As an avid traveler who rides many trains, planes and automobiles around the world, for train simulators I’m a gamer that started from the “Densha de Go” years and but many years later, “Train Simulator Classic” tends to be my go to.
Before I review this DLC, it’s important to note that I enjoy “Train Simulator Classic” and pretty much own nearly every DLC (that’s many years worth). With that being said, it’s important to note that there are different type of railfans. There are those who like to ride the trains, photograph the trains, collect and run the trains via NGage and HO scale, those who enjoy train simulators and there are those who are very technical. I am a railway fan at heart that is all of these except the last one.
Those who are technical tend to be the most vocal when it comes to sound and accuracy and fill up TSC DLC with negative reviews. I am not that type of TSC fan. I play to have fun. I play for the challenge.
Nor will you see me promoting third party soundpacks or livery packs that you have to pay extra for on a website and not on STEAM. If you have the money to do so, then all power to you.
Now on to my review:
Southampton – Bournemous Scenario Pack 01
Suburban Glasgow Limited (known for their scenario packs for Bernina Line, Chatham & Medway, Brighton Reigate, Glasgow: Airdrie Route Extension and Suburban Glasgow Northwest: Springburn – Helensburgh) is back with a new DLC.
This time adding more scenarios to the Southwestern Main Line with “Southampton – Bournemouth Scenario Pack 01”.
It’s important to note that South Western Main Line is a required DLC to own, so please make sure you own that DLC before purchasing this scenario pack.
SOUTHAMPTON – BOURNEMOUTH:
So, what is this route about? These two locations are a half hour (faster service) to 46 min. (slower service) apart and both are known to be derby rivals ala “New Forest Derby”. Granted, Southampton’s primary rival is Portsmouth. But still these neighbor locations drum up a fun, friendly local rivalry.
But locals ride the South Western Railway (SWR) via the Class 444 “Desiro” and/or Class 450 “Desiro” electric multiple unit trains.
GAMEPLAY:
This scenario pack adds 10 career standard scenarios (a few that show up on standard scenarios). But the good news is that these are not very difficult scenarios on career.
The scenarios provide more for those who enjoy operating the Class 444, Class 450 and surprise, the Class 66 EWS.
And the Class 444 and Class 450 are easier trains to use because aside from the reverser, the primary focus will beon the Throttle Lever (A & D). Of course, you want to have lights on (note there are five positions, so third psotion wil be used primarily) and the wipers.
There is one thing that the Class 444 EMU manual doesn’t really go into and that is the Driver Vigilance Device (Driver Safety Alert). You will probably want to use Control+D to shut it off. This is system pretty much shuts power down each time you come close to a light, in order to prepare you for a red light. But since a lot of levels are easier, lights are green and you can shut this off and then each time you get the beeping, just hit E.
The Scenarios are:
New Forest Foray – Class 450 / 15 min. / Easy
Drag & Drop – Class 66 EWS / 45 min. / Hard
The Failover – Class 450 / 25 min. / Difficult
The Southampton Stopper – Class 450 / 60 min. / Hard
Win-Bourne Semi Fast – Class 450 / 50 min. / Intermediate
Southwestern Odyssey – Class 444 / 30 min. / Easy
So Very Refined – Class 66 EWS / 45 min. / Intermediate
The Brockenhurst Shuttle – Class 444 / 30 min. / Easy
The Snowy New Forest – Class 444 / 30 min. / Intermediate
Branching Out North – Class 66 EWS / 55 min. / Intermediate
NOTE: For those wondering of DLC size, it’s quite low at 43.82MB.
JUDGMENT CALL:
The DLC is priced low already at $7.99 and I can only imagine it going cheaper during salestime. But because it’s still cheap even without a sale, I had to check this DLC out.
While I was expecting the Class 444 and Class 450, I was not expecting to see the Class 66 EWS. So, while interesting to get the two South Western Main Line EMU passenger trains, you get the English Welsh & Scottish Railway (EWS) staple freight locomotive.
If anything, adding more scenarios for the three at under $8 (not on sale) is no doubt a treat for 2026.
I absolutely love the price (again $7.99US not on sale is great), I love the fact that Suburban Glasgow Limited continues to support TSC by adding more scenarios and just giving TSC gamers to have more to play on those routes including the South Western Main Line.
You get a mix of challenges on this scenario pack. But for the most part with Class 444 and Class 450 being an easier EMU to use on TSC, most will find it easy. Now Class 66 EWS, may be a bit of a challenge for some but glad it was added.
Overall, for its price and content included, It’s priced quite low at $7.99US and on sale, it’ll be even lower. And it’s another awesome DLC from Suburban Glasgow Limited for TSC!
Definitely worth owning if you want to add more scenarios for the South Western Main Line!
