The Wisbeach & Upwell Tramway During the Early 1950s what is there to say? The Wisbeach & Upwell Tramway is a notoriously famous 6 Mile route Between the sleepy market towns of Wisbeach and Upwell in Cambridgeshire. It was home to the GER (Later LNER) J70 locomotives and was also the first line to be fully diesel run when BR put the Class 04 locomotives onto the line. I think the best period to depict the route would be the early 1950s, as then us players can enjoy both steam hauled services with the aging J70s. Or marvel at the ease of running an 04 diesel. Truly the route depicted the greatest contrast between old and new. Additionally, by the 50s, the line speed was increased to 12mph. So there is some speed to be had, albeit little. While it's slow speeds and small mileage might make for a small route. These "drawbacks" work in the routes favor. Not everyone has the time to make a long run from somewhere Manchester to Leeds, and not everyone wants the fast pace stop-start nature of a metro line. So i believe a small route at a comfortable pace might just be great for thoes who wish to relax and trundle through the countryside without too much trouble yet with some challenges such as the steep 1 in 30 rise at horn's Corner. Both the J70 and the 04 are widely loved engines as well. Not to mention the unique coaches the Tramway used. A slow and peaceful route in the golden years of it's life. A true calming run for diesel lovers, steam enthusiasts, or even thoes who just want to enjoy a little slice of the English country. This is why i suggest that the Wisbeach and Upwell Tramway be brought to TSW someday.
YES! my only problem is that no J70s were preserved so what would they get the sounds or reference photos from?
Good question and the closest one for a J70 is a Toby the Tram Engine replica since he's a J70 locomotive. Paired with a Coach Henrieta Type these are found in Heritage Railways that host a Day out with Thomas events. The best option for DTG to get an LNER J70 Toby replica is that DTG goes to WSR if they have the Mentioned Toby Tram engine replica.
Speaking of Days out with Thomas, does any railways still do those? I know the Talyllyn does the Awdry Extraviganza but that is more or so aimed towards the Thomas Fandom then kids..
True. The lack of preserved examples would be a challenge. However we are lucky in some regards; The J70s had a lot of sound dampers on the safety valve and exhaust, they we're quiet engines. The lack of examples also means that the pressure to be historically accurate (while still high on the list) isn't as important as with, say, an a3. Several modelers both real life and in TSC have used the wrong sounds without an issue. Additionally the Y7 might be a good reference, as they had a similar boiler, saftey valves, and where built by the same people. I belive the idea of the route would be a metaphorical "slice of true life". Away from the high speed dash of a mainline to Crew or the struggles of heavy freight through Buxton, sits a small tramway, is nothing special by any means, however it offers a unique opportunity to get a feel of normal life.
