4 new trains as a bundle to add to the gameplay of the east coast mainline and make it an overall conducive route. The pack would be similar to BR Heavy freight and would improve gameplay extensively: 1. The BR Class 91 IC225 The BR Class 91, also known as the British Rail Class 91, is an iconic electric locomotive that played a significant role in the modernization of the British railway system. It boasts impressive technical specifications and has a rich history within the realm of British rail transport. Technical Specifications: 1. Power Output: The Class 91 is a high-powered locomotive, capable of producing 4,500 kW (approximately 6,040 horsepower). This substantial power output made it well-suited for high-speed intercity services. 2. Traction System: It utilizes a 25 kV AC overhead electrification system, which is the standard for the British mainline electrification. This allowed the Class 91 to run efficiently on electrified routes. 3. Top Speed: The Class 91 is renowned for its remarkable top speed of 140 mph (225 km/h), making it one of the fastest locomotives in the UK. It was primarily used for express passenger services, such as those on the East Coast Main Line. 4. Regenerative Braking: The locomotive is equipped with regenerative braking technology, which helps to recover energy during braking and feed it back into the overhead power supply system, increasing energy efficiency. 5. Multiple Working Modes: The Class 91 has multiple working modes to adapt to different service requirements. It can operate in a high-speed mode for express services and a lower-speed mode for regional or commuter operations. 6. Pantograph: The locomotive uses a pantograph to establish electrical contact with the overhead wires. These pantographs are equipped with automatic height adjustment systems to maintain proper contact. History: The Class 91 was introduced as part of the electrification efforts on the East Coast Main Line in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It was developed by BREL (British Rail Engineering Limited) and introduced into service between 1988 and 1991. The electrification of the East Coast Main Line was a significant project aimed at improving speed, efficiency, and capacity on one of the UK's most vital rail corridors. The Class 91 was primarily used for services running between London King's Cross and cities in the north, such as Edinburgh and Leeds. It quickly became a symbol of modernization in British rail travel, offering passengers high-speed, electrically-powered journeys. Notably, these locomotives were often paired with the iconic Mark 4 coaches, creating the distinctive "InterCity 225" train sets, named for their maximum speed. These trains played a crucial role in offering faster and more comfortable rail travel options for passengers traveling between London and major cities in the north of England and Scotland. Over the years, the Class 91 locomotives have undergone various upgrades and refurbishments to maintain their reliability and extend their service life. Despite advancements in rail technology, the Class 91 remains an essential part of the UK rail network's history and continues to operate on electrified routes, serving passengers and enthusiasts alike. 2. The BR Class 180 (Grand Central): Certainly! The Class 180, also known as the Adelante, is a type of diesel multiple-unit (DMU) train that was introduced in the early 2000s in the United Kingdom. Here's a brief overview of its history and technical specifications: **History:** The Class 180 trains were built by Alstom, a French manufacturer, and were introduced to the UK rail network in the early 2000s. They were originally operated by First Great Western, and later some units were transferred to other operators. Grand Central, the train operating company you mentioned, is one of the operators that used Class 180 trains. Technical Specifications: - Power Source: The Class 180 is powered by a diesel engine, making it a diesel multiple-unit (DMU) train. This allows it to operate on non-electrified lines. - Seating Capacity: Depending on the configuration, these trains typically have seating for around 140 to 168 passengers. - Top Speed: The Class 180 is known for its relatively high top speed, which is around 125 miles per hour (200 kilometers per hour). This makes it suitable for high-speed services on certain routes. - Transmission: These trains use hydraulic transmission systems to deliver power to the wheels. - Interior: The interior of Class 180 trains is designed for passenger comfort and features air conditioning, spacious seating, and onboard amenities. - Multiple Units: Class 180 trains are typically operated as multiple units, meaning that two or more carriages are coupled together to form a complete train. - Route Compatibility: They are often used on longer-distance routes, including some intercity services, due to their higher speed capabilities. Making them perfect for the ECML route. It's worth noting that while the Class 180 trains have been in service for several years, the specific details and configurations of individual units may vary depending on the operator's needs and any modifications made over time. These trains have played a role in improving rail connectivity in the UK, especially on routes that are not electrified. potential service patterns could include the 180s running from south of Peterborough non stop to Doncaster, and they layer in as good AI. 3. LNER Class 800 The LNER Class 800, also known as the Azuma, is a type of high-speed electric and diesel-electric multiple-unit (EMU and DEMU) train used in the United Kingdom. Here are some details about the LNER Class 800: History: The Class 800 Azuma trains were introduced as part of the Intercity Express Programme (IEP), a modernization effort aimed at improving rail travel in the UK. These trains were designed to replace older rolling stock on the East Coast Main Line (ECML) and Great Western Main Line (GWML) routes. Technical Specifications: - Power Sources: The Class 800 trains are available in two variants: electric-only (EMU) and bi-mode (DEMU). The electric-only version is designed to run on electrified routes, while the bi-mode version can switch between electric and diesel power, making it versatile for both electrified and non-electrified lines. - Top Speed: These trains have a top speed of around 125 miles per hour (200 kilometers per hour), allowing for faster intercity travel. - Seating Capacity: The seating capacity varies depending on the specific configuration, but they typically offer seating for around 500 passengers. - Interior: The Class 800 Azuma trains feature modern, spacious interiors with comfortable seating, onboard amenities, and improved accessibility for passengers. - Multiple Units: Like many modern trains, Class 800s are operated as multiple units, with several carriages coupled together to form a complete train. - Route Compatibility: They are primarily used for intercity services, connecting major cities in the UK, such as London, Edinburgh, and Newcastle. Their ability to switch between electric and diesel power makes them suitable for routes with varying electrification. These trains represent a significant advancement in rail technology in the UK, offering improved speed, efficiency, and passenger comfort compared to the older rolling stock they were designed to replace. They have contributed to enhancing rail connectivity and reducing journey times on key intercity routes. 4. BR Class 55 + MK2 and MK3 coaches 1. **Design and Appearance:** The Deltics were designed by English Electric and were characterized by their unique appearance, featuring a streamlined body and distinctive nose design. They had a futuristic look that was quite different from other locomotives of their time. 2. **Powerful Engines:** One of the key features of the Deltics was their powerful Napier Deltic engines. These were 18-cylinder, two-stroke, opposed-piston diesel engines, which made the Deltics exceptionally powerful. They could produce 3,300 horsepower, making them one of the most powerful locomotives in the world at the time. 3. **High-Speed Service:** Deltics were primarily used for high-speed passenger services on the East Coast Main Line in the UK. They were specifically built for rapid acceleration and high-speed travel, making them well-suited for express passenger trains. 4. **Top Speed:** The Class 55 Deltics were capable of reaching speeds of up to 100 miles per hour (160 kilometers per hour), which was impressive for their era. This made them ideal for intercity routes, reducing travel times between major cities. 5. **Fleet and Service:** British Railways introduced 22 Deltic locomotives into service between 1961 and 1962. They were originally deployed on routes such as the London to Edinburgh service, providing a faster and more reliable alternative to steam locomotives. 6. **Legacy:** The Deltics became iconic in British railway history, known for their distinctive sound and sleek appearance. They were reliable workhorses, serving for nearly two decades in regular service until being replaced by more modern locomotives. Even after their retirement, they remain beloved by rail enthusiasts and are often preserved for heritage railway operations. 7. **Preservation:** Several Deltics have been preserved and can still be seen running on heritage railways and at rail enthusiasts' events. These preserved Deltics serve as a testament to their enduring popularity and historical significance. In summary, the Class 55 Deltic locomotives were a remarkable part of British rail history, known for their unique design, powerful engines, and contribution to high-speed passenger services. They hold a special place in the hearts of railway enthusiasts and continue to be celebrated in the UK's railway heritage. The Deltics could also come with a 1970s timetable featuring the class 101s, Class 47s, 37s, 20s and peaks as well as layering in on NTP and being AI at Darlington on TVL.
Great idea I would like to see the class 91 too it would also give more variety as most the services like the class 700 are either unplayable or only for a short time.
I personally feel as though the Class 91 is an absolute must have for the ECML it will add another level of challenge as it’s a different driving experience compared to the IETs. Plus it feels weird seeing the ECML without the iconic 225 Sets
As someone else said, doesn't the 180 run non-stop until donny, meaning it could only *realisitcally* be an AI layer?
The 91 is a must! Naturally with DVT services, and I'd only want it if we could run blunt end services too. Love the blunt end.
You can count me in on this. However, I'd replace the Deltic with a special HST tour instead. Specifically with the now withdrawn 43002 from the National Rail Museum. I'd also love to see a reskinned 158 in Northern livery layer on to this route as well to bring more life at Doncaster.
DTG did say they wanted to add the BiMode/Hybrid Class 800 Azuma in the East Coast Mainline Route but only the 801 was available in the Depo but yes I would like to see the 800 Azuma in an Loco Add-on pack.
You'd again have the two camps of 'Unrealistic, please remove' or the 'twist realisim for gameplay sake'.
Deltic, Paxman HST and 91 & Mk 4’s in that order please. DTG have done such a good job on this route, it would be a crying shame if it just fell off the radar into the perpetual “as is” category and didn’t get some additional train content. Ready and willing customers here, DTG Matt .
What I also feel could work is for DTG to pull a Rivet in reverse, backdating the route to the mid 80's or even 90's could open some great gameplay opportunities. Imagine flying down the ECML with a 91 painted in GNER livery or a Paxman 125 in Intercity Swallow. Maybe even add an extension to York. I hope DTG do add more to this route and turn it into their Magnum Opus. Lots of potential here if you ask me.
I mean, they did that once with the DLoTGW, at it was.... meh at best. It depends how much people would be bothered by modern stations but all old rolling stock. It kinda feels weird on that dlc, so I would prefer that they did a 80s/90s route rather than backdated the trains to suit.
Using retro rolling stock on a modern route would be completely unacceptable. When I say backdate the route, I mean editing the stations, scenery and timetable to make the route more accurate for the time period. I agree that running GNER 225s on an LNER branded route would be unrealistic.
There is a catch 22 as well, backdate it to GNER. HST, 91, 373 and watch it absolutely shake things up
Only issue there, is if there are infrastructure changes, like layout changes. Because they it's becoming more of a new route than editied scenery.
Which is exactly why I suggested to add 43002 as a special railtour in my first comment. We get an MTU HST in Intercity Swallow livery, it would fit right in on the modern iteration of the ECML and it would still be semi-prototypical to real life.
No worries. I'm just in the camp that prefers to keep TSW somewhat prototypical to reality. I should also mention I got my loco numbers wrong. 43002 is actually in BR blue but 43185 is the power car in swallow livery. Woops. They'd still make a perfect pair of HST powercars for a railtour on the ECML though.
