An idea for an expansion pack for the Glossop line route, adding the Class 142 in ex-Northern livery for services to Rose Hill Marple (driveable to Hyde North), representing the Pacers in their final years of service. Era-appropriate changes for the Class 142 would involve replacement of the doors to the newer single-fold type, TPWS fitment, colour change of the cab to blue, and the newer style seating (although some units still retained the original bench seats up until withdrawal). Exclusivity to the Cummins-Voith engine/transmission setup would be necessary too. As a bonus, the Class 323 could receive a matching ex-Northern livery with improvements to the suspension system as seen on the training centre version. Class 142 Class 323 Key benefits: Adds playable Rose Hill services for the Class 142, driveable to Hyde North. Unserved stations now get services (Hyde North, Fairfield, Gorton, Ardwick). Additional AI services at Manchester Piccadilly (to New Mills Central, Buxton and Sheffield). Thanks for reading! All thoughts and additional ideas welcome.
Great suggestion, I like the idea of adding a modern-spec 142 onto Glossop Line as it would make Piccadilly that bit busier without having to develop any new trains i.e. Voyagers (XC) or Pendolinos (AWC) Onto the Class 323 then... once again, fantastic idea as 323s operated the Glossop Line when they wore the ex-Northern Rail livery before they were reliveried into Northern Trains livery and I like how the suspension improvements are coming over from the TC 323 as well
Thank you, it seems like a fairly straightforward idea for some more gameplay onto the Glossop line, and would give those who prefer more modern routes somewhere else to run the Pacer on authentically. The Class 142 could also layer onto some other routes, notably at Doncaster and Nottingham for AI services to Sheffield.
Yeah, I think having the 142 in a modern state would open up layer possibilities on other routes, which might benefit some people who like the Pacer
Some scenario ideas: Temporary Isolation Run a 2-car Class 142 from Manchester Piccadilly to Glossop, in place of a usual Class 323 due to overhead line engineering work in the Manchester area. Winter Diversions Drive a 4-car Class 142 from Ardwick depot to Manchester Piccadilly, switching cabs before proceeding onto Hyde North with a non-stop Buxton service diverted via Guide Bridge. Woodhead Wonderer Drive a 6-car Class 142 railtour from Manchester Piccadilly to Hadfield, returning to Manchester via Glossop, retracing the remaining segments of the historic Woodhead line. Bouncing Along Take the role of a guard on the second leg of a Rose Hill Marple service bound for Manchester Piccadilly, starting at Hyde North and calling at all stops (making use of the Class 142 guard's key functionality and door controls).
Oh nice, taking a leaf out of my book are you? Great ideas, I like the sound of Bouncing Along and Temporary Isolation
