The route represents the Vogelsbergbahn in central Germany. It is historically significant as the first German railroad line built exclusively for steam locomotives (though it saw extensive diesel use later).
Key Characteristics:
Since the announcement of the "German Railroads 10 Jahre Virtuelle Eisenbahn Exclusive" , simulation forums have been buzzing.
"This isn't just a DLC; it's a documentary you can drive. The attention to the BR 218’s engine sound in the Exclusive pack gave me chills." – RailSimFan84
"I’ve been playing for eight years. The new particle effects for steam heating on old passenger cars finally make the winter scenarios feel real." – Oberzugführer_Klaus
The developers have promised ongoing support for the exclusive edition, with a "Year 11" update already on the roadmap, including a new Austrian railway extension.
As one veteran VEE member put it during the anniversary gala: “In real life, tracks rust and trains retire. But on the virtual railroad, the 11:15 to Munich always runs on time — forever.”
Ten years of Virtuelle Eisenbahn Exclusive isn’t just a story about software. It’s a story about preservation, precision, and the timeless clickety-clack of a well-modeled rail joint — heard in living rooms across Germany and beyond.
All aboard for the next decade.
The German Railroads: 10 Jahre virtuelle Eisenbahn (10 Years of Virtual Railways) is an expansive anniversary collection for the legacy Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS). Released to celebrate a decade of German Railroads (GR) content, it serves as a massive "all-in-one" package that significantly upgrades older routes. Content Overview
This collection is essentially a library of nearly everything released under the German Railroads and German Trains labels over a ten-year span. Routes: Includes 12 complete German tracks. Rolling Stock: Over 700 locomotives and 900 wagons. Gameplay: More than 1,200 individual tasks/scenarios.
Exclusive New Content: Features new vehicles like the BR 150 (new build), the ET 403 "Lufthansa-Express," and various MaK locomotives that were not available in previous standalone releases. Key Upgrades: DBTracks
The most significant selling point for returning players is the integration of the DBTracks system. This replaces the original MSTS rails with high-quality 3D track models, providing a vastly improved visual experience compared to the decade-old original releases. User Consensus
Reviews from platforms like Amazon.de (3.6/5 stars) and community forums highlight both the value and the age of the product: The Good:
Immense Value: For beginners, it is an unbeatable collection of German railway history in one box.
Visual Boost: Reviewers praise the DBTracks for making old routes look fresh.
Longevity: It proved that the MSTS platform still had life in it long after newer simulators arrived. The Bad: german railroads 10 jahre virtuelle eisenbahn exclusive
Aged Graphics: While the tracks are new, many train models remain graphically dated.
Compatibility Issues: Some users reported difficulty installing the software on newer operating systems like Windows 7 or 8.1 without specific workarounds.
MSTS Only: This collection is not compatible with modern simulators like Railworks or Train Simulator Classic (20xx series).
This is a must-have for MSTS enthusiasts who want a definitive, "cleaned up" version of classic German content. However, if you are looking for a modern graphical experience, this legacy collection may feel too dated despite the track upgrades.
"German Railroads: 10 Jahre Virtuelle Eisenbahn Exclusive" is a comprehensive anniversary collection for Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS) that compiles a decade of content from developers Freudenreich & Tollknaepper. It is widely considered one of the largest add-on packages ever released for the platform. Core Content & Features
This collection includes every add-on released under the "German Railroads" or "German Trains" labels between 2002 and 2010.
Massive Library: Includes 12 German routes, over 700 locomotives (steam, diesel, and electric), and more than 900 wagons.
Gameplay Depth: Features over 1,200 tasks/scenarios, offering hundreds of hours of simulation. The route represents the Vogelsbergbahn in central Germany
Visual Upgrade: The exclusive highlight is the integration of the DBTracks system, which replaces older rail textures with high-quality 3D rails and improved track bedding.
Historical Scope: Covers multiple eras of the Deutsche Bundesbahn (DB) and Deutsche Reichsbahn (DR). Installation & Troubleshooting Guide
Since this is legacy software for MSTS, following a specific setup routine is critical for stability on modern systems. Preparation: Ensure a clean installation of Microsoft Train Simulator.
It is highly recommended to use TrainStore to manage the massive amount of content, as MSTS may crash if it attempts to load all 1,200+ tasks at once. Installation Sequence:
Install from the DVD. The installer is designed to consolidate all 40+ individual add-ons into a single process.
Note for Windows 8.1/10/11: If the installer fails to start, run it in Compatibility Mode for Windows XP (Service Pack 3) and as an Administrator. Optimization:
Check the German Railroads Forum for specific updates or community-made fixes, especially for the "Werratal 2009" route.
The collection includes the "Pluspacks" and specific task updates for third-party routes like the Black Forest Railway (Schwarzwaldbahn). Why It Is Unique "This isn't just a DLC; it's a documentary you can drive
Unlike standard add-ons, this "Exclusive" edition provides content that was previously sold separately or was never released as standalone, such as the surprising inclusion of German Trains 9 and 10 in some versions of the collection.
If you're interested in the general topic of German railroads or the concept of virtual railways, I can offer some insights and potentially relevant information: