Train Sim World 6: Frankenbahn — Stuttgart–Heilbronn Review
I hopped into TSW6’s Frankenbahn add‑on and rode the Neckar north in year‑2000 traction — great sound, neat trains, and tidy scenarios, but a few epoch errors, sparse yards and the odd bug keep it from being perfect.
The Frankenbahn DLC drops you back to around the year 2000, running mixed‑traffic services between Stuttgart and Heilbronn. If you like authentic rolling stock (DB BR 140/111, Wittenberger Steuerwagen) and slow, methodical driving, this is right up your alley — just don’t expect a flawless museum replica.
You pilot classic traction over a 51 km slice of southwest Germany, juggling freight duties from Kornwestheim or shuttle runs in the Wittenberger Steuerwagen powered by BR 111. The cabs are detailed with realistic vehicle dynamics, train faults, PZB/SIFA interactions and tutorials in the Training Center. Journey Mode ties scenarios and timetabled services together, while Free Roam and Route Tasks let you explore without the pressure. Audible passenger announcements, layered timetable traffic and multiple timetable layers (IC/ICE, IR layers available separately) add life to the route. The DLC shines with its sound design and atmospheric moments — the click of rails, announcements and diesel clatter feel great in a good headset. Downsides: the route is short, some epoch details (buildings, signals, vegetation) are off, and a few users reported oddities with safety system scoring or missing tunnel signals. Overall it’s a solid sim experience for players who like methodical, realistic driving and detailed cab work.
Frankenbahn is a lovingly made, atmospheric slice of German railroading — great for simulation fans and nostalgia seekers, but expect a few rough edges and historical tweaks. Buy it if you value driving depth and sound over perfect photorealism.
Pros
- Excellent sound design and immersive onboard ambience
- Well‑realised classic rolling stock (BR 140, BR 111, Wittenberger Steuerwagen)
- Engaging timetabled scenarios, Journey Mode and free roam options
Cons
- Route a bit short and some visible epoch inaccuracies
- Occasional bugs/fiddly safety system behaviour and sparse yard scenery
Player Opinion
Players praise the atmosphere, convincing sounds and the new vehicles — many say the Wittenberger Steuerwagen feels delightfully old‑school and that the flow of longer services is satisfying. Criticism centres on small but visible inaccuracies (missing Fernsehturm, odd hill vegetation), occasional bugs with PZB/SIFA scoring, and the perceived shortness or emptiness of some yard areas. If you enjoy Train Sim World’s realistic driving, German routes and fiddly cab procedures, you'll likely get plenty of mileage from this DLC.