in particular driving a freight train thru open countryside. that would be very therapeutic right now, omg!!

One of those furries that makes the internets go.
Loves to argue politics, but sometimes doesn't know when to quit.
in particular driving a freight train thru open countryside. that would be very therapeutic right now, omg!!
Transport Fever 2 lets you ride a train through open countryside, and you can lay out the track. there's a simple no costs mod to add if you aren't interested in the main mechanics of the game and just want to set up roads and rails and vehicles to ride.
Not a game, but searching "4k cab ride" on YouTube turns up so many wonderful videos. This one is my favourite: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsVJ8PCV-0M
Derail Valley might be good, i havent played very much of it but it has that
Seconding this, but also, if you'd like longer drives, maybe look into full sims that also have some streamlined/hand-holding options to get you started- Trainz 2019 and TrainSimWorld 2020 come to mind with those goals.
Red Dead Redemption and its sequel have rideable trains. Not driveable, but they might scratch that itch.