One of the annoying things about wanting to use layers on routes is that I need a whole route downloaded to use it, taking up unnecessary storage; for example, if I want to drive the pacer on WCML over Shap, then I’d need to have the Blackpool Branches route installed too, even if I had no intention of playing it at that time. My suggestion is that locos that are used as layers can be installed separately, saving storage and making installing dlc faster. So that in this example, I’d only need to download the pacer and not a whole route, which would take only a few minutes
Agreed. I only use one or two - three at a push - routes (both JT ones and SEHS occasionally) regularly, everything else is for layers. Routes like WCL I'll never revisit, but don't want to lose the Trip Workings on WCMLOS which require the vans that come with the WCL route.
No idea how easy it would be to retroactively implement to older content, but it would definitely be very handy for keeping install sizes down.