Hi Searching for routes to be both suitable for DTG length of around 70 km but also very interesting for train driving is the BNSF Chicago Subdivision. It is also called "The racetrack"! This is the main line from Chicago to Aurora in Illinois, and it has a length of 38 miles / 61 kms. Main features: > Triple track > Chicago Union Station > 2 BNSF yards: Cicero (Intermodal) and Eola > 26 passenger stations > Trains: BNSF freights / Metra Commuter / Amtrak Southwest Chief So I believe it will be really interesting! It is a busy main line, with 2 type of passenger trains, and freight ones. Then you can be busy in order to accomplish your timetable, or go through with Amtrak, or BNSF fast trains (a different style of route for heavy freights from Sand Patch), or shunting activities on both yards, or taking trains from one to the other, all of these being complicated by the traffic, signals, track changes, etc All the trains will be new for the game, but Metra passenger ones, are similar to Caltrain ones. We could have BNSF on the game too! As to DTG need for authorization and agreement with the corresponding rail companies, please notice they already have this route available for TS2020!. So they already have contact with them! They know the route too. This is the map of the route: Some pictures of the real thing... Of course the route could have extra 10 / 20 kms, after Aurora for extra driving the Amtrak and BNSF trains. What do you think about it?
I would totally buy this route. If made, the route should include a BNSF ET44C4, ES44 (AC, DC, or C4), or SD70ACe for heavy freights, a GP15-1, Genset, or GP60 for switching, an Amtrak Genesis or SC44 Charger for the SW Chief, and an F40PHM-3 or MP36PH-3C for commuter trains.
This would be penn corridor 2.0 because of how similar the passenger rolling stock is but in the gallery car the voice has to be changed to a male for the closing doors announcement.But they could totally do this with no excuse I think
Unfortunately a BNSF loco is out of the question due to licensing issues. They won’t license outside of the US.
Really?! Why did they decided that? Have they mentioned the reason? It is ridiculous!. Please notice they were the rail company selected for the Microsoft Train Simulator! I use Flight Simulator too, and when it was launched American airlines does not allow to have planes with its livery. It was the only company! Finally they change mind, due to the previous reason. So the picture I include showing this route is available for TS2020, you can not buy it, if you are not living in the USA?!
It wasn't DTG that decided this. It was BNSF that restricted their license agreement. It's been like that for a while now. Hence why BNSF add-ons from TS1, are USA only content. and the rest after that, unbranded to the rest of the world.
Yes, I was referring of course to BNSF, not DTG! This affects DTG, as they can not satisfy their customers. Really do not understand the reason about such BNSF decision! It really disappointed me! So then let's look forward for a great Union Pacific's heavy freight new route on TSW2!
Yes, but they could get it. Anyway in that case, if they can not have BNSF, Metra one, it has no sense. I do not know, what is their idea about it: TSW 2 futures DLCs will be only about the current railroads name they already have - may be adding few ones -, or look for more of them, in order to satisfy what community has asked for? What would you like?
Stujoy,... but could be possible to have a BNSF route, on which UP it has rights to use? Of course there we will only run UP trains.
Upon doing a little research I found another UP route that is possible with liscencing. Unfortunately there is no route in the style you mentioned above (a BNSF route, that UP has the rights to use). What I found was the route from St. Louis to Topeka around 60miles, this could be shortened to St. Louis to Lawerence around 35miles. The route features a sprawling yard in downtown St. Louis perfect for shunting operations, and endless straight (with a few curves), section of track out to Topeka/Lawerence. The trains used on this route (according to google, I'm not familiar with US railroads) are the GP38-2 and the GP40-3. Note : If any of this is wrong, please correct me.
Trainsimfan My originally proposed route, is unique! Considering it has 3 tracks, and kind of traffic, having Amtrak, Heavy fast, and Commuter trains. But at time I proposed, I did not know BNSF licensing situation. There are other UP routes with 3 tracks, but they are heavy freights only. So other proposals, like the one you mentioned are welcome! Thank you
Sutjoy, - and other community members - what do you think about this new route proposal: USA: Cajon Pass. Famous Heavy freight line. From West Colton Yard to Barstow Yard. Yes this route is BNSF one, but Union Pacific it have rights on it. So could be done by DTG, as they have already authorization to use their name. Length total is around 100 kms, so it is not so long. Alternative could be all on UP route to Palmdale Junction, or at Lancaster a few extra miles But I prefer the first one I mentioned. Due to it is from one yard to another one. Despite the last one is owned by BNSF, for the game purpose the train could stop at one of the tracks of the yard at the other end.
I’m sure lots of people would love to see the Cajon Pass in TSW2. I don’t know much about it other than it has steep grades and long trains, and I believe only freight trains. This kind of route is not my cup of tea really but that’s not to say that I wouldn’t ever buy it if it was released. If they got it right with distant scenery it could be a very nice route although the trains wouldn’t be as long or heavy as in real life with the limitations of the game. I wouldn’t like to see such a massive freight yard unless it was packed with rakes of wagons, which could be another issue. Good suggestion though.
Cajon Pass is a must for TSW2. I'd love to eventually get steam locos, of course. The ATSF 4-8-4 #3751 would run excursion trains over Cajon Pass. The engine currently resides in San Bernardino, at the southern end of the route.
Jedi... Be the force with you! But not with your proposed locomotive! DTG has already mentioned steam is very complicated for them, due to the high level of detail demanded for TSW standards. Let's hope we have modern freight trains as first approach of this route!