With all the Southern/3rd rail routes we currently have to choose from, why no Class 73? Surely this makes sense to add this loco for a greater variety of southern action!
They also do RHTT along the BML, which means that DTG wouldn't need to make a new route for a Class 73. Would also mean there would be some freight traffic on BML which wouldn't be terrible
RHTT trains tend to operate in the autumn only so having seasonal trains appear when you set a different season would be a bit weird. An interesting loco to drive though.
Depends on the version of class 73 the original uses Blue Star MU Code making it useful with Class 37 TVL Cornwall Class 45 Huddersfield Line the northern Trans Pennine Class 40 DLC Heavy Freight. While 73/9 is MU compatible with Class 66.
The 73s did very little away from the southern region until they worked the Caledonian Sleeper services, they certainly never worked in the TVL or NPT areas
When built they were intended for non-electrified Southern region routes when working light engine or with a light load, or for shunting around docks and yards that didn't have 750V DC electrification. The engine is the same used in the Class 205/207 DEMUs and only has about 700 horsepower (not a lot but useful enough for the applications it was designed for).
With a great route like the london commuter one thing is sure. We need this class73! No extra time table is needed. And since many routes are based around london, why not making more loco dlcs to enhance the time table. So cl. 73 & 455 and cl700 thameslink would my next prefered modern uk loco dlcs. For classic uk there is cl 25 for ntp, and cl 56 grid for tees valley line. All uk content except west cornwall is released, so i have hope well get something nice announced soon.