Intro: I know I have suggested this in the past with 2 separate suggestions: https://forums.dovetailgames.com/threads/ecml-extension-to-york-and-possible-add-ons-for-ecml.80527/ and https://forums.dovetailgames.com/threads/ecml-york-to-newcastle-sunderland-middlesborough.80544/ but this is looking very unlikely and a lot of changes have been made since then. The WCML has been getting a lot of content from DTG and 3rd party developers and I think the ECML should now have its turn. So this is why I'm giving an updated suggestion. Route The route is around 102 miles in length and the following stations will be present: Doncaster York Thirsk Northallerton Darlington Durham Chester-le-Street Newcastle Trains: The 2 primary locos included in this route will be: Class 185 Class 802 Nova The Class 801 from Peterborough - Doncaster will be present as without it Doncaster would be inaccessible The following trains will layer into this route: Class 220 Voyager (Drivable) EMR Class 158 (Visual at Doncaster) Potential DLCs: Northern Class 158 Grand Central Class 180 LNER Class 91 The WCML has almost been completed with DTG and 3rd party developers with what's been released and what's coming since TSW5 and now I think it's the ECML's turn to shine as Peterborough - Doncaster is the only section we have.
This is a better suggestion! This would be a DLC I would buy. I think it could be better if we also got a new freight locomotive like a 60, 68 or 70 (or to really please DTG, a 66 but in a new livery that isn't EWS or DB). Any layers for railtours or any special moves?
Surely a slightly backdated version would be better in this case since I think the 91 one did this part of the line
Good suggestion. It's true that now that the WCML is approaching its completion, developing the ECML would be a good project for the United Kingdom.
Pretty sure 91s run between King's X and York now anyways?, and the new timetable should see them running to newcastle. Correct me if I'm wrong, I kind of skimmed through the timetable
I’ve also made almost a same suggestion 2 hours before yours. I also suggested Newcastle-Edinburgh. I think Newcastle is a great hub for terminating and departing trains because it’s the only large train station in the Northeast
They do run King's Cross to York. The Newcastle diagram isn't coming back until March at the earliest, if ever, from what I've read
I've read , one set per day to newcastle from King's X in the midafternoon from December 25 but the set will be shortened from 9 to 8 car operation. The other remaining sets will continue there normal operation until replacement
That implies less services to drive vs if the route was set BR era, but seems to be a good compromise, as it would also pleased those who prefer modern era routes ?
East coast era? Get them grey HSTs and 225s running I think using the stock we have rn would make sense then afterwards we could he have backdated versions
That’s incorrect. As far as I’m aware, all 225 sets have now been shortened to 7 car operation, as this is required in the new timetable for approximate parity with Azuma timings. Initially it was planned that a 225 would form up to Newcastle and operate the 18:27 return working also, but this hasn’t happened sadly and the diagram has been replaced with an Azuma.
Hopefully this could come with an 801 updated with 802 improvements such as announcements and guard mode. (And an 800 to layer onto Fife Circle)
This would be great mid 90s with the Valenta HST/Class 91. There would also be the potential for RES Class 47s on mail services. Dream scenario is the Deltic/HST crossover period
