The South Devon mainline runs for 52 miles between Exeter and Plymouth in the delightful county of Devon in the West Country and combined with both the line to Paignton and Exmouth branch it would total to around 70 miles of track providing my maths is right! The key selling point for many would be that I am suggesting that it be done in the early 80s with the icons in BR blue thundering up and cruising down the harsh inclines of the route. Even for those not interested in the locos this route has so many scenic places of beauty which I wouldn't dream of missing and due to the popularity of the area in summer the timetable wouldn't be empty either. Now onto what rolling stock would come with this route and I am going to start off with one of the most iconic things which came out the the 70s: The Intercity 125! Although we have the HST with GWE this version would be how it used to be with Valenta engines and less 'mod cons' so it will feel like a different experience. Along with the HST the route could come with the class 118 which I am sure could be found around the area at this time (if this is wrong let me know as this is based on 40 year old holiday memories and so could have gaps in it). Not only would this route have two new trains but it will use the existing range of BR diesels with the 45/1s, 47s and even 31s on cross country runs and the 47s can be used for the loco hauled Paddington services. Along with this I am sure the Class 20 can be put in blue and provide some sort of freight layer too. The coaching stock for the loco hauled services would be the existing mk2a from ntp and mk1 coaches from SoS repainted in blue and grey. A loco dlc which would be a must for this route would be the class 50 which could bring mk2 air con stock and will also be on the Paddington loco hauled services. Overall this route could fill a massive gap in the market as it will bring another BR blue route which many people on here, including me, would adore to see make a long awaited return to TSW. Also the fact that this route could be so scenically astonishing may make it appeal to those who may not be fans of the BR diesels potentially making it one of the most popular routes of all time. As always if I have made a mistake let me know because I am not from Devon and only remember it from my holidays over the years.
Thanks mate a valenta would be brilliant to see in tsw and could be used on other br routes and early privatisation routes if any are ever made.
i would love this in Late Intercity - Early Great western, the OG Great western was the best livery on the HST after IC Executive
The only reason I did it in 80s is because I absolutely adore BR Blue but also the Peaks which if the route was set any later would have been withdrawn.
Great suggestion though in my opinion I think the route should be set around 1962 so we can have dieseil hydralics and steam trains running. Due to it being a waste not going 125mph with a hst.
Yes it is a shame the speed limit is slower but the gradients would make up for it so there would still be plenty of engine noise coming from these beauts! I did think it would be a good transition route but then I thought a bit more and realised that you would need a few too many to be feasible new pieces of rolling stock which made it seem less likely. The good thing about the 80s is that our existing BR blue diesels can layer in so the timetable can be packed.
Now that would be nice. Maybe have a Hall and a Manor doing passenger services, and a 0-6-0 Panier doing freight?
A very good suggestion mate and the 80s would be the perfect era with the hsts and peaks together in the same route because I also love the peaks.
Excellent idea and this will allow more Huddersfield Line NTP trains to layer in. On the other hand, a 1990s version can run to St Austell from Plymouth 39 miles that way it can merge with WCL and allow players to do a 131-mile run Exeter Penzance runs with Paxman Valenta HST. The Source is Railmiles. me
Thanks mate, the peaks are real beauts. Yes the 47s and 45s would be vital to make the timetable more interesting. Regarding the WCL connection I don't think that would be a viable option for three reasons: 1. It would mean 110 miles of track with some unique scenery would need a lot of work and not really viable. 2. WCL is a bit confused as to when it is actually set so it is probably best to keep it self contained really. 3. If this route was done in the 90s the 45s wouldn't be included and the 47s would need a new livery along with new coaches to stop it from becoming an era disaster like WCL.
Exeter to Plymouth + Paignton would be great in any era TBH. If set in the late 70's there would be scope for the Class 52 as well.
My immediate reaction was great route but modern times please…..then you threw in Intercity 125 and grabbed me back in, for me the greatest train in my life time so all I’m on your suggestion
Yes the 52s are synonymous with this line but then you have the decision 52s or 125s. I think I 125s still just take it for me.
My distant memories of the South Devon “Gods Wonderful Railway” locos were primarily 47, 50, 43 and 37 freight. There was also those chocolate and cream pacer units which were like riding on a surging bouncy castle.
