Expanding Your Rail Network with the TGV Atlantique and Thalys Addon
If you have ever built an expansive transit system in Minecraft using the Minecraft Transit Railway (MTR) mod, you know that realistic rolling stock can transform a simple subway into a living, breathing network. The [MTR] TGV Atlantique + Thalys addon brings a touch of French high-speed elegance straight to your blocky world. It introduces iconic trainsets that have graced real-world rails for decades, complete with multiple liveries and detailed car configurations. Whether you are recreating a Parisian terminal or simply want a sleek express service between distant biomes, this pack delivers both style and authenticity.
What Is Included in the Addon
The addon is a resource pack designed to work seamlessly with MTR, adding several distinct train variants. You get the classic TGV Atlantique, the cross-border TGV PBA in both Thalys and Eurostar liveries, and the VEGV “Mélusine” inspection vehicle. Each train is not just a single model; the creator has provided multiple liveries that reflect different eras and operators, allowing you to match the aesthetic of your server or single-player world perfectly.
TGV Atlantique Liveries
- Carmillon – A modern livery with deep red and gray tones, currently seen on many SNCF high-speed services.
- Silver-Blue (1990s) – The nostalgic original look that defined early TGV Atlantique operations.
- White-Blue (First Sets) – A rare livery from the very first two trainsets, ideal for historical builds.
- Lacroix – A vibrant design created by the fashion designer Christian Lacroix, adding a splash of artistic flair.
TGV PBA (Thalys and Eurostar) Liveries
- Ruby Thalys – The deep red livery synonymous with high-speed connections between France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.
- Ruby Eurostar – A variant that represents the former Eurostar services operating on similar routes before the dedicated e320 fleet.
VEGV “Mélusine”
- Older Gray Livery – The classic look of this track inspection vehicle.
- Recent Blue Livery – A more contemporary repaint, fitting modern infrastructure maintenance scenes.
This variety means you can run multiple eras side by side or gradually upgrade your fleet as your world evolves. The attention to detail extends to every car, with forward (F) and backward (B) versions ensuring that the train orientation is always correct.
Understanding Car Types and Train Assembly
Unlike simpler MTR addons that provide a single train entity, this pack requires you to assemble the train car by car. It might sound complex, but it gives you full control over the formation. The addon includes five distinct car types, and you must place them in the correct order to achieve a realistic consist.
- Power Cars – The locomotives at each end. Two pantograph heights are available: 5 blocks and 6 blocks, so you can match your overhead line height. Use the one most suited to your network.
- End Cars – Passenger cars that sit directly behind each power car. They feature a special aerodynamic cone on the roof and come in first and second class variants. You need two per train, one at each end.
- Standard Cars – Regular passenger cars, also available in first and second class. These make up the bulk of the train.
- Bar Cars – A unique car with a catering area. Only one per train is needed.
- Bogies – These appear as a separate car in the MTR depot list. You must insert a bogie between every pair of cars except between the power car and the adjacent end car. They are essential for the train to look and function correctly.
A typical formation for a full-length TGV Atlantique would look like this: Power Car (F) – End Car (F, 1st class) – Standard Car (F, 2nd class) – Standard Car (F, 1st class) – Standard Car (F, 1st class) – Bar Car – Standard Car (B, 1st class) – Standard Car (B, 2nd class) – End Car (B, 2nd class) – Power Car (B). Remember to add bogies between each pair except at the power car connections. This modular system lets you shorten or lengthen the train as needed, though the real-world formations are recommended for authenticity.
Installation and Compatibility
Getting this addon into your game is straightforward. You need to have the Minecraft Transit Railway mod installed first. Then, download the resource pack and place it in your resourcepacks folder, activating it alongside your MTR world. The addon works in both single-player and multiplayer servers, and the creator explicitly allows its use in let’s plays and server builds as long as proper credit is given. If you enjoy customizing, the license permits creating additional liveries, so you can truly make the trains your own. For those who want a smoother experience managing multiple mods and addons, the foxygame.net launcher offers a modern, flexible way to keep everything organized—you can install this addon right from its built-in menu without digging through folders.
Tips for Using the Addon in Your World
To make the most of these high-speed trains, consider building dedicated high-speed lines with gentle curves and long straight sections. The 5-block pantograph height works well with standard MTR catenary, but if you have custom overhead lines, measure carefully and choose the 6-block variant if needed. Because the train consists of many individual cars, it may take a little extra time to set up in the depot, but the result is a visually stunning train that will impress any passenger on your server.
You can also mix and match liveries for a heritage display or create a depot scene with multiple sets parked side by side. The pack pairs wonderfully with other France-themed addons, allowing you to build an entire SNCF-inspired network. Just remember to check the orientation of each car—the F and B designations prevent any awkward backwards seating.
Why This Addon Stands Out
The [MTR] TGV Atlantique + Thalys addon is more than just a train model; it is a celebration of European high-speed rail history. The inclusion of multiple liveries, the meticulous car-by-car assembly, and the flexibility of pantograph heights show a deep understanding of what MTR builders need. Whether you are a seasoned transit modder or just starting to expand beyond simple metros, this pack brings a level of detail that will keep you engaged for hours. The ability to run a Thalys service from a snowy taiga station to a desert hub, or to send a Lacroix-liveried Atlantique through a sprawling city, adds endless storytelling possibilities to your Minecraft world.
So, head to your MTR depot, start assembling your first TGV, and watch your rail network reach new speeds. With the right formation and a bit of creativity, your blocky high-speed line will feel just as grand as the real thing.