In line with current route distances, i would like to suggest a combination route as follows. Starting at Exeter St Davids, the line would be the Riviera line via Dawlish to Paington which would allow use of the superb sea wall and its picturesque views. On reaching Paington, the route could continue along the Dartmouth Steam Railway to Kingswear. This could give a mix of local, express and heritage diesel trains along a 34ish mile corridor with stunning scenery and various challenges/scenarios with operations of GWR and Cross Country (or predecessors) as well as the DSR. Also, many different classes have used these lines including, but not exclusive to, 03, 08*, 20, 22, 25, 31*, 33*, 35, 37*, 40*, 41, 42, 45*, 47*, 50, 52*, 55, 56, 66*, 67, 68, 70, 73, 103, 116, 118, 122, 142, 143, 150, 153, 158, 159, 201, 220, 221, 800, HST* (* = already in game). There are lot of possibilties with this suggestion. Perhaps at a following stage, a route along the Bristol to Exeter line could be added from Exeter St Davids to link up with WSR at Norton Fitzwarren and Taunton as this too is around the 30 mile mark.
A few photos to stir the imagination. Classes 33, 47 and 52 at Exeter St Davids HST at sea wall Dawlish Class 50 at sea wall Teignmouth Class 150/2 and HST at Paignton Kingswear station
I have suggested the Riviera line before and a wonderful route it is, combined with the Dartmouth Steam Railway would be a lovely addition. But there is also the Avocet line that runs from Exeter St Davids to Exmouth on a primarily single line track that it very picturesque also considering its opposite the Riviera line for a while following the Ex Estuary. Overall lovely routes that I and many others would love to see in game.
I have only been down there a couple of times but the scenery is absolutely stunning with a vast mix of traction, both in BR days as well as on todays DSR heritage line. This is one of two routes that i am torn between, the other being SW mainline from (to start with) Waterloo to Guildford.
