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ARE GERMAN TRAINS ANY GOOD? | DB BR 218 | Train Sim World 7

David Pearson

7,789 views

Are German trains any good? That's the question I'm finally putting to the test in Train Sim World 7 — and this time, I've got the DB BR 218.

I've never really been drawn to German trains or routes in TSW, but I was looking for a proper diesel locomotive to drive and the DB BR 218 caught my attention. This isn't another modern electric multiple unit — this is a classic German diesel-hydraulic locomotive with a proper engine, mechanical character and a history stretching back to the 1960s.

And today we're taking it somewhere a little different.

I'm driving the DB BR 218 on the Haupstrecke Rhein-Ruhr route, taking RE6 service 10:54 from Bochum Hbf to Duisburg Hbf. So, rather than sticking to its primary Hamburg–Lübeck route, we're putting this old diesel to work somewhere else and seeing what it can really do.

The DB BR 218 was the final main variant of the V160 family and became one of Deutsche Bundesbahn's great universal locomotives, capable of handling both passenger and freight duties. Almost 400 were built, and despite their age, BR 218 locomotives can still be found working across Germany today.

The Train Sim World 7 DB BR 218 Diesel Loco Add-On recreates the Series 400 variant with the TB11 engine in DB traffic red. It also includes the classic n-Wagen coaches with the diesel-compatible Karlsruher Kopf cab car, detailed driving cabs, realistic performance and handling, four scenarios and a timetable layer for Haupstrecke Hamburg–Lübeck, plus bonus Maintalbahn timetable gameplay. The locomotive is also compatible with Free Roam, Scenario Planner, Formation Designer and Livery Designer.

And here's the thing — I went into this expecting another German train that wouldn't really do much for me.

Instead, something about the BR 218 has made me question whether I've been missing something all along.

So join me for a full run from Bochum Hbf to Duisburg Hbf as we put the DB BR 218 through its paces and find out whether this old German diesel really can change my mind.

💷 DB BR 218 Diesel Loco Add-On: £14.99 on Steam.

👉 Train Sim World 7: DB BR 218 Diesel Loco Add-On
[Steam store page](https://store.steampowered.com/app/46...)

🚂 ROUTE USED IN THIS VIDEO
Train Sim World 7: Haupstrecke Rhein-Ruhr
Service: RE6
Bochum Hbf → Duisburg Hbf
Departure: 10:54

📌 ABOUT THE DB BR 218
• Series 400 variant
• TB11 diesel engine
• DB traffic red livery
• Diesel-hydraulic transmission
• Passenger and freight capability
• n-Wagen coaches with diesel-compatible Karlsruher Kopf cab car
• Detailed, feature-rich driving cab
• Realistic performance and handling
• Timetable and scenario gameplay
• Free Roam compatible
• Formation Designer compatible
• Livery Designer & Scenario Planner compatible

If, like me, you've never quite been able to get into German trains in Train Sim World, this might be one worth taking a closer look at.

What do YOU think of the DB BR 218? And has there ever been a German train or route that completely changed your opinion?

If you enjoyed the drive, don't forget to leave a like and subscribe for more no-nonsense Train Sim World content.

#TrainSimWorld7 #TSW7 #DBBR218 #BR218 #TrainSimWorld #GermanRailways #DovetailGames #TSG #HaupstreckeRheinRuhr #HamburgLubeck #TrainSimulator #TrainGaming

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12 Comments

@Dave_Pearson Creator 2 weeks ago Pinned

So… has the DB BR 218 changed MY mind about German trains? 👀

That’s what I want to know from you — *what do YOU think of German trains and routes in Train Sim World?* 🇩🇪🚆

Are you a big fan of them, or have you always felt the same way I did?

Let me know in the comments — and if you enjoyed the video, don’t forget to hit 👍 and subscribe for more *no nonsense Train Sim World content!*

@CrookedBrookCovers 2 weeks ago

The 218 is perhaps the perfect entry point into German trains, it's amazing

@SomeWelshBloke 2 weeks ago (edited)

My advice on seeing a restrictive signal on DB routes, shut off, press SIFA, start to brake - all before you get to signal. Then when you have to acknowledge PZB, you only have one thing to do and are already getting down to the restricted speed in time. Hope this tip helps. (note - pressings SIFA even if light is not on resets the timer so it goes away for a bit :-) )

@eugeneweb5969 2 weeks ago

without EBULA and GPS it's not a sim, people won't understand how to operate the trains

@thevibindoge 2 weeks ago

There's just a special feeling of nostalgia and aesthetic around the "old days" of the railways. Through TSW I found my interest in the BR Blue era. I think you'd like the old German state operated railways of the 70s and 80s

@ronnypauwels2963 2 weeks ago

I would really love to get starting into train simulations—specifically GWR and the German railways. I already have TSC-X, but I don't know what to do how to get started with this.😥I was wondering if someone could explain this to me—starting right from the very beginning with my TSC-X and how to go about purchasing Train Simulations. I am 74 years old and a Dutch speaker; my English isn't very strong.😉

@SomeWelshBloke 2 weeks ago (edited)

Hi Dave, nice to see you giving a bit of German stuff a go - 218's classic :-) Like you I'm a BR Blue fan having grown up with it but I've also been doing Germany and other euro countries railways for years too (off on a trip Thursday as it happens).

I like seem to get the most out of TSW routes if I've got a connection with it, you know get the geographical layout and have seen the traction so some German routes mean more to me than some 'Southern Region' modern UK routes. Mind you, saying that, I've started to look at some US routes recently with the Florida route being OK.

@TheMecanician 2 weeks ago

Hi Dave
I'm going to watch this one with interest, as I have just bought a load of TSW 6 German routes and loco add-ons including the BR218 in the Xbox sale!
Being playing it tonight, done a few freight and high speed runs, however even though I creep out the station or yard , I get a PZB intervention?
Apart from that I'm really enjoying the challenge of the German routes, I also picked up the Dutch route and the French LGV routes. I like the Dutch route, however the French route is far too short, would of been nice to have a bit longer on both their high speed and classic lines!