We have no idea if First Group said no but the lack of any TPE trains in the game might be a clue. "reskins will likely be made." Please keep up TPE Stock - a 185 exists on ATS The 68 reskin is in the AP 68 EP and this is two of the locos seen on TPE services And the 802 is in the AP 800 EP and another reskin comes with the ATS Chat Moss Route
I don't own the 185, so I wouldn't know about that. Also don't own the 800-803 EP yet, though I might have bought the 68 most recently and just don't know that one either.
At the moment the 68s & Mk5 account for two trips each way over the route. Most trains are 185s and an hourly 802 in each direction There is a reskin to use the Class 180 as a substitute Mk5 set but it is not that good.
I'd sooner the route be backdated... I have fond memories riding the line in the late 80s & early 90s when 47/4's ruled the Liverpool - Newcastle's and the 150/2's were brand new... Eric