Proposal - A refreshed GWE up to TSW4 standards, complete with OHLE all the way to Reading and set in the pre-Crossrail, 387s-starting-to-take-over, IETs-slowly-being-introduced era. Pretty much all the stock required is already in-game: - 166 - already in GWR livery so good to go but speaking of which for goodness' sake why is this not in livery designer - 80x - just needs a repaint and addition of an actual diesel engine - oh, and realistic (by which I mean audible) sounds - 387 - just needs a repaint - HST - good to go This would make this route so much more enjoyable to drive, with a much better variety of stock - and, not least, introducing an IET that can do 125mph on diesel, which would give myriad free roam possibilities. That's just an overview of my idea - I'm sure other people can think of other aspects to consider.
Not to mention we already have the IET in ECML and not exactly the most exciting train on the block. Class 387 apart from being on AC already in BML and again a dull modern EMU. If GWML was remade should be made in late BR days with Paxman engine HST’s, a Class 50 and maybe a Class 117 DMU. No worries about licensing!
Didn't know about DTG losing the GWR licensing, what a shame. I always thought GWR were a relatively reasonable company, but in the end they are owned by First so this sort of thing can't be entirely unexpected. It'll be interesting to see what happens in the next few years with Labour's plans to nationalise the whole system... I think it would be nice to have more opportunities to use the IETs - love them or hate them they are one of the most numerous forms of traction out there today. The late BR GWML is an excellent idea though.
