This concept starts at Piccadilly just like Glossop and Manchester Airport Commuter (MAC). The normal route from Manchester to Sheffield is via the Hope Valley line, which passes through Reddish, Bredbury and Marple, to name a few. What I'm suggesting is to re-use the already existing line from Manchester to Stockport (MAC), and branch off from Hazel Grove into the Hope Valley Line. It would also continue on from Hazel Grove to Buxton. Both lines explore the sights of the peak district. A Northern 156 would run the stopping services, and a TPE 185 would run an express service from Piccadilly to Sheffield, calling only at Stockport This route would consist of 47 miles of track: Manchester - Buxton, 20 miles (32km), with 6 miles (10km) re usable from MAC Hazel Grove - Sheffield, 27 miles (44km) The Rolling Stock could be as follows: A new class 156 in NT livery, or re-use the class 150/153 Cardiff City in NT livery A class 185 in TPE livery (layered onto MAC) or a class 170 EMR depending on licensing A class 323 in NT livery There could also be an additional pack containing the Class 195 and 331, two much requested trains which could also be used on MAC. Obviously they could also be included in the pack but I feel like 2 trains is TSW standard. Timetabled journeys, probably 2024 or 2025 Class 156: Manchester - Buxton (60m), Manchester - Sheffield (stopping, 75m), New Mills Central - Sheffield (stopping, 55m) Class 185: Manchester - Sheffield (express, 60m) Class 323: Manchester - Stockport (10m), Manchester - Hazel Grove (25m) Class 195: Manchester - Sheffield (stopping, 75m), New Mills Central - Sheffield (stopping, 55m) Class 331: Manchester - Hazel Grove (25m) Layered content: Class 390 AWC - Manchester to Stockport (10m) Class 150/153 TfW - Manchester to Stockport (10m) Class 158 EMR - Manchester to Sheffield (express, 60m) Stations (25): Manchester Piccadilly (MAC), Levenshulme (MAC), Heaton Chapel (MAC), Stockport (MAC), Davenport, Woodsmoor, Hazel Grove, New Mills Central, Chinley, Edale, Hope, Bamford, Hathersage, Grindleford, Dore & Totley, Sheffield, Middlewood, Disley, New Mills Newtown, Furness Vale, Whaley Bridge, Chapel-en-le-Frith, Dove Holes, Buxton In terms of route length and stations, it fits within the average amount for TSW routes. It's comparable to WCML South and Birmingham City. The pricing is obviously their choice but probably around £30
100% down for this. It really feels like this route is the elephant in the room. We all know it should be addressed. It would be incredibly popular.
