Train Simulator: Köln Airport Link Route Extension

The Köln Airport Link Route Extension for Train Simulator Classic was developed and published by Dovetail Games, released in 2018 as an expansion to the West Rhine: Köln–Koblenz route. This extension added a direct connection to Köln/Bonn Airport, enhancing the operational scope of the original route and providing new opportunities for regional and commuter services. By linking the Rhine corridor to the airport, players could run a wider variety of services and experience a more complete section of German rail operations.

The route extension includes electrified main line and branch line sections, covering the approach to Köln/Bonn Airport and connecting tracks toward Köln Hauptbahnhof. Operational challenges include stopping at smaller stations, managing commuter traffic, and handling airport services. The scenery combines urban, suburban, and airport environments, including residential areas, industrial sites, and airport infrastructure, offering players a varied and immersive driving experience.

The DLC does not add new locomotives but is fully compatible with the rolling stock from the base West Rhine: Köln–Koblenz route, including regional EMUs and locomotive-hauled trains. A set of new scenarios was provided to showcase the extension, focusing on commuter services, peak-hour traffic, and airport connections. These scenarios encouraged structured gameplay while allowing free-drive operation for players who wished to explore the extended line at their own pace.

Reception: The Köln Airport Link Route Extension received mostly negative reviews on Steam. Players expressed disappointment over the limited visual enhancements compared to the base route, noting that the extension's scenery felt underwhelming and lacked the polish expected from a paid DLC. Additionally, some users felt that the extension's content was insufficient to justify its price, especially considering the minimal updates to the original route's assets. While the addition of the airport link was appreciated for its operational variety, many felt that the overall quality did not meet the standards set by other DLCs in the series.

Key Points:

• Developed and published by Dovetail Games in 2018

• Extends the West Rhine: Köln–Koblenz route with a direct link to Köln/Bonn Airport

• Features electrified main line and branch line sections

• Compatible with regional EMUs and locomotive-hauled trains from the base route

• Includes scenarios covering airport and commuter services

• Received mostly negative reviews on Steam due to limited visual enhancements and perceived insufficient content