London Underground | Openbve

You cannot drive a route without the correct train. For London Underground OpenBVE, the following are the gold standards:

Driving in London Underground OpenBVE is not an arcade experience. You cannot just press "W" and go. You must master the specific controller.

Most London Underground trains use a combined power/brake handle (like the real 1972, 1973, and 1992 stocks).

Keyboard Shortcut Guide (Default OpenBVE):

Pro Tip for Tube Driving: Unlike mainline trains, you do not coast often. The technique is "Rally driving": Power to notch 3, accelerate to 45mph, then brake to step 1, step 2, step 3, then release to step 1 to creep into the platform. You will learn the "brake curve" by looking for the marker boards on the track.

For millions of commuters and tourists alike, the London Underground (affectionately known as the Tube) is simply a means of getting from Point A to Point B. But for a dedicated global community of rail enthusiasts and simulation gamers, it is the star of one of the most detailed, authentic, and challenging train simulation experiences available: London Underground OpenBVE. london underground openbve

If you have ever wanted to sit in the driver’s cab of a 1972 Mark II Stock on the Bakerloo line, navigate the complex junctions of the District Line, or hear the iconic traction motor whine of a D78 Stock, OpenBVE is your digital ticket. This article provides a comprehensive guide to installing, configuring, and mastering London Underground OpenBVE, ensuring you get the most realistic Tube driving experience outside of a real operating cab.

The Jubilee line route in OpenBVE is a showcase of modern extension architecture. Driving into the massive Canary Wharf station, with its dramatic cross-bracing and cavernous feel, is done via detailed object modelling. The automatic announcement system (Next station: ...) triggers perfectly based on door position.

is a free, open-source train simulator that has become a primary platform for enthusiasts to experience driving the London Underground (the Tube). Unlike mainstream simulators, OpenBVE focuses on technical realism, often requiring players to study operational manuals and handle complex safety systems. Popular London Underground Routes

Community developers have recreated several iconic lines, often focusing on specific historical eras or technical details:

Northern Line: Versions of this route often feature the 1995 Stock. You cannot drive a route without the correct train

Jubilee Line: Recent "Phase 3" releases include the stretch from Stratford to West Hampstead, featuring the distinctive sounds of the 1996 Stock.

Central Line: Detailed simulations exist for the section between Ealing Broadway and Liverpool Street, utilizing high-quality 1992 Stock models with prototypical safety systems. A historical branch for the closed Epping–Ongar section is also available.

District Line: Routes such as Edgware Road to Putney Bridge allow players to drive older C Stock trains before they were retired in real life.

East London Line: Simulations capture this line as it was in 2002 (e.g., Shoreditch to New Cross Gate) before it was converted to the London Overground. Key Features and Development Bve4Trains - Links

Here’s an interesting guide to experiencing London Underground routes in OpenBVE, blending realism, nostalgia, and hidden details you might otherwise miss. Keyboard Shortcut Guide (Default OpenBVE):

Visit the official OpenBVE website. Download the latest stable version for your OS (Windows users typically use the installer). Install it to a default location like C:\Program Files\OpenBVE.

For the truly dedicated fan, the ultimate expression of the London Underground OpenBVE hobby is route creation. Using the HOCR (Hand On Console Route) format or the newer CSV route format, you can build your own fantasy extension or hyper-realistic recreation of your local station.

Tools you need:

The community is very supportive. If you build an accurate simulation of the West London Orbital or a historical route like the East London Line pre-2010, the community will celebrate you.

Verdict: Play Train Sim World for the rain effects and passenger models. Play OpenBVE for the true driving experience where 1 second of late braking means a station overrun.