RhB Bernina Line - DTG/Thomson

[NorthernWarrior]

While there was an earlier freeware iteration of this route kicking about for some years, DTG have now released their own version of the route which is one of the most scenic in Switzerland.

Line runs from St Moritz and Samedan via Pontresina across the Bernina Pass then down to Poschiavo before crossing the Italian border and terminating in the town of Tirano. The route builder (Thomson) for some reason decided to stop short at Poschiavo rather than continue the last few miles into Tirano. This makes the experience somewhat incomplete, for the sake of a little more time working on the project. Rolling stock included is the Allegra 3 car EMU/Railcar and a selection of panoramic view coaches and some freight stock.

The route is very well constructed and seems to include many custom objects including a very accurate depiction of the Bernina line overhead catenary system. The developers claim this and the pantograph system on their trains is dynamic and can cope with differing wire heights. The route features a new set of terrain textures which work quite well especially on the high pass where the mottled snow effect is very effective. Not quite so good is the distant mountain effect which just looks a green wash but this is more a drawback of the graphics engine than the Thomson route building skills.

Talking of skills, the Allegra requires a slight learning curve to drive, largely because you are using the throttle in conjunction with a speed setter. The physics actually work quite well as hauling a heavy train behind the railcar you need more throttle to reach and hold a given speed than if just running with the EMU. In fact with the severe gradients (up to 7%) some sort of cruise control is almost essential to keep the train in check. There is a tutorial scenario to run which will give you the basics of the Allegra. It is however a shame that Thomson didn't include the traditional much loved railcars - the 3x, 4x and 5x variant which is what many of us who travelled the line in the past fondly remember.

A reasonable number of scenarios are included which take in the entire length of the stretch Thomson have elected to model. The immersion factor is superb - with the Allegra squealing and grinding round the sharp reverse curves on those steep hills, I could imagine I was in Switzerland.

Overall then - 9.5/10. half a mark off for the route stopping short but otherwise almost perfect. Keeping my fingers crossed there is a sub-DLC in the works to add the remaining stretch of the line and more trainsets and rolling stock. This route would also be an ideal candidate to represent in Train Sim World.

[gwgardner]

Really well done review. Thanks.

[Chacal]

Thanks, I'll consider it after I'm finished with the Albula route.

[awaken1977]

Great route, one of my favorites. Especially I like the winter season, they made dynamic snowplow effects on trains.
I have few scenarios for it in the workshop

[Nacho]

The remaiming strech was then included in the route Bernina Pass, so the route is now complete with a workshop merger as I remember.