RSSLO is building the Siemens Desiro HC: A modern regional train classic is taking shape in Train Simulator!

The Siemens Desiro HC is not a small branch-line railcar, but a vehicle for routes with serious passenger demand. The “HC” stands for High Capacity. The train is part of Siemens Mobility’s Desiro family and combines single-deck end cars with double-deck middle cars. This exact mix is what makes it interesting: powered end cars at the front and rear, and the double-deck sections in between for many passengers. Siemens describes the Desiro HC as a flexible platform for growing metropolitan regions and high-demand regional transport.

And that is exactly why RSSLO’s vehicle choice feels quite logical. The Desiro HC is modern, large, present in everyday service, and at the same time technically more interesting than a simple standard multiple unit. It is not just “another electric multiple unit,” but a vehicle that immediately stands out because of its design. Anyone who knows it from real life will probably quickly think of heavily used regional routes, large stations, commuter traffic, fast passenger turnover, and that typical mix of local transport and regional express feeling.

In reality, the Desiro HC varies in length and capacity depending on the version. At ODEG, for example, the train is described as a four- or six-car electric multiple unit, with a length of up to 157.6 meters, a width of 2.82 meters, and a height of 4.64 meters. According to ODEG, up to 800 passengers and 49 bicycles can travel on board during peak times. That shows quite well what this train was built for: not for relaxed empty runs, but for dense regional transport with many people, many doors, and a clear purpose.

For Train Simulator, this is exactly what could make it exciting. A Desiro HC does not live only from its appearance, but from its operating profile. Vehicles like this belong on fast regional connections, on routes with frequent passenger changes, on corridors between major cities, surrounding areas, and hub stations. If RSSLO implements the vehicle cleanly, it could become an add-on that is worthwhile not only because of the model, but also because of the scenarios that can be built with it. A Desiro HC simply feels different from a classic locomotive-hauled set or a small diesel multiple unit. It is more modern, more massive, and more strongly designed for regular interval services.

But it is important to note: At the moment, we do not yet know how deeply RSSLO will implement the vehicle in the simulator. So far, there is the clear WIP note, but no final feature list, no price, no scenario details, and no release date. That is why one should not claim more here than is actually known. The only thing that is certain is this: RSSLO is working on the Siemens Desiro HC, the model is taking shape, and further previews are supposed to follow. Everything else remains to be seen.

Still, the project is already interesting because RSSLO has been developing add-ons for the PC Train Simulator for years. On its own website, RSSLO describes exactly this focus: developing products for Train Simulator. That suggests that the Desiro HC should also be placed in this direction, as long as RSSLO does not communicate anything else. For players who like modern European regional vehicles, this is of course exciting news.

The Desiro HC is also a vehicle that many people are likely to know from everyday life without necessarily having the name immediately in mind. You see it in different networks, in different liveries, and with several operators. This recognizability in particular makes it strong for a simulation. When a train is present in real everyday service, the simulator more quickly creates that feeling: “I know that one.” And vehicles like this often work especially well because they are not only technically interesting, but also have a direct connection to reality.

In summary, RSSLO’s Siemens Desiro HC is currently above all one thing: an exciting promise in WIP status. There is no release yet, there are no full details yet, and it remains to be seen how extensive the add-on will ultimately be. But the vehicle choice alone makes you curious. Because the Desiro HC is not just any train, but a modern high-capacity multiple unit built for busy regional routes – and exactly such vehicles can do Train Simulator a lot of good.

Do you know the Siemens Desiro HC from real railway operations? Have you ever ridden on a Desiro HC?