Hi everyone, One criticism I often see posted about the Riveria Line are the lack of services to Exmouth, Barnstaple and Okehampton. While I personally think Riveria line is a perfect route length, I do see an opportunity in to create a separate Exeter network commuter route to expand Riveria Line. As everyone knows network commuter routes are popular with the community. However unlike the urban city commuter services in Cathcart Circle or Cardiff City Network, a Exeter network route would offer more scenic and rural network route similar to Blackpool Branches. There are three lines which branch off from Exeter St David's and each of them offers a unique style of service and do not feel alike to one another. I shall discuss each of them further below. First of all, the Tarka Line to Barnstaple would offer players a longer but scenic stopping service from Exeter Central to Barnstaple. The route would give DTG the opportunity to add the GWR class 158 into the game as this is the dominant motive power on this route. The class 166 could also be layered in from GWE as it also operates services on the Tarka line. Secondly the Dartmoor line to Okehampton offers a scenic limited stop service. This line branches off the Tarka Line at Yoeford using class 150 DMUs. This line like the Riveria line is reputed to be one of the most beautiful lines in the country. It offers beautiful views around the Devon countryside especially from the Meldon Viaduct it passes over near Okehampton. I believe Railtours also serve Okehampton station. Finally the Avocet Line to Exmouth would allow players the opportunity to do full Exmouth to Paignton runs on the 150 and 166 through route hopping. It is also a very short route as services from Exeter St David's to Exmouth are around 35 minutes. Yet I would argue this line is the most important of the three as Exeter Central is on this line where most of these services terminate. It is also where Paignton services from Riveria line terminate. It would also offer short SWR runs using the EMT 158 to Exeter Central. To conclude, I would suggest the creation of an Exeter Branches route to expand Riveria Line as well offer end to end Paignton to Exmouth journeys. However, expanding Riveria Line is not the only reason I would suggest such a route. Network style commuter routes are popular in the community and the Tarka Line, Dartmoor line and Avocet lines each offer different styles of operations. Furthermore, this would be a unique style of network route offering rural regional commuter routes akin to Blackpool Branches as opposed to the urban commuter network routes seen in other add-ons. I look forward to hearing your comments on this route suggestion.
Nothing goes over Meldon Vidaduct, it's about 4km from the terminus at Okehampton. While short the Exmouth line is very scenic south of Topsham very similar to the Riviera (and most trains run through from Avocet to Riviera) - it's also very busy with a 30 min service all day and some of the intermediate stops get 500k plus passengers per year (Digby and Sowton used to get 800k but Newcourt opened and has split the catchment area)
You're right I stand corrected. Apologies for the error I'm not from the local Devon area but made the suggestion as I love the Riveria line in TSW and would love to see more of the area depicted in TSW. Have you been on the Dartmoor and Tarka lines? If so what are they like and would they be suitable for TSW in your opinion?
