Details on the 73: The British Rail Class 73 is a class of electro-diesel locomotive built throughout the 1960s (to a total of 49), which is unique as it can operate on the Southern Region's 650/750 V DC third rail power supply, or an onboard diesel engine to allow it to be used on non-electrified yards or sidings, and nowadays some eveen make appearances on heritage railways such as the Bluebell and Spa Valley (both of which i happen to volunteer for myself) the latter of which has had their 73 recently moved elsewhere though. Other than heritage railways though they are still in common use on the Mainline, specifically with operators such as GBRF and some modified ones around too, which have had larger Diesel Engines fitted, for wider use on a larger variety of routes. However this post focuses on the GBRF locos, for the main reason that they are commonly situated at Tonbridge West Yard, which you may know has been a recent addition in Firefly's wonderful Medway Valley line (applause to them for creating such a masterpiece). These class 73s are a very common sight across Kent and Sussex throughout the year with various Network Rail engineering trains (notably RHTT runs and Test/Track recording runs) Why i think the 73 would suit TSW: I think a class 73 loco addon would suit TSW for multiple reasons, such as being a much wanted add on amongst many in the community, being unique for it's type and (correct me if I'm wrong) would be the first locomotive of dual power source in the game. It's multiple uses and the fact it covers a very large amount of the Southern Region could give it plenty of uses in game on a multitude of routes, notably Medway Valley and Southeastern high speed, but could also be a very nice addition to ECW and London Commuter too, on a multitude of services and free roam possibilities, meaning there would be plenty of things to use it for and plenty of possibilities, even WSR with it's little compact diesel engine! Final thoughts: I could go on forever about the 73 but overall, I think it would be a fantastic little addition to Train Sim World, and I'm sure would make many others happy too aswell as myself of course. So I would love for it to be considered by any of the developers, and I hope you've enjoyed reading this! Have a good day all. 73961 at Tonbridge 04/04/26
Good idea in principle however falls over in terms of GBRF as in his TSW stream yesterday ambassador Hentis stated GBRF have no interest in working with DTG so chances of GBRF trains are highly unlikely
Ah that's unfortunate, still wouldn't mind an unbranded version though tbh I just really want the 73 in game
Excellent proposal! One of the most unique UK units ever made! You just forgot about /9s! Unbranded versions could be a good alternative thought.
Ah yes I didn't really mention the /9s apart from the fact i said there's some modified ones around, by which i kinda meant the /9s, although if GBRF aren't interested then hopefully we can get a Scottish route with some Caledonian Sleeper ones, a preserved one on a heritage railway or at least some unbranded GBRF ones.
There's always BR liveries if they can't get around GBRF licencing. I'd love to see London to Hastings in Network southeast with the 465 and 4-CEP, and the class 73 could be made in a few period-accurate liveries as well as there's a fairly decent freight yard at Tonbridge.
That's a very good idea, I'd certainly love any backdated southern region route with CEPs, VEPs, CIGs, EPBs, thumpers, anything like that, and a BR 73 would suit well with that. Or maybe a backdated BML with the old GatEx ones running push-pull
