Train Simulator: Northampton Loop Route Add-On is a detailed route extension for the simulation genre on PC. It adds a 24-mile section of main line to the existing West Coast Main Line South, recreating the Northampton Loop that branches north of Wolverton and rejoins near Rugby. The add-on focuses on realistic train operations along this corridor, which handles freight, selected express services, and stopping passenger trains between Birmingham and London.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on operating trains across the recreated track, signals, and stations. Players manage acceleration, braking, and route adherence while handling the varied services that use the loop. Key locations include Northampton station, Long Buckby station, Kings Heath Depot for maintenance activities, and the Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal for container movements. The route features realistic recreations of the track layout, surrounding countryside, and infrastructure that support both high-speed expresses and slower stopping or freight workings.
Driving involves Class 350 electric multiple units for many passenger duties, an updated Class 325 for mail trains with revised textures and audio for the horn, traction motors, and running sounds, and Class 66 locomotives for freight. Operations at the depot and freight terminal add layers of shunting and terminal work. The environment includes closed historical stations as static features and active infrastructure that reflects current usage patterns on the line.
Game Modes
Career Scenarios form the primary structured experience. Ten scenarios are included, covering passenger services such as Birmingham New Street to London Euston, London Euston to Northampton, Coventry to London Euston, Milton Keynes Central to Birmingham New Street, and Birmingham New Street to Northampton. Freight and mail operations feature runs like Shieldmuir Mail Terminal to Daventry, Crewe Electric TMD to Willesden, Felixstowe North to Daventry, Willesden to Warrington, and London Euston to Birmingham New Street. These scenarios emphasize timetable adherence, correct routing through the loop, and handling different train types under varying conditions.
Quick Drive mode allows free-form sessions on the route without fixed timetables. This supports experimentation with any available rolling stock on the extended line, including the option to create custom runs between the connected sections of the West Coast Main Line South.
Route Details and Operations
The Northampton Loop extends the main trunk route with approximately 24 miles of additional track. It incorporates the two active stations on the loop today along with the freight terminal and depot facilities. Scenarios mix express, stopping, mail, and heavy freight duties to reflect the mix of traffic that routinely uses this path. The add-on integrates directly as an extension, allowing seamless continuation of journeys that would otherwise divert around the loop.
Additional content is available through the in-game workshop system, where community-created scenarios can be downloaded to expand the available runs. These add further hours of operation focused on the same route assets and train types.
Is It Worth Playing?
This add-on suits players who enjoy realistic rail simulation and already own the West Coast Main Line South route. It provides extended track mileage, new stations and facilities, and a balanced selection of scenarios across passenger, mail, and freight operations. The included Class 325 updates enhance mail train runs with improved audio and visuals. Reception among route enthusiasts highlights the accurate recreation of the loop and the operational variety it brings to existing setups. Those seeking more single-player scenario content on a busy UK main line corridor will find the extension worthwhile for the added distance and service types. The download size is 485 MB, and the route supports ongoing scenario additions through community tools.
