This one has probably been suggested before but worth posting as it could be an excellent addition to the heavy rail catalogue. Specifically a route focused on the stone train operations out of the Somerset Mendip quarries at Merehead and Whatley. These have been in operation for many years and output several trains a day to destinations around the UK. Focal point of operations is Westbury in Wiltshire where crew depot for DBS Mendip Rail operations is located along with two busy freight yards. Motive power wise star of the show is the Class 59 diesel loco, specifically tailored and geared for heavy haulage - a single Class 59 rated at 3300hp can haul a loaded 4000 tonne stone train out of the quarries and up the Berks and Hants line towards Reading and London. DBS also use Class 66 and previously Class 60s on the lighter loads. However this operation sees some of the longest and heaviest trains on the UK network. The eastern extent of any route would need to be determined, logically needs to be the B&H to include the climb up to Savernake Summit. If the route ran as far as Newbury, about 70 miles in total, you could include the west end of the Reading to Bedwyn local service operated by Class 165 and 166 Turbo DMUs. There is a regular Inter City service, generally hourly on the B&H previously operated by HSTs, now in the hands of IETs. Westbury is a major passenger interchange point with Bristol to Portsmouth and the Frome/Weymouth line services.
