I'm toying with getting one of the Maerdy packages while they're 70% off in the sale. I'm not especially a steam buff, although I do enjoy driving kettles now and then, but I am a big fan of The Weardale and Tessdale Network in the '60s and those J94s would look a lot more appropriate in the many colliery sidings than the Class 08s that are usually used. So a question or three: 1. Do I understand correctly that, although they are listed as loco' add-ons, Memories of Maerdy and Return to Maerdy include the Maerdy route- perhaps with some differences? 2. Is one package worth having over the other? That battery loco' in Return does look cute but the ST included has fewer liveries to choose from. 3. For that matter is either worth getting at all? Or is it worth having both?
I recommend buying J94 Memories of Maerdy first. Both DLC contain a different version of the Maerdy branch. Memories of Maerdy depicts the route before the Beeching Axe, lots of sidings, double track, passenger stations - a very beautiful line. The Return to Maerdy includes the route in its final days, lots of sidings removed, single track. Remember on the store page you can check out each manual to get more information.
Return to Maerdy only has scenarios at the top end of the branch too, between the colliery and the sorting sidings.
I purchased Return to Maerdy not for the Scenarios but for the Battery Loco. And I never by any DLC based on the number of scenarios it comes with
Hah! It occurs to me that there's those cute little Hawthorn saddle tanks in the Marketplace. Anyone know anything about them? Are they the same as Invincible in Isle of Wight?
I am certain they are the same. I do have them, I shall try and remember to check when I get home. They are nice little locos and probably worth getting if they are on sale.
If anyone's wondering I bought Return to Maerdy and one of the Hawthorne Leslie saddle tank packs and those are the same locomotive as Invicible in Isle of Wight. Thanks for the notes.