Train Simulator: Weardale & Teesdale Network Route Add-On

The broad network of railway lines connected some of the north east’s largest town and cities with collieries across the Pennines, with the first line opening in 1825 that connected the collieries near Shildon with Stockton-on-Tees via Darlington.

At this time, the line was a mere 25 miles in length, but by 1860 it had grown considerably with extensions and branches to virtually every corner of Weardale and Teesdale, covering more than 100 miles. The original line is probably most famous as being the world’s first public railway to use steam locomotives when they were first introduced in 1833.

The area was linked with a prestigious and long list of railway heritage, with several railway-related works and engineering facilities to be found throughout the network.