SubwaySim 2 News

Exploring Berlin's Underground

Last week, we took a closer look at some stations - and left you guessing where the last image was taken. Today we can announce that it was taken at the Podbielskiallee station. This is where the U3 emerges from its tunnels for the last time, before it continues above ground to the terminus at Krumme Lanke.

But now, let’s turn to this week’s topic: today, we want to take you underground in Berlin to take a closer look at the tunnel structures.

[h2]Many Tunnels, Many Tracks[/h2]

For the following images, we have switched on the tunnel lighting. In reality, this is typically only used for maintenance operations or emergencies, and thus usually the tunnels are dark.

What’s special about the U1/U3 in Berlin is the variety of unique tunnel constructions and underground track halls. Therefore, we have built many tunnel sections by hand to closely match the real conditions. In some cases, there are even multi-storey structures that connect tracks on different levels.

[h2]The Tunnels Around Nollendorfplatz[/h2]

The Nollendorfplatz station uniquely combines all four lines of the small profile network. While the U2 runs above ground, the U1 and U3 are operated on two different levels below surface, depending on the direction. Additionally, there is also the U4 platform, as well as the platform for U3 trains that terminate at Nollendorfplatz during off-peak times coming from Krumme Lanke.

[h2]Wittenbergplatz[/h2]

Directly adjacent to Nollendorfplatz, we can find the Wittenbergplatz station, which is also an important hub in the small profile network. Here, three lines meet: the U1, U2, and U3. In contrast to Nollendorfplatz, all tracks here are on a single level.

With a total of five platforms, Wittenbergplatz also features a remarkable track layout, which is housed within an open tunnel hall. In its centre, you can see the tracks for the U2 line, on which appropriate AI services will of course run in SubwaySim 2.

Thanks to the track arrangement, it is even possible to transfer from the U2 line to the U3 line at Wittenbergplatz. In reality, this happens regularly, as some U2 trains are parked overnight at the U3 station Spichernstraße. We will also take this into account in the timetables for SubwaySim 2.

All aboard - join us to gain deeper insights into the world of SubwaySim 2 over the next few weeks and months!

[h2]About SubwaySim 2[/h2]

SubwaySim 2 has been announced in August 2024 and is currently in development. In the coming weeks and months, we’ll be giving you insights into the game, its development process, and the new features. Feel free to share your feedback in the Steam Discussions, join our Discord server, and follow us on Instagram. Be sure to add SubwaySim 2 to your Steam wishlist so you don’t miss any updates!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2707070/SubwaySim_2/

Note: This is a work-in-progress version of the game. All screenshots and videos shown are for preview purposes only and are not representative of the final product. Please feel free to share your feedback in the Steam Discussions if you like what you see or notice any specific issues!

A Closer Look At STATIONS!

After exploring the landmarks in Berlin last week, it’s now time to focus a bit more on the metro line itself. For this reason, we will take a look at some exciting stations along the Berlin U1 and U3 lines today.

[h2]Gleisdreieck Station[/h2]

We begin with a relatively significant station on the small-profile network, namely Gleisdreieck Station ("Metro Triangle"). On the upper level, lines U1/U3 are operated, while the U2 line crosses below. In the screenshot above, you can see the platform level for U1/U3 as it will appear in the game - but just without any passengers.

In the history of the Berlin underground network, this station has had various track layouts. Until a few years ago, the two lines were directly connected by a linking track. Although this track has been dismantled in reality, we deliberately decided to include it in our version - even though the U2 line will only be operated by AI trains for now.

[h2]Hohenzollernplatz Station[/h2]

Next, we move on to an underground station on the U3 line, located not far from Wittenbergplatz, where the U3 leaves its shared route with the U1: namely Hohenzollernplatz station. The tunnel stations on the U3 showcase a mix of different styles, which also vary in terms of lighting. Of course, we have also replicated these variations in SubwaySim 2. Here, too, you can see a photo of the station without passengers.

[h2]One More Station[/h2]

Finally, we have brought you another photo. This shows another station on the U3 line, eagerly awaiting passenger service. But... which station is it?

Feel free to discuss this in the comments. The answer will follow next week!

The LANDMARKS Along The Route

In SubwaySim 2, there's much to explore beyond the tracks. Today, we’re taking a look at the topic of landmarks, which holds a special place in our hearts for SubwaySim 2.

From the very start, we’ve paid close attention to ensure that unique buildings and landmarks along the route are given the attention they deserve, and are faithfully recreated. As the U1/U3 elevated railway leads its way from Warschauer Straße to Gleisdreieck, there are several buildings that truly stand out from the rest.

[h2]The Emmaus Church at Lausitzer Platz[/h2]

We begin our tour de Berlin at the Emmaus Church, located not far from the Görlitzer Bahnhof station. It was originally built between 1890 and 1893, but was completely destroyed during the Second World War, and aside from the tower, had to be demolished shortly afterwards. It’s this very tower that you can see directly from the U1/U3 driver’s cab.

[h2]The Omar Ibn Al-Khattab Mosque[/h2]

Similarly, this mosque is also located near the Görlitzer Bahnhof station. However, in contrast to the Emmaus Church, this building is much younger. Construction of the mosque began in 2004, and it was finally inaugurated in 2010. With its location right along the U1/U3 elevated railway, it’s clearly visible from the train. Its distinctive façade makes it stand out prominently from its surroundings and provides a beautiful sight from both directions.

[h2]The EDGE East Side Tower[/h2]

Naturally, skyscrapers are a must in digital Berlin, and one of them is the EDGE Tower, located right by the Warschauer Straße station. The exterior of the building was only completed in 2023, and it consists of a total of 36 floors, primarily housing offices. With its extraordinary façade, it’s visible from afar and has earned its place in virtual Berlin.

[h2]The German Museum of Technology[/h2]

Finally, we’d like to introduce our favourite building to you: the German Museum of Technology. The building's iconic focal point is the Douglas C-47 B Skytrain plane, which gained historical significance during the Berlin Airlift. However, the rest of the building's façade is also unmistakable, and with its direct alignment along the elevated railway, the museum is one of the most prominent highlights of the U1/U3 route.

Our new WEATHER SYSTEM

Just recently, September brought a change in the weather in Europe. That's a perfect occasion to take a look at the game's new weather system.

The Weather in SubwaySim 2

Gone are the days when it was always sunny: With SubwaySim 2, a range of different weather conditions are now part of the game, making the gaming experience more immersive and realistic than ever before - and of course not just in Berlin, but also on Hamburg's U3 line.

Our new dynamic weather system ensures that the weather can change at any time. From clear blue skies to sudden thunderstorms, anything can come your way.

Visual Implementation

We have placed great emphasis on a detailed depiction for our dynamic weather system. In sunny conditions, the light bathes the surroundings in warm hues, when suddenly clouds gather and the atmosphere darkens before rain begins. Showers cause raindrops to realistically pelt surfaces. And when the clouds clear, surfaces remain wet and reflective for a time, slowly drying out.

Special attention has been put into how the train itself responds to the weather. In addition to the windscreen, which is of course equipped with a functioning wiper, many other surfaces of the vehicle also react to the falling rain.

Details On Our VEHICLE: Introducing The A3L92!

At Gamescom, we had already shown you a preliminary version of the A3L92. Today, it’s time to dedicate a whole post to this vehicle – and of course, we’ve also brought along some screenshots from Berlin for you!

[h2]The A3L92: A Brief Introduction[/h2]

The A3L92 is a vehicle from the mid-90s, ordered shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall. It is the successor to the now-retired A3L82 series. With a total of 51 double units, it is widely represented on the small-profile network.

The iconic front of the A3L92 not only bears strong similarities to the A3L82 but also to several large-profile vehicles in the Berlin U-Bahn network, such as the F type. In fact, these vehicles also share some technical similarities.

[h2]The Interior[/h2]

Each unit offers space for 52 seats and nearly 100 standing passengers. As common for small-profile trains, the A3L92 features longitudinal seating on both sides of the central aisle. For SubwaySim 2, we’ve decided to recreate a newer version of the vehicle, which also includes a digital passenger information system – but more on that later. Unlike the previous series in the A3 family, this version is equipped with low-noise electric door mechanisms, which ensure a more comfortable experience at the stations.

[h2]And most importantly: The Driver’s Cab![/h2]

In the driver’s cab of the A3L92, you can expect an unparalleled driving experience. Unlike the Hamburg DT5 vehicle, which some of you may know from SubwaySim Hamburg, controlling speed isn’t just done via a combined lever. And of course, there’s no touchscreen here either – all functions are controlled by many buttons and switches, which have been lovingly recreated.

On the control panel, you’ll find three levers needed for braking and accelerating. On the right is the brake lever, which operates both the pneumatic brake and the electric brake. The timed operation of the pneumatic brake presents a real challenge for drivers. When pulling away, the brake also needs to be released in a timed manner.

In the middle, you’ll find the driving lever, which allows you to pre-select the desired speed. On the far left is the throttle switch, which also contains the dead man's switch. With its three positions, the throttle switch is more of an on/off switch rather than a continuously adjustable lever. Thanks to these unique features, controlling the A3L92 is quite different from the Hamburg DT5, requiring a great deal of finesse to come to a precise stop at the marker board.