I would like to suggest some routes in the South of England with the Thumper DEMUS of Classes 201-207. These units mostly had a long life and were used on various SR non electrified lines. Perhaps a pack of these with a Class 73 too.
Yes! Gets my vote 100% love the thumpers. A 73 would be amazing too. They are used frequently on ECW by both Southern and GBRf for Driver Training, RHTT services and when they need maintenance from St Leonard’s Engineering.