A northbound Metro-North train leaves New York City with the George Washington Bridge in sight on a beautiful evening in the sunset. Photograph copyright Eric Williams and reproduced courtesy of RailPictures.Net
Well since the New Haven Line exists in Train Simulator why shouldn't there be the Hudson Line? Both routes have something in common. They both have Metro-North and Amtrak services. The Hudson Line was built by the New York Central Railroad in 1851 along the Hudson River running 74 miles (118 km) from New York to Poughkeepsie. The New York Central operated many intercity and commuter services along this line. One of the the most famous services along the line was the 20th Century Limited running from Grand Central in New York to LaSalle Street station in Chicago.
Two Metro-North trains meet at Garrison. Photograph copyright and reproduced courtesy of Ronald Yee.
The Hudson Line is split into two territories at Croton-Harmon. South of Croton is electrified territory with third rail power while north of Croton is non-electrifed territory. The Hudson Line runs through Westchester, Putman and Dutchess Counties along the Hudson River. Passengers get to have the opportunity to have this beautiful river in sight. The Hudson Line starts at Grand Central Terminal and goes along the Harlem River. The Line will merge with Amtrak at Spuyten Duyvil and the line will run along the east coast of the Hudson River to Poughkeepskie. Poughkeepskie is the northern terminus for Metro-North and Amtrak keeps going north toward Albany.
A Metro-North train is arriving at the station while an Amtrak sits at the platform on the opposite side at Poughkeepsie.
Well don't forget Amtrak! Amtrak trains start at Penn Station and goes north through the northern section of the former West Side Line out toward Spuyten Duyvil where Amtrak will merge with Metro-North. Amtrak makes stops along the line like Yonkers, Croton-Harmon and Poughkeepsie. Amtrak served Grand Central until 1991 when Amtrak decided to move their services to Penn. Amtrak runs along the Empire Corridor running from New York to Niagara Falls, NY. The services for Amtrak are the Empire Service, Maple Leaf, Ethan Allen Express, Adirondack and the Lake Shore Limited.
Amtrak Lake Shore Limited Train 49 bound for Chicago on an autumn afternoon at Breakneck Ridge.
What should be included in the 74 mile (118 km) section of the Empire Corridor or Hudson Line from Grand Central/Penn Station to Poughkeepsie. And also for the locos and rolling stock should be:
Metro-North Bombardier M7A
Both Metro-North and Amtrak GE 'Genesis' P32AC-DM locos
Shoreliner I and II cab cars and carriages Amfleet II passenger cars. Photograph copyright and reproduced courtesy of Paul Pesante.
Horizon railcar
Viewliner. Photograph copyright and reproduced courtesy of Geno Dailey
And obviously the Baggage car
I grew up along the Hudson Line and the route is beautifiul. I hear the P32AC-DM horn almost everyday. When I visit the Hudson River, most of the time I see Amtrak and/or Metro-North train(s) go by or stop at stations. One problem I'm concerned about this route is the new Tappan Zee Bridge being built. The old one will be demolsihed in 2017 so I recommend the New Tappan Zee Bridge on the Train Simulator route.
New Tappan Zee Bridge is located in Tarrytown. Photograph copyright and reproduced courtesy of New York State thruway Authority
If this route is a success maybe I can propose the Metro-North Harlem Line.