Train Sim World 7: Sherman Hill: Cheyenne - Laramie Route Add-On delivers a focused train simulation experience centered on modern American freight railroading. Players take control of powerful diesel locomotives across a demanding 58-mile stretch of Union Pacific track in Wyoming, where steep grades and heavy tonnage define daily operations between the yards at Cheyenne and Laramie.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around realistic freight hauling on challenging terrain. The route climbs to cross the Continental Divide at 8,015 feet, with westbound grades reaching 1.5 percent through the Laramie Mountains. Drivers manage acceleration, braking, and distributed power setups on long consists that include double-stack intermodal trains, autoracks, covered hoppers, tank cars, and boxcars.
Two locomotives anchor the experience. The 4,300-horsepower EMD SD70ACe handles mainline runs with modern controls and strong tractive effort, while the veteran 3,000-horsepower EMD SD40-2 tackles switching and lighter duties. Both feature highly detailed cabs with accurate instrumentation and true-to-life handling modeled through the SimuGraph engine. Seven types of freight equipment accompany the locomotives, allowing varied train compositions that affect performance on grades and curves.
Volumetric skies and updated lighting enhance visibility and atmosphere during day and night runs. Players must account for real-world factors such as brake pipe pressure buildup on heavy trains and speed restrictions posted along the line. The open western scenery provides clear sightlines across plains and rock formations, though the terrain remains largely flat outside the mountain crossing.
Game Modes
Training Modules introduce the locomotives, route signals, and basic operations through structured lessons. Six dedicated scenarios place drivers in specific situations, from yard switching at Cheyenne to assisting stalled trains on the grade or running full mainline services.
An extensive 24-hour timetable offers more than 120 playable services, the majority assigned to the SD70ACe for long-haul freight movements and a smaller number to the SD40-2 for local and switching work. Journey Mode connects training, scenarios, and timetable runs into a progressive career path with route tasks that reward exploration and mastery.
Free Roam allows players to select any locomotive and consist for unstructured runs, while the Scenario Planner and Livery Designer support custom creations that can be shared through the Creators Club. Route tasks provide additional objectives scattered across the line for those seeking varied challenges beyond scheduled services.
Route and Operations
Sherman Hill emphasizes the constant flow of tonnage over one of America's historic transcontinental routes. Yards at both ends support building and breaking down trains, while industries such as chemical plants and cement works appear along the line. Services range from intermodal stacks and manifest freights to unit trains of coal, grain, or autos, all contending with the same demanding grades that have shaped Union Pacific motive power for decades.
The 58-mile distance supports both short segments between yards and full end-to-end runs that can exceed 90 minutes. Accurate performance data ensures that heavy trains require careful throttle and brake management to maintain momentum without exceeding limits or stalling on inclines.
Is It Worth Playing?
This add-on suits players who enjoy deliberate, physics-driven freight simulation and long-haul operations rather than high-speed passenger runs or frequent stops. The combination of powerful locomotives, heavy consists, and authentic grades creates satisfying challenges that reward patience and precise control. Updated visuals from later Train Sim World titles improve the presentation of skies and lighting without altering the core route layout.
Reception among owners highlights the realistic handling and scale of American freight work, though some note the open plains scenery and limited variety of motive power as areas where the route feels specialized. Those seeking extended timetable sessions or custom scenario building will find substantial content through the included services and creative tools. The add-on integrates with the broader Train Sim World 7 ecosystem, making it a solid choice for fans focused on Union Pacific diesel-era railroading.
