Trains

GP40PH-2B in Train Sim World 7

NJ TRANSIT's commuter diesel: EMD power, head-end power for bilevel cars, Bergen Line push-pull operations.

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GP40PH-2B Diesel Locomotive

The GP40PH-2B in Train Sim World 7

The GP40PH-2B is a passenger-specific diesel-electric locomotive operated by NJ TRANSIT. It is the primary traction for the upcoming NJ TRANSIT Bergen Line add-on being developed by Dovetail Games for Train Sim World 7.

The GP40PH-2B is a variant of the EMD GP40 designed specifically for commuter rail service. The “PH” designation indicates it is equipped with Head-End Power (HEP) to supply electricity to passenger cars, while the “-2B” refers to the specific NJ TRANSIT sub-class.

Technical specifications

The GP40PH-2B has the following key characteristics:

  • Builder: Electro-Motive Division (EMD) of General Motors
  • Power: EMD 16-cylinder 645-series diesel engine, approximately 3,000 hp
  • Transmission: DC traction (the original GP40 design used DC motors)
  • Head-End Power: Dedicated HEP generator for passenger car electrical systems
  • Maximum speed: 100 mph (160 km/h)
  • Weight: Approximately 120 tons

The locomotive was built in the early 1970s specifically for NJ TRANSIT’s commuter operations. It represents a generation of American diesel commuter power that has been gradually replaced or supplemented by newer locomotives but remains in service on certain NJ TRANSIT corridors.

NJ TRANSIT Bergen Line

The GP40PH-2B operates on the NJ TRANSIT Bergen Line, a route being developed by Dovetail Games for Train Sim World 7. The Bergen Line runs out of Hoboken Terminal in New Jersey, and the GP40PH-2B handles push-pull operations with Comet V bilevel commuter cars.

Push-pull operation means:

  • The GP40PH-2B hauls the train in one direction
  • In the other direction, a Comet V cab car leads with the GP40PH-2B pushing from the rear
  • The locomotive does not need to run around to change direction

This is standard practice on many American commuter railroads and adds operational variety to how players approach the timetable.

Comet V bilevel cars

The Bergen Line also features Comet V bilevel (double-deck) commuter cars:

  • Comet V Cab Car: Equipped with operating cab for push-pull operation
  • Comet V Trailer: Standard bilevel passenger car without power

The Comet V design provides high passenger capacity, which is essential for NJ TRANSIT’s busy commuter services. The bilevel configuration means passengers board at platform level on the lower deck while others access the upper deck from elevated platforms.

How it fits Train Sim World 7

The GP40PH-2B and Bergen Line add to the American side of Train Sim World 7:

At launch (15 September 2026):

  • Florida Tri-Rail — Electric commuter rail, BL36PH and F40PH-3C traction, single-level Rotem cars

Post-launch (NJ TRANSIT Bergen Line):

  • Diesel commuter rail
  • GP40PH-2B locomotive
  • Comet V bilevel cars
  • Push-pull operations from Hoboken Terminal

The Bergen Line offers a different American commuter experience from Florida Tri-Rail:

  • Diesel vs. electric power
  • Bilevel vs. single-level cars
  • Push-pull vs. diesel multiple unit
  • Northeast Corridor commuter culture vs. South Florida

Dovetail’s in-house development

The Bergen Line is being developed by Dovetail Games themselves, not a third-party partner. This means:

  • Direct access to Dovetail’s development team
  • Consistent quality with the core Train Sim World 7 experience
  • Potential for deeper integration with Train Sim World 7 features

This is the second US route Dovetail has developed internally, after Florida Tri-Rail.

Release status

The GP40PH-2B and NJ TRANSIT Bergen Line are early in development. Dovetail has not shared screenshots or confirmed a release date. The project is listed on the August 2026 roadmap. Follow the roadmap for future updates.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the most common questions.

When does the GP40PH-2B come out?

No release date has been confirmed. The NJ TRANSIT Bergen Line is early in development on the August 2026 roadmap.

What is head-end power (HEP)?

Head-End Power is a system where the locomotive generates electricity to supply the passenger cars' lighting, HVAC, and other systems, eliminating the need for separate generator cars.

How does push-pull operation work?

The GP40PH-2B hauls in one direction. In the other direction, a Comet V cab car leads and the GP40PH-2B pushes from the rear, so the locomotive does not need to run around.

Who developed this locomotive?

Dovetail Games themselves, making this an in-house Train Sim World 7 project alongside the core routes.

How does it differ from Florida Tri-Rail?

Diesel vs. electric power, bilevel vs. single-level cars, push-pull vs. diesel multiple unit, Northeast vs. South Florida. It is a different commuter experience entirely.