Retromaster Wcml South

Discussion in 'TSW General Discussion' started by Coolbarco, Dec 19, 2025 at 1:43 PM.

  1. Coolbarco

    Coolbarco Member

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    *Content warning: I am going to bang on about the WCML. This isn't a suggestion, just for discussion as I don't think there is any realistic chance of it happening. I am not a developer for one!

    It has occured to me that if I was a 3P and could choose any project, I would make a version of WCML South set in 1990. I think the stars have aligned for this, here's why.

    The route already exists, but many argue it is too short. Extending to Birmingham NS now I think is hard as there might be too many timetabled services, setting it back in time may assist this.

    I'd include Northampton and if I had to choose between this and going all the way to Birmingham, I'd opt for Northampton and finishing at Rugby as a compromise.

    Trains - so many exist in game already and with only one new EMU and DVT required means a good balance for developers and value for money for players with potentially unrivalled realism in variety of rolling stock and services represented in one route!

    Intercity and cross country services using:
    Just Trains' Class 87, 86, 47, (and variants) Mk3 and Mk2 coaches.
    ATS' Class 90
    *New Train* Class 82 DVT - a first for a UK route in TSW (I think?)
    I'd also include an Intercity livery Clase 43 HST.

    NSE and local services using:
    DTG class 313 (Watford Line)
    *New train* Class 321
    And, with JT's upcoming 108, I could relatively realistically layer on Marston Vale Line ECS and AI services at Bletchley.

    London Underground using:
    DTG Bakerloo Line 1972 stock.

    Freight using:
    DTG Class 31, 20 and class 86 (I think this happened?)

    Possible variation:
    Set it in 1986, same as JTs WCML routes. This would be good for two reasons:
    1. Do the Class 310 and get a much needed slamdoor EMU in the game! (No 82 DVT though)
    2. Aligns 3 sections of the WCML and 2 significant branches to the same era.

    Like I said, not a serious suggestion, but more for discussion, hence why I thought I'd start this here.

    Thanks for reading this far!!
     
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  2. 85hertz

    85hertz Well-Known Member

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    As much as a DVT is needed for TSW, not having one would make operations interesting at London Euston.
     
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  3. Coolbarco

    Coolbarco Member

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    I agree, I don't mind the idea of having engine movements at Euston either. Be good to have a London terminus, or any major terminus station set in 1980s.
     
  4. OldVern

    OldVern Well-Known Member

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    All hail the idea, but I fear the in and out working at Euston with loco hauled services could get tangled very quickly. Probably one of the reasons why DLOGW only has a fraction of the actual train service.
     
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  5. GWRKingClass

    GWRKingClass Well-Known Member

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    I think a 310 would be much more interesting proposition than a 321, plus it would partially solve the 304 problem on Preston - Crewe. AC slam door stock has been overlooked in both TSC(?) and certainly TSW so would be a good opportunity to introduce it.
     
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  6. Jez

    Jez Well-Known Member

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    This. On my weekend tours around London, I didn't go to Euston nearly as often after the DVTs started. There was generally always something moving pre-DVT days. I'd be up for an 86 version, especially with 81s and 85s.
     

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