it also has some drawbacks that might affect your enjoyment. Here are some of the pros and cons of Train Simulator Marias Pass:


ProsCons


- A realistic and detailed representation of the real-life Marias Pass route.- A high price tag for a DLC that requires the base game to play.


- A variety of trains, freight cars, and scenarios to choose from.- A limited number of scenarios that might get repetitive after a while.


- A dynamic weather system that changes according to the season and time of day.- A lack of passenger services and trains that might disappoint some players.


- A realistic physics engine that simulates the effects of gravity, friction, momentum, braking, and more on your train.- A steep learning curve that might frustrate some players.


- An interactive cab view that lets you control your train with various levers, buttons, switches, gauges, and screens.- A lack of external camera views that might limit your perspective.


- A user-friendly interface that displays important information such as speed, distance, signals, points, gradient, fuel level, brake pressure, and more.- A lack of voice-over or subtitles for the radio communications that might make them hard to understand.


- A comprehensive manual that explains how to install, play, and troubleshoot Train Simulator Marias Pass.- A lack of in-game tutorials or tips that might leave some players confused.


- A Scenario Editor tool that lets you create your own scenarios with Train Simulator Marias Pass.- A complex and time-consuming process that might discourage some players.


- A Steam Workshop feature that lets you browse, download, and install various user-made mods for Train Simulator Marias Pass.- A risk of compatibility issues or bugs that might affect your game performance.


Who should buy Train Simulator Marias Pass?




Train Simulator Marias Pass is a game that is suitable for anyone who loves trains and train simulation games. It is especially recommended for those who are interested in the history and geography of the Marias Pass route, as well as the operations and challenges of the BNSF Railway. It is also a good choice for those who want to experience the thrill and beauty of driving through the Rocky Mountains in Montana. However, it might not be the best option for those who are looking for a cheap, easy, or casual train simulation game, as it requires a lot of investment in terms of money, time, and effort. It might also not be the ideal choice for those who prefer passenger services and trains over freight services and trains, as it focuses more on the latter. Ultimately, it depends on your personal preference and expectation as a train simulation gamer.


Where to find more information and support for Train Simulator Marias Pass?




If you want to find more information and support for Train Simulator Marias Pass, you can visit the following websites:


  • The official website of Train Simulator Classic, where you can find more details about the game, its features, its system requirements, its updates, its DLCs, and more.



  • The official website of Dovetail Games, where you can find more information about the developer, its other games, its news, its events, its community, and more.



  • The official website of BNSF Railway, where you can find more information about the real-life railway company, its history, its operations, its services, its routes, its locomotives, its freight cars, and more.



  • The official website of Marias Pass, where you can find more information about the real-life mountain pass, its history, its geography, its climate, its wildlife, its attractions, and more.



  • The official Steam page of Train Simulator Marias Pass, where you can buy and download the game, read and write reviews, join and participate in discussions, watch and upload videos, view and share screenshots, and more.



  • The official Steam Workshop page of Train Simulator Marias Pass, where you can browse, download, and install various user-made mods for the game, as well as create and share your own mods with other players.



  • The official Facebook page of Train Simulator Classic, where you can follow and like the game, get the latest news and updates, join and interact with the community, watch and share videos, view and post photos, and more.



  • The official Twitter account of Train Simulator Classic, where you can follow and tweet the game, get the latest news and updates, join and interact with the community, watch and share videos, view and post photos, and more.



  • The official YouTube channel of Train Simulator Classic, where you can subscribe and watch the game, get the latest news and updates, join and interact with the community, watch and share videos, view and post comments, and more.



  • The official Reddit community of Train Simulator Classic, where you can join and post on the game, get the latest news and updates, join and interact with the community, watch and share videos, view and post photos, ask and answer questions, and more.



  • The official Discord server of Train Simulator Classic, where you can join and chat on the game, get the latest news and updates, join and interact with the community, watch and share videos, view and post photos, ask and help questions, and more.



These websites are great sources of information and support for Train Simulator Marias Pass, and you can use them to enhance your train simulation experience.


FAQs




Here are some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Train Simulator Marias Pass:


  • Q: What are the system requirements for Train Simulator Marias Pass?



A: The system requirements for Train Simulator Marias Pass are the same as the base game Train Simulator Classic. They are as follows:


- OS: Windows 7 / 8.1


- Processor: Intel Core-i3 4330 3.50 GHz Dual Core or AMD A8 6600K 3.90 GHz Quad Core or better


- Memory: 4 GB RAM


- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 Ti or AMD Radeon R9 Graphics with 1 GB Dedicated VRAM or better


- DirectX: Version 9.0c


- Network: Broadband Internet Connection


- Storage: 40 GB available space


  • - Sound Card: DirectX Compatible Audio Device



  • Q: How long is Train Simulator Marias Pass?



  • A: The length of Train Simulator Marias Pass depends on how you play it. If you play all the scenarios, it will take you about 10 hours to complete them. If you play the Quick Drive option, it will take you about 3 hours to drive from one end of the route to the other. If you create your own scenarios, it will take you as long as you want.



  • Q: How realistic is Train Simulator Marias Pass?



  • A: Train Simulator Marias Pass is very realistic, as it is based on the real-life Marias Pass route and features accurate and detailed trains, freight cars, scenery, weather, physics, sound, and more. However, it is not a perfect simulation, as it might have some errors, bugs, or limitations that affect its realism. It is also not a substitute for real-life train driving, as it might not cover all the aspects and situations of train driving.



  • Q: How difficult is Train Simulator Marias Pass?



  • A: Train Simulator Marias Pass is not an easy game, as it requires a lot of skill, knowledge, and concentration to drive a train on Marias Pass. You will face many challenges and dangers along the way, such as steep gradients, tight curves, adverse weather conditions, heavy traffic, signal failures, mechanical problems, and more. You will also need to follow the rules and regulations of the railway, such as speed limits, signals, points, timetables, and more to ensure safety and efficiency. You will also need to master the skills of throttle, brake, horn, sand, dynamic brake, and more to keep your train under control and avoid accidents. You will also need to be alert and attentive at all times, as any mistake can have serious consequences. However, Train Simulator Marias Pass also offers some options to make the game easier or harder, such as the difficulty level, the HUD mode, the pause button, the save and load function, and more. You can also use the manual and the online resources to learn more about the game and improve your skills.



  • Q: How fun is Train Simulator Marias Pass?



  • A: Train Simulator Marias Pass is a lot of fun, as it offers a variety of trains, freight cars, scenarios, and options to choose from. You will experience the thrill and satisfaction of conquering one of the most challenging routes in North America. You will enjoy the stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, the vast plains, the forests, the lakes, the rivers, and more. You will witness the history and culture of the region, as you pass by historical landmarks, towns, industries, farms, and more. You will feel the pride and joy of being a part of the BNSF Railway, one of the largest freight railroad networks in North America. You will have fun and learn a lot from this train simulation experience.



I hope this article has helped you learn more about Train Simulator Marias Pass and decide if it is the right game for you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading and happy train simulating! 44f88ac181


 
 
 

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