The first hint was a drawing of the TSW logo, with a highly obscured train and staff member in the background.
Some theorized that the train in the background was a German ICE train. Other guesses included an Austrian rail-jet or an Amtrak electric locomotive such as the ACS-64.
Some also guessed that it could be representative of a TGV or Eurostar, citing the very similar shapes of the train and staff uniform.
A tweaked version of this screenshot was later shared on the Train Simulator Twitter page, prompting many to suggest that it could be a German DB BR 442 'Talent 2' EMU.
The image showed details to the side of the train added which many believed were similar to the window design on the DB BR 442 EMU.
A further tweaked version of the screenshot appeared on the Train Simulator Twitter page with repeated suggestions that the featured train was a DB BR 442 or another train from the Bombardier Talent series of EMUs. It was believed that the route would be in either Germany or Austria.
The fourth hint was again a further tweaked screenshot. This time the name of the add-on was revealed, Rapid Transit. The locomotive was still believed to be a DB BR 442. DTG said more information will be revealed on the 1st December.
Originally formed from two separate networks, the Halle and the Leipzig S-Bahns of 1969, which were then lined in 2004, the reformed S-Bahn Mitteldeutschland was established following the completion of the Leipzig City Tunnel in December 2013. The new tunnel, which started construction in July 2003, unlocked service potential through the centre of Leipzig with all S-Bahn lines serving the 4 brand new underground stations, all of which are uniquely detailed. The exact definition of where the S2 Line runs has changed multiple times since the inception of the Mitteldeutschland S-Bahn, today however it covers the 70+ kilometre route from Markkleeberg-Gaschwitz, a station south of Leipzig which opened in September 1842, and Dessau Hauptbahnhof, 177 years old and a terminus of the S-Bahn Mitteldeutschland since December 2015.
With a modern network would come modern traction, and with the start of the S-Bahn Mitteldeutschland, a fleet of 51 Bombardier ‘Talent 2’ EMUs was ordered to run on the S-Bahn lines, including the S2. The majority of the Mitteldeutschland S-Bahn Talent 2 fleet, which is classified as the DB BR 1442, is formed of 3 articulated coaches, which often run in pairs to form 6-car sets in the busy hours. These Talent 2s are quite different in respect to most other German examples, as they are resplendent in a sleek sliver livery.
There is little doubt of the Talent 2’s popularity, over 360 have been ordered since they started production in 2008, and they offer the latest in ergonomics, diversity and safety; in fact, their nickname of “Hamsterbacke” (Hamster Cheeks) is derived from their characteristic, crash-optimised cab design. With an operating speed of 160 km/h, the Talent 2 EMUs are ideally suited to commuter operation, and are perfect for working the Mitteldeutschland S-Bahn.
The Rapid Transit route covers S2 of the S-Bahn Mitteldeutschland from Dessau HBF to Markkleeberg-Gaschwitz via Leipzig HBF and Bitterfeld. The route is 71 km in length and contains 23 stations. The route is set in mid-2016 when the route survey was undertaken. Whilst many passenger & freight services operate along the route, only the S-Bahn Mitteldeutschland trains are featured in the add-on.
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