Benefits Of A Class 730

I posted this as a question for the Birmingham to Crewe live stream, but thought it might be worth talking about a bit more.

Adding the Class 730 would be a huge bonus for TSW. This one EMU could bring Birmingham Cross City, WCMLS and Birmingham to Crewe right up to date. Would like to see both the 3 car and 5 car variants.

We have the Aventra platform already for Goblin/WCMLS, so the basic model already exists. It would need the corridor adding to the cab and obviously a completely new interior. Nevertheless think of the impact it could have for the core WCML-derived routes!

 

This would be good with a 2024 timetable for WCML Birmingham Crewe and Cross City. It would also mean the 805 would be in the timetable for Birmingham Crewe too.

 

Ohhh yes! A 730 DLC at this point is almost a no-brainer for DTG! It'd go into everything!

Then again, that would necessitate having to make new timetables for lots of existing routes...

 

Class 730 will probably come with a new Wolverhampton - Walsall, or Shrewsbury - Walsall route. Oxley depot is in-game now, so you only need Bescot TMD.

My best guess for now anyway.

 

Why does every route have to be “right upto date”?

I like modern stuff don’t get me wrong, but I’m getting nauseous with the constant stream of it. It’s got to the point where we can’t even get something 5 years older without someone wanting it even more modern.

 

Only 5 years?

I'd happily take a class 304, 310 or 312 any day.

 

Not every UK route is ‘right up to date’ - NTP, WCL, Tees Valley, WCMLoS, WC Preston-Crewe. I only mention the 730 because one DLC would add a lot of immersion to so many modern-era routes.

 

I would love a cross-over period timetable (assuming there was one) when the 730 and 323 both ran on the Cross City before the latter was fully withdrawn from service. Would add some much needed variety on my favourite route, especially north of Aston.

 

Oh I had no clue that the 730s replaced the 323s. I wouldn't want to lose the 323s.

 

7 routes in older eras vs like 20+ in modern

we need actual stuff like the class 24 to 27s, br blue class 33 and 37, class 42s, class 55s,

 

April to September was the 730 crossover, during which they took over the Walsall services as well

 

I’m all for some classic traction but none of those locos are suitable for the modern-era routes mentioned in this thread. I’m sure JT will continue to cater to this market.

 

My point being was we have too many modern requested trains

 

The 710 has different coach lengths to the 730s, and the cabs are completely different. Whoever would make the 730 would need to start from scratch.