Route Route Proposal: The North Clyde Line & West Highland Gateway "coast To Capital"

Route Proposal: The North Clyde Line & West Highland Gateway
"Coast to Capital: Edinburgh, Glasgow & The Lochs"

Core Route: Edinburgh Waverley – Helensburgh Central
Branches: Milngavie, Balloch, Springburn (Dual Access), and Maryhill

Total Length: Approx. 71 Miles (114 km)

Total Stations: 56

Era: Modern Day (2024/2025)
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Route Overview: The "Crossrail of Scotland"
This route represents the electric backbone of Central Scotland. It is a route of extreme contrasts: starting in the capital's grand Victorian terminus, racing at 90mph through the open moors of West Lothian, diving underground into the claustrophobic tunnels of the Glasgow City & District Line, and finally emerging alongside the River Clyde to reach the gateway to the Highlands.

It combines high-speed running, heavy freight, intense "metro-style" commuting, and diesel branch line workings into a single cohesive map.
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Rolling Stock Specification
Core Traction (Base Route)
1. Class 334 "Juniper" (ScotRail Saltire)

Role: Semi-fast and Stopping Passenger services (Edinburgh - Helensburgh / Milngavie).

Formation: 3-Car EMU (often runs as 6-car).

Top Speed: 90 mph.

Physics & Features: Famous for the "Juniper Wail" (Alstom motors) and slippery adhesion. The challenge lies in managing the brake blend on wet rails to avoid station overshoots.

2. Class 320 (ScotRail Saltire)

Role: Stopper (Airdrie - Balloch / Springburn Low Level and services to/from Partick (from Glasgow Central Low Level).

Formation: 3-Car EMU (often runs with Class 318's or in a pair with another 320).

Top Speed: 90 mph

Physics & Features: Gritty thyristor sounds, heavy controls, and loud compressor thumping. These units lack the refinement of the 334, requiring aggressive acceleration and late braking to keep to tight suburban schedules.
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DLC Bundle: "The West Highland Gateway"
1. Class 156 "Super Sprinter" (ScotRail Saltire)

Role: West Highland Line (WHL) services & Maryhill Locals.

Formation: 2-Car DMU (often seen in pairs or trios with a Class 153 on WHL services).

Top Speed: 75 mph.

Physics & Features: A heavy diesel-hydraulic feel. The distinct Leyland engine thrash and sluggish acceleration compared to the electrics make the steep gradients out of Queen Street a manual throttle management challenge.

2. Class 153 "Highland Explorer" (Active Travel Livery)

Role: West Highland Line services (attached to Class 156).

Formation: 1-Car DMU.

Top Speed: 75 mph.

Physics & Features: Features the custom "Active Travel" exterior livery featuring mountain outlines. The interior is fully remodeled with bike racks and map tables, offering a distinct visual experience from the standard commuter stock.
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Content Layering & AI Traffic
1. Class 385 "eXpress" (Hitachi AT200)

Source: ScotRail Express: Edinburgh - Glasgow.

Role: Springburn (High Level) services & Edinburgh & Glasgow AI.

Top Speed: 100 mph.

Operation: Travels via the Cowlairs Chord to Springburn Through Platforms (3 & 4), contrasting with the Low Level terminators.

2. Class 170 "Turbostar"

Source: Fife Circle.

Role: Maryhill Locals & Regional AI.

Top Speed: 100 mph.

Operation: A primary substitute for the Class 156 and the Class 158 on local stopping services to Anniesland.

3. Class 158 "Express Sprinter"

Source: ScotRail Express (Livery Sub).

Role: Maryhill Locals & Regional A.I

Top Speed: 90 mph.

Operation: Substitutes for Class 156/170 diagrams on the Maryhill shuttle.

4. Class 66 (Freightliner/GBRf)

Source: Any applicable DLC.

Role: Alumina Tanks (North Blyth - Fort William).

Top Speed: 75 mph.

Operation: Heavy freight logistics, threading between commuter services at key junctions between Springburn and Craigendoran Junction.
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Master Station Directory
Zone A: Edinburgh & West Lothian (The Fast Run)
Datum: Mileage from Edinburgh Waverley.

1. Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
Year Opened: 1846
Mileage: 0.00
Platforms: 18
Notes: The route begins here. Complex station throat with 15mph speed limits.

2. Haymarket (HYM)
Year Opened: 1842
Mileage: 1.25
Platforms: 4
Notes: Major West End interchange. Trains enter the tunnels immediately upon departure.

3. Edinburgh Park (EDP)
Year Opened: 2003
Mileage: 4.50
Platforms: 2
Notes: Modern interchange with the Edinburgh Trams system.

4. Uphall (UHA)
Year Opened: 1986
Mileage: 10.75
Platforms: 2
Notes: Serves Broxburn. Features a long straight approach.

5. Livingston North (LSN)
Year Opened: 1986
Mileage: 12.50
Platforms: 2
Notes: Primary commuter hub for the New Town.

6. Bathgate (BHG)
Year Opened: 2010 (Current site)
Mileage: 18.25
Platforms: 2
Notes: Features a large depot, stabling sidings, and a train wash plant, used for driver changes (long dwell times).

7. Armadale (ARM)
Year Opened: 2011
Mileage: 20.75
Platforms: 2
Notes: Situated on a significant gradient.

8. Blackridge (BKR)
Year Opened: 2010
Mileage: 22.50
Platforms: 2
Notes: The administrative boundary station for West Lothian. Windswept moorland location.

Zone B: North Lanarkshire
Datum: Mileage continues from Zone A.

9. Caldercruix (CUI)
Year Opened: 2011
Mileage: 24.75
Platforms: 2
Notes: Scenic run alongside Hillend Loch with water reflection effects.

10. Drumgelloch (DRU)
Year Opened: 2011
Mileage: 27.25
Platforms: 2
Notes: Modern glass and steel architecture.

11. Airdrie (ADR)
Year Opened: 1828 (Rebuilt over time)
Mileage: 28.50
Platforms: 3
Notes: Key turnback location. Platform 3 is a bay platform used for terminating trains.

12. Coatdyke (COA)
Year Opened: 1989
Mileage: 29.25
Platforms: 2
Notes: Extremely short inter-station distance from Airdrie; requires rapid braking.

13. Coatbridge Sunnyside (CBS)
Year Opened: 1870
Mileage: 30.00
Platforms: 2
Notes: Sunken station featuring distinctive red sandstone retaining walls.

14. Blairhill (BAI)
Year Opened: 1870
Mileage: 31.00
Platforms: 2
Notes: Suburban stop serving Drumpellier Country Park.

Zone C: Glasgow Core (The Underground)
Datum: Mileage continues from Zone B.

15. Easterhouse (EST)
Year Opened: 1871
Mileage: 33.50
Platforms: 2
Notes: Located in a major urban regeneration area.

16. Garrowhill (GAR)
Year Opened: 1935
Mileage: 34.50
Platforms: 2
Notes: Standard island platform configuration.

17. Shettleston (SLS)
Year Opened: 1871
Mileage: 36.25
Platforms: 2
Notes: Features a freight loop often used to hold Class 66s.

18. Carntyne (CAY)
Year Opened: 1871
Mileage: 37.00
Platforms: 2
Notes: Island platform.

19. Bellgrove (BLG)
Year Opened: 1871
Mileage: 38.50
Platforms: 2
Notes: Junction where the line splits North to Springburn.

20. High Street (HST)
Year Opened: 1866
Mileage: 39.25
Platforms: 2
Notes: Tunnel portal. Transition from open air to the underground section.

21. Glasgow Queen St (Low Level) (GLQ)
Year Opened: 1886
Mileage: 39.75
Platforms: 2
Notes: The central hub. Low level, underground, intense passenger density.

22. Charing Cross (CHC)
Year Opened: 1886
Mileage: 40.50
Platforms: 2
Notes: "The Canyon" – an open-air cutting situated between tunnels.

23. Partick (PTK)
Year Opened: 1979 (Rebuilt)
Mileage: 42.00
Platforms: 2
Notes: Major interchange with the Glasgow Subway. 3-minute train headways.

24. Hyndland (HYN)
Year Opened: 1886
Mileage: 42.75
Platforms: 2
Notes: Critical Junction. Lines split here for North (Milngavie) and West (Helensburgh).

Zone D: Springburn & Maryhill (The Branches)
Datum: Operational context used for layout description.

25. Duke Street (DST)
Year Opened: 1881
Mileage: Branch Line
Platforms: 2
Notes: Very short distance from Bellgrove.

26. Alexandra Parade (AXP)
Year Opened: 1881
Mileage: Branch Line
Platforms: 2
Notes: Located near the Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

27. Barnhill (BNL)
Year Opened: 1881
Mileage: Branch Line
Platforms: 2
Notes: Surrounded by high-density housing.

28. Springburn (SPR)
Year Opened: 1875
Mileage: Branch Terminus
Platforms: 4

Notes: Dual Operations: Bay platforms (South/320) vs Through platforms (North/385).

29. Glasgow Queen St (High Level) (GLQ)
Year Opened: 1842
Mileage: 0.00 (Maryhill Datum)
Platforms: 7
Notes: Terminus for the High Level services.

30. Ashfield (ASF)
Year Opened: 1993
Mileage: 2.00
Platforms: 2
Notes: First stop after the Cowlairs Junction.

31. Possilpark & Parkhouse (PPK)
Year Opened: 1993
Mileage: 2.75
Platforms: 2
Notes: Modern build from the 1990s reopening project.

32. Gilshochill (GSC)
Year Opened: 1993
Mileage: 3.25
Platforms: 2
Notes: Similar design to other stations on the line.

33. Summerston (SUM)
Year Opened: 1993
Mileage: 4.00
Platforms: 2
Notes: Near the Kelvingrove Art Gallery.

34. Maryhill (MYH)
Year Opened: 1993
Mileage: 4.75
Platforms: 2
Notes: Crucial Junction. WHL trains go straight; Anniesland locals diverge left.

35. Kelvindale (KVD)
Year Opened: 2005
Mileage: 5.50
Platforms: 1
Notes: Operational Pinch Point. Located on a single-track curve.

36. Anniesland (ANN)
Year Opened: 1886
Mileage: 6.25
Platforms: 3
Notes: Bay platform 3 is the terminus for Maryhill local trains.

Zone E: West Dunbartonshire (The Clyde Run)
Datum: Mileage continues from Hyndland/Partick.

37. Jordanhill (JOR)
Year Opened: 1887
Mileage: 43.50
Platforms: 2
Notes: Serves a large college campus.

38. Scotstounhill (SCH)
Year Opened: 1887
Mileage: 44.25
Platforms: 2
Notes: Access point for Scotstoun Stadium.

39. Garscadden (GRS)
Year Opened: 1960
Mileage: 45.00
Platforms: 2
Notes: Busy residential commuter stop.

40. Yoker (YOK)
Year Opened: 1897
Mileage: 45.75
Platforms: 2
Notes: Access point for the Yoker Depot.

41. Clydebank (CLY)
Year Opened: 1897
Mileage: 46.25
Platforms: 2
Notes: Located in an industrial town with tight track curves.

42. Drumry (DMY)
Year Opened: 1953
Mileage: 46.50
Platforms: 2
Notes: Located on the Singer Loop line.

43. Singer (SIN)
Year Opened: 1907
Mileage: 47.00
Platforms: 2
Notes: Built inside the footprint of the historic Singer sewing machine factory.

44. Dalmuir (DMR)
Year Opened: 1897
Mileage: 47.50
Platforms: 5
Notes: Major Hub. Lines merge here; serves as a major turnaround point.

45. Kilpatrick (KPT)
Year Opened: 1897
Mileage: 49.00
Platforms: 2
Notes: Situated directly under the massive Erskine Bridge.

46. Bowling (BWG)
Year Opened: 1858
Mileage: 50.25
Platforms: 2
Notes: Scenic views of the harbour and canal basin.

47. Dumbarton East (DBE)
Year Opened: 1858
Mileage: 53.00
Platforms: 2
Notes: Features a tight curve leading into the platform.

48. Dumbarton Central (DBC)
Year Opened: 1858
Mileage: 53.75
Platforms: 3
Notes: Scenic highlight: Dumbarton Castle and Rock visible from the station.

49. Dalreoch (DLR)
Year Opened: 1858
Mileage: 54.50
Platforms: 2
Notes: Junction where the Balloch branch splits from the main line.

50. Cardross (CDO)
Year Opened: 1858
Mileage: 57.50
Platforms: 2
Notes: Coastal station. Loch spray hits the train during storms.

51. Craigendoran (CGD)
Year Opened: 1882
Mileage: 59.25
Platforms: 1
Notes: Right next to the Gare Loch, trains for the WHL pass at a higher grade to the right of the station.

52. Helensburgh Central (HLC)
Year Opened: 1858
Mileage: 60.50
Platforms: 3
Notes: Terminus. Features a Victorian glass canopy.

Zone F: The Branch Termini
Datum: Mileage calculated from Edinburgh Waverley via Hyndland.

53. Westerton (WES)
Year Opened: 1913
Mileage: 44.50 (approx)
Platforms: 2
Notes: Junction where Maryhill/WHL lines join the North Clyde line.

54. Bearsden (BRN)
Year Opened: 1863
Mileage: 45.25 (approx)
Platforms: 2
Notes: Features classic Victorian stone architecture.

55. Hillfoot (HLF)
Year Opened: 1913
Mileage: 45.75 (approx)
Platforms: 2
Notes: Located on a steep gradient; requires a difficult hill start.

56. Milngavie (MLN)
Year Opened: 1863
Mileage: 46.75 (approx)
Platforms: 2
Notes: Single track terminus. Start point of the West Highland Way.

57. Renton (RTN)
Year Opened: 1850
Mileage: 55.50 (approx)
Platforms: 2
Notes: Small village halt on the Balloch branch.

58. Alexandria (ALX)
Year Opened: 1850
Mileage: 56.50 (approx)
Platforms: 2
Notes: Commuter town stop.

59. Balloch (BCH)
Year Opened: 1988 (Current Central station)
Mileage: 57.50 (approx)
Platforms: 2
Notes: Gateway to Loch Lomond. Terminus.
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The LAMPOIL Evaluation
An assessment of the route's viability based on Dovetail Games’ internal criteria.

L - Licensing (Status: Green)
Primary License: ScotRail. Dovetail Games holds an active license. The "Saltire" branding is already established.
Freight: Freightliner and GBRf are licensed, covering Alumina/Engineering traffic.

A - Anticipation (Status: Very High)
The "Scottish Gap": Physically links Edinburgh-Glasgow and Cathcart Circle.
Gameplay Demand: Fulfills the frequent request for "Metro/Underground" driving via the Low Level line.

M - Mix (Status: Outstanding)
Gameplay Variety:

High Speed: 90mph electric (Edinburgh-Bathgate).
Metro: Stop-start tunnel driving (Glasgow Low Level).
Diesel Branch: Single-track loops (Maryhill).
Freight: Heavy haul logistics (Class 66).
Layering: Massive potential with Class 158, 170, and 385 integration.

P - Prominence (Status: High)
Significance: Connects the Capital, the Industrial Heart, and the Highlands.
Landmarks: Erskine Bridge, Dumbarton Rock, Edinburgh Castle, Scott Monument.

O - Opportunity (Status: High)
Physics: Showcase for "Advanced Adhesion" (slippery rail during Scottish autumn).
DLC: The Class 153 "Highland Explorer" is a unique "Active Travel" DLC distinct from standard commuter trains.

I - Intelligence (Status: Medium/Hard)
Timetable Logic: Hyndland Junction requires complex AI pathing to juggle Milngavie/Balloch/Helensburgh splits without gridlocking the tunnels.

L - Limitation (Status: Manageable)
Asset Density: 56 stations is a heavy workload, mitigated by modular "SPT" station architecture.
Lighting: Requires engine optimization for the transition between bright daylight and dark tunnels.
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Conclusion
The North Clyde Line: Coast to Capital is more than just another commuter route; it is the definitive Scottish railway experience. It bridges the gap within the Central Belt, creating a unified rail network that spans the breadth of the country.

From the high-speed electric run out of Edinburgh to the diesel-hydraulic struggle up the Cowlairs Incline, and from the claustrophobic darkness of the Low Level tunnels to the open, windswept shores of the River Clyde, this route offers unmatched variety. With the introduction of the Class 334 Juniper and the unique Class 153 "Highland Explorer" DLC, it provides distinct driving challenges that cater to every type of player—whether they prefer precision stopping, heavy freight logistics, or scenic touring. It is, quite simply, the route that completes the Scottish Lowlands.

Thanks for Reading!
Pictures of Rolling Stock will follow in a separate post.

 

Nice suggestion.
But still no Caledonian Sleeper proposed.

 

Not a bad route but I don't see any chance of a 50+ station route tbh.
Wouldn't mind it being cut as the TSC version was if that was what's needed to make it happen. 156, 320 and 334 would make for a classic route.

 

BR Class 334.

BR Class 156.

BR Class 153.

 

This would be an epic route. So much variety here.