I would like to suggest the North Downs Line as a route for new dlc. The line starts at Reading going via Guildford and Redhill before changing ends to reach Gatwick Airport. It is approximately 41 miles in distance with 25 stations and passes stunning scenery like Boxhill (near Dorking Deepdene). Over the years it has seen several types of traction including Class 206 'Tadpole' DEMUs, Class 119 and 101 DMUs, Class 165/166 'Turbos' and soon Class 769 'Flex Tri Mode' MUs (formerly Class 319 Thameslink). There has been no freight on the route since 2007 but the line was used between 1988-2004 by the Dover to Manchester Piccadilly Travelling Post Office service. There is also the possibility of including the line from Redhill to Tonbridge as many services used to terminate there.
A few images of the North Downs Line. Class 206 Tadpole Class 119 Class 166 Turbo Class 769 Flex Tri Mode View (likely from Boxhill)
Class 33s were used on additional peak services until 1977, this light engine seen at Betchworth. Class 101s supplemented the 119s during the late 80s and early 90s, this one seen at Gatwick Airport.
Drivers eye view of route. Must watch footage. Towards Gatwick end we see a lot of class 377 activity on Southern routes. Being that they already feature in game, this should be fairly easy to do. Lots of SWR movements mid journey too.
Basing it in modern times does not strictly prevent the running of older classes of rolling stock for those of us who liked them. Realists could simply refuse to buy or run them on their game. This should apply to ALL routes.
The locos would have been mostly pre 1990s as freight ceased in 2007 and the TPO only between 1988-2004. I used to travel a lot on the 769 in its previous Thameslink class 319 guise around south london. Handsome design by BREL.
Locomotive classes seen on the line over the years include classes 20, 31, 33, 35, 47, 56, 66, 73 and 74. Also seen was the 207 DEMU from time to time.
Nice suggestion, I'd buy that! It would also mean that we would have to switch ends at Redhill and it would be both a scenic route and built up in some areas.
Bringing this route to TSW2 along with a Brighton Mainline route would connect GWE to ECW and create a sort of mega route. Reading would seem slightly busier as would Brighton. The required trains are already in the game with tremendous scope to bring more in the future. Many different classes have worked these lines over the years.
I never noticed until today that the Class 166 is run off the North Downs Line in TSW2. Such a shame that we cannot drive this route ourselves as well as the other GWE branches which also have the occasional train running off them in game.
Excellent idea and this should end at Reigate where North Downs Line joins BML. Links GWML London Paddington to reading and BML via Guildford. Class 769 standard if GWML London Paddington to reading is owned Class 166 layers in
Sorry for the necrobump but now that we are getting the Route Hopping feature, I thought it'd be a good time to revive this suggestion. As far as the Route Hopping is concerned, this can be implemented at both ends of the route at 3 locations, those being Reading (GWE) Redhill and Gatwick Airport (BML). A perfect way to get between these points without leaving the game.
Sadly these were not successful as far as I know. I believe this route has reverted to Class 165/166 diagrams.
Very nice line as there is lots of traffic at reading and gatwick also if they get a SWR licence lots of traffic at guildford and some reading - woking traffic maybe even part of that line to ascot, or if they are feeling generous then add the bit from ascot down to woking then guildford (I really like this route since I live on this line and a good amount of variety )
Just watched Alan Thomson's YouTube video featuring the WIP TSC North Downs Line phase 1 (Guildford to Reigate). Calvin (developer) has done a fantastic job so far. Great to finally see the route digitally represented, albeit in Train Sim Classic. My only hope is that someone will do this amazing scenic route in full length from Reading to Gatwick Airport (possibly Tonbridge also) for TSW.
I wish they could make TSC stuff for TSW.....I know there a limitations but from modelling perspective wish they could get them in to the editor and make them work..
Two very different building processes are required for these games. However, the research should definitely be better shared as this would surely save a lot of repetitive effort. With that said, this route is being made by a solo developer (Calvin), rather than an established third party in TSW or DTG themselves.
Adding additional coverage to include Tonbridge will provide 6 further stations (totalling 31) and 19 further miles (totalling 60 miles). This route runs East from Redhill. In the present day, services are run by Southeastern and Southern using Electrostar stock already in game. In older eras Class 206 Tadpole and possibly Class 119 could be found operating the line. The additional stations are as follows...
