Riding the Rails in Virtual Reality: A Dive into Train Sim World’s Great Western Express DLC

Let’s talk about the unique experience of traveling by train, especially if you’ve ever taken a trip from Bath to London like I have—countless times, often for work-related visits to game studios. While the destination is usually exciting, the journey itself can often feel like a test of patience: delays, crowded carriages, and overpriced snacks are all part of the package. But then I stumbled upon the Great Western Express DLC for Train Sim World on Steam, and I just had to give it a shot. Why not dive into a game that offers a taste of that very real, yet frustrating, train ride?

Train Sim World is primarily about stepping into the shoes of a train driver, but it also lets you experience the journey as a passenger, which is a refreshing twist. Bath isn’t included in the game yet, so my adventure starts at Reading station. As soon as I arrive, I’m impressed by how accurately they’ve captured the station’s layout. I’ve spent countless hours there waiting for delayed trains, and while the atmosphere feels familiar, I was surprised to find the absence of a beloved pasty shop. The smell of freshly baked pastries is something I always associate with those long waits.

Once I hop on the train, it’s a strange yet fascinating sensation to see this ordinary travel experience recreated in 3D. Walking through the buffet car, I can almost smell the reheated bacon rolls, a staple of train travel. Strolling through the vestibule, I’m reminded of all those times I had to sit on my suitcase because every seat was reserved. It’s a bit too pristine, though—maybe a touch of grime would make it feel more authentic, not to mention a few lads enjoying their beers and creating a bit of noise.

Finding an empty seat was a bit of a shocker; it doesn’t really match the usual hustle and bustle of a train ride. As we pull out of Reading, I settle in for the journey to London Paddington. Gazing out the rain-specked window, I slip into my usual train routine: listening to a podcast while enjoying a Twirl chocolate bar. And you know what? It genuinely felt like the real deal, which is exactly what a simulator aims to achieve.

As the dreary British landscape rushes by, I notice the almost eerie silence—no animated chatter or kids causing a ruckus. It’s missing that lively atmosphere you’d expect, especially with the absence of the train manager making announcements. But despite these nitpicks, it’s impressive how closely this game mimics the experience of being a passenger in the UK.

Feeling a bit adventurous, I decided to sneak into first class. It didn’t feel quite right—like I was crashing a party I didn’t belong to. Just as I was about to head back to my designated area, we rolled into Paddington, and I couldn’t help but appreciate how accurate the station looked and felt. While I don’t foresee this becoming a frequent experience for me, it was certainly an intriguing one. I love how games can replicate real life, especially when they highlight the quirky challenges of UK travel. And I’m grateful for simulators like Train Sim World that cater to this niche interest.