The York to Newcastle portion of the East Coast Mainline is one of the most famous railway lines in the world. This iconic route spans a distance of approximately 80 miles, connecting the two cities of York and Newcastle in the northeast of England. The line is a crucial link in the UK's national rail network, connecting London with Scotland and providing a vital transport link for both passengers and freight. The history of the York to Newcastle line is rich and varied. The route was first opened in the mid-19th century, with the first section between York and Darlington opening in 1841. Over the years, the line has undergone numerous improvements and upgrades, including the electrification of the route in the 1980s. This electrification project was a major undertaking, requiring the installation of new overhead power lines and the modification of rolling stock to run on the new system. One of the most iconic features of the York to Newcastle line is the 'racetrack' section between York and Darlington. This is the longest section of straight track on the entire East Coast Mainline, stretching for approximately 18 miles. This section of track has become famous among train enthusiasts for its impressive speed and smooth ride, and is a must-see feature for anyone travelling on this route. In addition to its impressive engineering feats, the York to Newcastle line is also home to a number of historic and picturesque stations. These include York station, which dates back to the mid-19th century and is known for its stunning architecture and impressive train shed. Other notable stations on the route include Darlington station, which played a key role in the development of the railway industry in the 19th century, and Newcastle station, which is one of the busiest stations in the UK. This would be a good stretch of Faster 125mph running in-between York and Darlington, and having to work your way through the curvy bits of mainline north of Northallerton down through Durham, with the picturesque cathedral and finally newcastle, which is one of the biggest stations and was once the largest railway junction in the world. This route should be set in 2 eras specifically 1. The Modern Day “LNER” Era Set in our day and age, we get access to the Class 800s/801/802s and class 91s in the LNER/ TPE era Class 800/801/802 Class 91 Or in the much older BR blue with the BR Deltic, and the iconic Intercity 125 Intercity 125 STATIONS York York station is one of the most iconic railway stations in the UK. Located in the heart of the historic city of York, it serves as a key transport hub for both local and long-distance trains, connecting passengers to destinations across the country. The station itself is a marvel of Victorian architecture, dating back to 1877. The grand entrance hall is adorned with ornate decorations and features a stunning arched roof, while the platforms are covered by an impressive train shed that spans over 800 feet in length. The station has undergone numerous renovations and upgrades over the years, but its historic character has been carefully preserved, making it a popular destination for train enthusiasts and tourists alike. York station is served by a wide range of train services, including local services to nearby towns and cities such as Leeds and Harrogate, as well as long-distance services to destinations across the UK. It is also a key stop on the East Coast Mainline, providing a vital transport link between London and Edinburgh. Thirsk Thirsk station is a historic railway station located in the town of Thirsk in North Yorkshire, England. The station was first opened in 1848, and it has been an important station for the region ever since. It is served by Grand Central and Trans Pennine Express Northallerton Northallerton station is a historic railway station located in the market town of Northallerton in North Yorkshire, England. The station was first opened in 1841. It is served by LNER trains to Middlesbrough and Sunderland, Grand Central trains to sunderland and Trans Pennine Expeess services to Saltburn Darlington Darlington station is a historic railway station located in the town of Darlington in County Durham, England. The station was first opened in 1844 and has played a significant role in the development of the region's transport infrastructure ever since. Darlington station is the start of one of the oldest railways in the world, the Stockton and Darlington railway which is world famous. This station is situated on a loop off the mainline. Durham Durham station is a historic railway station located in the city of Durham in North East England. The station was first opened in 1857 and is an important transport hub for the region. Durham station is located in close proximity to a range of local attractions, including the historic Durham Cathedral and Castle, which are designated UNESCO World Heritage sites. The city is also home to a range of cultural and artistic institutions, including the Gala Theatre and the Oriental Museum. Chester-le-street Chester-le-Street is a small town in County Durham, England, located approximately 8 miles south of Newcastle upon Tyne. The town is served by a railway station that connects it to nearby cities and towns such as Newcastle and Durham. The station was first opened in 1868 and has since undergone several renovations and upgrades. Newcastle Central Newcastle Central Station is a major railway station in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. It was opened in 1850 and is now one of the busiest stations in the country, serving as a major transport hub for the North East region. The station building features impressive Victorian architecture, including a grand entrance hall, arched roof, and ornate decorations. It has undergone numerous renovations over the years, but has retained its historic character and remains a landmark in the city. Newcastle Central Station is served by a variety of local and national rail services, including intercity trains to London, Edinburgh, and other major cities. It is also connected to the Tyne and Wear Metro, which provides easy access to other parts of Newcastle and the surrounding areas. The station is located in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne, a vibrant and dynamic city with a rich history and cultural heritage. Visitors to the city can enjoy a range of attractions and activities, including museums, galleries, theaters, music venues, and sporting events.
Brilliant suggestion. I would obviously prefer the BR Blue era version but even modern times it's still a brilliant scenic route especially at the northern end towards Newcastle. The 45s and 47s could layer in on cross country runs and the 47s could also do some kings cross bound runs. Other BR Blue stock could also provide layers as well making this route rather busy. In the modern day it would be best done at the tail end of 2019 and then the HSTs can layer in as well and it would be a full timetable. It would be great to see the 91s in the game and even the 80xs as they are very prevalent on the modern UK railway. 185s could then come as a potential dlc too.
Like I say I would love late 2019 so I can take a HST over this section again. Also 2020 you had reduced timetables for most of the year due to the pandemic.
Oooh with the Deltics, each with their own nameplates and the appropriate Finsbury Park white cab surrounds would be fantastic!!!
If you're wanting this set in the current time then the 91s (225 sets) don't run further north than York and haven't done since September 2020. Also, have you seen the new liveries on the 225 sets? They are all now in LNER intercity livery (instead of black they are oxblood red). Special liveries are on 91110 (BBMF) and 91111 (For the Fallen).
yep, early 2020 (pre covid) when the Hsts were retired and 800s were freshly introduced is when it should be set
Now, I am not one to say “this needs to be Br blue”, but god does this need to be BR blue, because the 800s are just so damn ugly. I’d even take a 91 running flat first
Not to mention the potential for some nice variety with the two different possible approaches to the station depending on which bridge a given service comes across. And the future possibility for reusing the area around the bridges over the Tyne in a Tyne&Wear Metro route (I'd hope a Newcastle-York route would at least have low LOD versions of them crossing the bridge at regular intervals, similar to the Wuppertal Schwebebahn and Edinburgh trams).
We'll agree to disagree, because although I appreciate that your positive opinion of them, they just look.... soulless and drab to me.
I feel like the BR blue era would suit this part of the ECML better as it has more intresting tractions. For further reading relating to BR Blue check: This Thread
I would save London to Peterborough for modern day traction, whereas York to Newcastle has to be BR Blue. Just picture a scene of choppers and tractors double heading heavy freight trains whilst being overtaken by deltics running expresses on the fast lines. That would be absolutely epic.
Oh no, not another ECML thread… Only kidding. However as I’ve said in the other numerous ECML threads which pop up three times a week, for me the route has to have a Deltic and Paxman HST with 47’s on the semi fast services. A reworked 313 could cover suburban services at the south end if set post through running from Finsbury Park to Moorgate. At the Newcastle end it would probably be the ubiquitous 101 again unless DTG decide to expand the heritage DMU range.
I would agree for this route suggestion, I think there could be two separate version of this route, one in the modern day and the other the British rail era
One of the most iconic features of this route is it being one of the country's most notable high speed overhead electrified backbones. At the very least we need it in a period where we have swallow livery 225s running up and down it, but a modern route has much better opportunities scenery-wise, like with the bridges, and potential night lighting across the river tyne, maybe also a mastery reward of a version of the biennial light festival in Durham with the viaduct and streets and river below lit up colourfully.
Why not make it in the same era as train simulator classic version was eventually merging with other parts to make a London to Edinburgh Waverley feasible. Common origin Point London King's cross
Personally I would want to see an ECML South in BR Blue, so we could have Deltics, Baby Deltics, Cravens, a Goyle layer and the old Widened Lines to Moorgate.
I agree but you are going to run across this issue is that a single Class 373 Eurostar can trip the ECML Substations Making them Incapable of running to London kings cross during rush hour. meaning the route timetable must not have a class have a class 373 run on ECML during Rush Hours due to them causing substation issues. Same situation to why you don't see 10 carriages of M7As towards Southeast Brewster on Harlem line
SEHS I wouldn't count as an Eastern route but a South Eastern route so there is not Eastern presence in the game which will hopefully change this year.
There’s TVL, which was part of the North Eastern region and later Eastern region, that represents the East. It would be good to have more though…
