Okay, a slightly facetious name for it, but given the announcement that the UK's Royal Train will be decommissioned by the end of 2027, I thought it might be fitting to suggest a loco DLC based off this elusive but nonetheless iconic train. Formed of two dedicated class 67s hauling a rake of typically around 8 modified mk3 carriages, this train is a useful method of travel for senior working royals, conveying them up and down the UK in comfort and privacy, minimising the impact on the travelling public and allowing meetings and other administrative duties to be carried out on the move. Included in the pack would be 67005 Queen's Messenger and 67006 Royal Sovereign, two of DB's class 67 mixed-traffic diesel locomotives, painted in Royal Claret livery. In addition, a variety of carriages including saloon, couchette, sleeping, kitchen and generator/brake cars. I feel that the real strength of this DLC would be that it can fit onto literally any route: wherever the royal family chose to go, so did the train. With whisperings already about preservation after decommission, there could be plenty of opportunity to access this unique consist, plus it provides an opportunity to get another modern UK loco in the game. I imagine licensing could be a nightmare though - who knows?
I’m guessing before it could be fully modelled, the information would have to be fully declassified. I was very privileged some years ago when our NR Line Manager organised a trip for his six Train Running Controllers to Wolverton for a look around the Royal Train. However it was firmly emphasised that what we saw was subject to the Official Secrets Act so couldn’t be shared with anyone else. I also hold the dubious privilege of being one of the few NR TRC’s to divert a “live” (as opposed to ECS) Royal Train some years ago now (I retired in 2018). A run from somewhere in the South West to somewhere in the Midlands or north. It was booked via Worcester and Stourbridge but the Midland gibbed about the train being overload for the Class 67 up Old Hill Bank. That despite the fact the Lickey is a lot steeper! So funny how the RCM, who normally sat parochial lay on the very hush hush details of the movement suddenly deemed it a TRC problem! Anyhow to cut the story short, I arranged the Lickey diversion and the train crew were requested to power up the rear 67 to act as banker. To this day I don’t know whether that really happened or the lead 67 managed quite nicely on its own. The maximum load for a 67 up the Lickey was probably on the pessimistic side anyway. And after recounting that story, my next forum contribution will probably be from the Tower Of London and headsman’s block!
