Train Sim World 6: Birmingham Cross-City Line: Lichfield - Bromsgrove & Redditch Route

Train Sim World 6: Birmingham Cross-City Line: Lichfield – Bromsgrove & Redditch is a downloadable content (DLC) expansion developed and published by Dovetail Games, released in 2025. This DLC introduces a 37-mile route from Lichfield Trent Valley to Redditch and Bromsgrove, featuring the BR Class 323 electric multiple unit in the West Midlands Railway livery. The Class 323 is the main traction on this route, operating frequent commuter services between Lichfield, Birmingham New Street, and the southern branches to Redditch and Bromsgrove. The inclusion of the Lickey Incline, the steepest sustained gradient on the UK mainline network, provides a notable operational challenge that captures the authentic experience of driving modern regional EMUs in the West Midlands.

Gameplay in this route focuses on the dense and frequent suburban services typical of the Cross-City Line. Players can take control of the BR Class 323 through a busy timetable replicating the real-world operations of the line, managing tight schedules and multiple station stops. The DLC offers a highly detailed train cab, realistic traction physics, and dynamic passenger activity that reflects rush-hour intensity. In addition to standard service mode, players can create their own scenarios, design custom liveries, and take advantage of Train Sim World’s Creators Club to expand replay value. The route’s combination of urban, suburban, and rural scenery ensures a constantly varied driving experience.

Promotion for the Birmingham Cross-City Line DLC included official teasers, preview streams, and developer showcases from Dovetail Games. The team emphasized the line’s cultural significance to the West Midlands and the authenticity of the recreated stations and landmarks, including Birmingham New Street, University, and the stretches toward the scenic Lickey Hills. Marketing also highlighted the technical challenge of operating on the Lickey Incline and the precision required for accurate timekeeping on a commuter-heavy service. By leveraging social media updates and interactive previews, the developer generated anticipation within both long-term Train Sim World fans and newer players interested in British commuter operations.

Upon release, the Birmingham Cross-City Line DLC was met with a largely positive reception. Players praised the detailed recreation of the route, the sound design of the Class 323, and the smooth integration of real-world operations into the simulation. Many appreciated the route’s sense of authenticity, especially the attention to local details and station architecture. While a few users requested more layers and rolling stock variety, most considered it one of the stronger suburban-focused British routes in the series. Its consistent updates and visual improvements through Train Sim World 6 have helped maintain its popularity, ensuring the Cross-City Line remains a standout route for fans of UK passenger rail.