As I play SEHS more and more I began to realise how much DTG missed the opportunity to add the Sheerness branch. The variety of services is very good currently with HS1, 375s, and 465s running back and forth in the Kent part of the route, however, adding the Sheerness would've made the route, in my opinion, complete. With the 465 added recently, the Sheerness branch would've provided the perfect opportunity to have the 465 shine with its own unique service pattern separate from the mainline. The Sheerness branch really isn't that long and it's not out of the ordinary for DTG to include branch lines as part of routes (LIRR is a good example). While I'm sure DTG had their reasons for not including it; not enough time, the route is already long as it is...which are all valid reasons. The disappointing part is that it will likely never be added to TSW since DTG have said extensions are not something they plan on doing for TSW for now (in contrast to TS1, where extensions were quite common). That's it. Just thought I'd share my thoughts on this.
Personally I never play the HS1 section of the route, because that section is by far the poorest when it comes to scenery and the 395 itself is less than impressive. Regarding the Sheerness branch, it would’ve been nice but I think I would’ve preferred if they’d extend the current route to somewhere like Dartford instead. If I had it my way, I’d have scrapped the HS1 section altogether, as I find it extremely boring, and would’ve built into Cannon Street or Victoria instead.
I agree, a route that didn’t include the HS1 part would have provided for a lot more interesting service mode. In an ideal world, the route would’ve been London Victoria and London Charing Cross to Ramsgate via Bromley South & Dartford, but I guess I was more thinking on building off of what we already have by including the Sheerness branch
Same. I prefer the Commuter Services on this route. I'm not a big fan of the High Speed Services, so I already wasn't going to use the 395 that much, but the scenery made it to where I barely ever use the 395. I really like using the 375/465. I find those trains more fun to operate, and I really wish the route went all the way to Victoria, Cannon Street, or Charing Cross, along with extending it down to Ramsgate.
I agree. I really like the 465, and I feel like it's addition to the game could've been even better if we got the Sheerness Branch with it.
A great constructive post volvolover1972. As you mentioned : Does raise the issue or at least my personal issue with there apparent lack of interest in solving the technical challenges they created for them selves without considering route extensions from the start. Cases like this one or the connection of routes like RSN and RRO really would highlight just how much a rich experience extensions could bring. Oh well the 465 is a great addition on its own but the Sheerness Branch would have made SEHS one hell of an amazing product.
The 395s become a bus service anyway after Ebsfleet and I do tend to agree HS1 is basically a long poorly illuminated tunnel which doesn’t even reverb. The rest of the route is superb.
465s no longer run the Sheerness shuttle, they're 375/3s now and if all you want is the passenger shuttles I would ask why? It's four stops that would add a few services to the list but they're all the same bar two that run from Victoria (so would start at Rochester on this route) Better to have the Dartford route which actually uses the 465s on all three of the North Kent lines along with the high capacity 376 electrostar I'm not saying I don't like the 395, it's OK but the Chatham Mainline is just as boring as the SEHS once you get further in than Longfield as past this the stoppers all commence within zone 6, so you're running fast anyway
Let’s just say I’d rather the Sheerness branch be in game than not in game. Unless route extensions become a thing, I doubt we’ll see it now.
I think it would have been cool to see the Sheerness on Sea Branch since it is 7 miles and has 4 stations and was a missed oppertunity although I would prefer if the current route was extended to Ramsgate or Dover Priory
I agree. Maybe in the future we will get a dedicated Southeastern Route that focuses on the Commuter Services.
I agree too. Especially missing the opportunity with the Class 466 Networker as it is part of Southeastern. I mean, if the 466 was in the game, then you would be able to drive 10 car train services along the route. 10 Car Train Service = Class 465 + Class 465 + Class 466.
Frankly they should have gone from Gravesend to Herne Bay, or even Margate. Ditch the tunnels and extend the run eastwards. But never Sheppey (Unless there are customisable paddy wagons on rails).
