Train Simulator: BR Regional Railways Class 101 DMU Add-On delivers a focused train simulation experience centered on one of Britain's most prolific early diesel multiple units. Released as an expansion for the core Train Simulator Classic platform, this add-on places players in the cab of the Class 101 in its distinctive Regional Railways livery. Built by Metro-Cammell Works in Birmingham starting in 1956, the Class 101 saw widespread use across the UK network in two-, three-, and four-car formations before the last examples retired in 2003.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around realistic operation of the diesel multiple unit on the Liverpool-Manchester route. Drivers manage manual gear changes through the transmission, monitor a fully detailed cab and control panel, and adjust in-cab lighting to suit conditions. These elements combine to create a hands-on simulation of 1950s and 1960s rail travel, where precise throttle and brake inputs determine smooth acceleration, station stops, and overall journey timing.
Attention to mechanical detail extends to the transmission behavior, requiring players to select gears appropriately to maintain speed without over-revving or stalling. The cab environment includes authentic instrumentation that responds to track conditions and speed, encouraging careful observation during every run. This setup rewards methodical driving rather than rushed inputs, mirroring the operational demands placed on real crews of the era.
Game Modes
Four dedicated scenarios anchor the experience on the Liverpool-Manchester line. Training scenarios introduce expert and simplified control schemes, allowing newcomers to learn the transmission and braking systems before tackling full services. Airport Express Service puts the Class 101 on a longer passenger run, while Commuter to Manchester focuses on frequent stops and timetable adherence in busier sections.
Quick Drive mode supports free-form sessions on the same route, letting players select starting points, times of day, and traffic density without following a scripted timetable. Additional community-created scenarios expand the roster through integrated workshop support, providing fresh routes and objectives that integrate directly with the add-on's locomotive model.
Route and Historical Context
The Liverpool-Manchester route serves as the primary setting, featuring the mix of urban approaches, intermediate stations, and open stretches typical of regional services in the late twentieth century. The Class 101's two- to four-car flexibility suits both short commuter hops and slightly longer expresses, with liveries and detailing that reflect Regional Railways operations. Preservation efforts on heritage lines keep the unit's legacy alive, and the simulation captures that enduring appeal through accurate external and internal modeling.
Is It Worth Playing?
Player feedback shows 89 percent positive ratings from available reviews, with praise centered on the authentic cab controls and the satisfying challenge of manual gear management. The add-on suits enthusiasts of classic British diesel traction who already own the base Train Simulator Classic and the Liverpool-Manchester route. Its focused scope delivers several hours of structured content plus unlimited replayability through Quick Drive and workshop additions. Those seeking precise, low-speed rail operations with period-correct mechanics will find consistent value, while players preferring modern high-speed or freight simulations may prefer other expansions within the same platform.
