Double Yellow suggestion of a Reading to Exeter St Davids route DLC connecting two existing sections of the GWR amongst other thoughts regarding the current pattern of WCML DLC has me thinking.... Proposal: DTG should adopt a more coordinated main line focus when developing the game's core routes and DLC. Pros: * Everyone knows where DTG developed DLC are going, removes some of the guessing * Can still include surprises and extra content by including new gameplay (ideally back ported to previous DLC), locomotives, trains, rolling stock, branchlines, depots or yards etc. * Still potential of variety as characteristics of the mainline change over distance e.g geography, connecting lines and rolling stock, line speeds and number of tracks * Can still offer 3 core routes/countries with each yearly TSW release with extentions planned through the year. * Efficient use of existing core trains and allows for more coordinated building of layers * Allows for connected, long distance runs e.g. using Double Yellow suggestion, potentially Paddington to Plymouth. * Allows for shorter runs on branchlines, much like Just Trains WCML Shap route which includes Morecambe branch * Allows for freight workings possibly shorter with yard work and potential for much longer runs. * Frees up 3Ps to add variety only and allows DTG to directly manage connected routes and DLC. Think this could reduce multiple timetable issues and missing layers or frustrating omissions due to lack of 3P coordination or collaboration. Cons: * Potentially revenue limiting if people are put off or dislike the main line choice * It will limit variety as DTG will be bound to a number of start and end points, operators, trains, rolling stock, etc. * Requires coordination of era, possibly sticking only to modern times, which I know for many will be a major downer * Requires coordination of timetables * Requires a much better route hopping feature allowing the continuation of services without leaving the cab (seems very ambitious) * Will cause significant complications if a layer is added requiring timetable variations which knock-on to connected DLC sections. Summary: It could work, but would be pretty controversial and a significant change when the game isn't functioning brilliantly at present. It might lead to a move away from numbering the yearly releases, e.g. TSW South West Main Line, TSW East Coast Main Line, but arguably makes the choice of core routes harder and loaded with pressure to get it right as the next few DTG owned DLC will be locked in by that choice. It may fit the current status quo and possibly enhance it allowing 3Ps to focus on variety of locations, eras, route type (network or metro) etc, but it seems this too would require more gatekeeping by DTG than is currently the case (only vetoing routes they are firmly against, although I'm not sure they actually block them). All in all, it would suit me and my playing preference, but might not offer the current wide variety and possibilities that other players expect currently. Thanks for reading!
I don’t know if this route is possible as of yet, due the limitations and core issues plaguing the game right now. Fast forward a few iterations of TSW and it’s definitely possible. I say that because routes have now started to exceed the 100 mile threshold. The upcoming MK to Crewe routes clocks in at 109 miles total I read. This section of the route is 122 miles. The sad truth is that this route would most likely be broken up into two parts though, one being a Reading to Bristol temple meads and the other Bristol temple meads to Exeter central or Exeter St David’s.
Yeah, it seems 100 miles is not equal in all routes either. Or possibly eras too maybe. Just Trains Preston to Carlisle has a lighter timetable too. Is that section of GWR is maybe too congested and complex in terms of intersections?
"* Requires coordination of era, possibly sticking only to modern times, which I know for many will be a major downer" Absolutely not... The historical routes are always the most interesting releases and also usually prove to be the best of the UK content because they're made by the dedicated team at JT, who have a specific interest in that era. Definitely don't agree with this suggestion. I think the devs should be left alone to make whatever routes in whatever era they want - Most importantly, it allows them to enjoy their job focusing on what they're interested in. Focusing on main lines also removes variety, the way things are now is better. I'm sort of on the fence for long, long routes. I think I'd say WCML Shap and the upcoming Trent Valley are the maximum length a TSW route should be - Anything longer is all nice if you're driving something like an express in a BR Class 87 or a Pendolino, but I for one do not fancy having to do a two/three hour commuter drive in a 350 as a single service. That would get to the point where I'd have to plan out chunks of my life to play TSW, it's meant to be a video game for entertainment, not a full-time job. You've got to draw the line somewhere. I just think the end points of a route need to make more sense, like Birmingham New Street should've been the end of WCML South instead of Milton Keynes and Peak Forest shouldn't have had it's end points in the middle of nowhere.
Fair enough, I understand what you're saying. Euston to Mk was too short and would've been better alround if slightly longer. I felt the 390 runs were too quick, 350s ok, but not logical to have MK as an end point for them. WCMLoS is great, as I feel like I've gone a fair way in a drive. What you said about logical start and end points is spot on. I think this is what I was getting at with the suggestion - the opportunity to start and end a realistic service, or even better, a full service, rather than having an unrealistic end point.
Haha, 3 hours is nothing in comparison to what length of journey’s I’ve done on TSC. I’ve done the full length of the ECML which took over several hours to complete. I didn’t do it in one run though that would be insanity, I had to split it into three parts. My limit for playing TSC/TSW is about 2 hours, any longer and I start feeling tired.
This is where the savegame function so requested by OldVern comes into play. I think it's better to have long routes where you can also do short services, than short stretches where there are no interesting express services. However, I don't think the solution is to do anything excessive, like 125+ miles routes, or the old merges of TSC. Given how TSW core works, ie that many elements are loaded at the beginning of the session, I suppose an easy solution for long runs has to resort to the route hopping feature. Anyway, when I'm sitting at Harrow & Wealdstone siding in a 1972 Tube Stock, waiting to go back to Queen's Park, and when I see those Pendolinos rushing by, I wish I could tell myself that it's possible to drive them far away. I feel it's better to have the possibility of doing something, even if you only do it rarely, than to know, consciously or unconsciously, that it's impossible...
