Upcoming Release Master The West Midlands!

I wonder why they didn't add this new train model in instead we get the one that is about to retired?

 

Here is the official route map in RL.
https://www.westmidlandsrailway.co....r_regional_map_with_rail_zones_-_march_22.pdf

 

That is a diesel train and won't be running the Cross City services just the New Street to Worcester/Hereford service at the bottom end of the route. The new EMU's to replace the class 323's haven't entered service yet.

 

I agree, however I'll take your post and raise you "why not add the 172 due to its unique drivetrain", no pun intended.

 

I reckon that any route should have a diesel loco tbh because some folk prefer them.

 

Whether it would be historically accurate or not, I hope they somehow layer in the Class 101 or one of its 1st Gen siblings. Right now, that's the only thing that would entice me to buy the route.
A single Electrostar AC equivalent doesn't do it for me.

 

Quick Question. I haven’t purchased TSW3 yet as I’ve been playing it on Game Pass. If I buy the Birmingham Cross City Starter Pack, will I still get the updated SEHS and SoS included (as per the original starter packs) as I own these in TSW2?

 

yup

 

I don't think 172's run this route they are on the Snow Hill lines.

I prefer driving diesel units and if one fits then I agree why not include one or add some as DLC. There is limited scope really for diesel for this route in its to be released state.

 

It's a real shame this route was conceived with a very narrow vision. Pushing down to Worcester would have added the possibility of diesel services with a 170, though they couldn't have dodged building the small depot there! Going to Cheltenham would have given a 40 min run for a 170 or Voyager.

 

There are class 172's running to Malvern/Hereford, same ones that run on the Snow hill line, though it tends to be more weekend work. This also includes the Class 172 (that looks like a 170 with rounded windows).

 

Let's actually hope that DTG include the 2-3 second delay prior to departing where the traction motors are engaged. Just got on a 323 leaving University and I noticed that this even occurs in notch 4.

 

Cheltenham might be a big ask, but I reckon an extension to Worcester, perhaps even the Malverns, with a 170 DLC might be a possibility as it would be a rare opportunity to extend a route and not affect any of the existing services which all legitimately end at Bromsgrove.

 

Oh okay I hadn't realised that. I still think a 170 would be a better choice as they certainly are/were the main units used.

 

That would not have been bad at all and a good place to thrash the classic diesels - especially the 31, 47, 52 and even the GW HST. Come on DTG, broaden your vision.

 

Absolutely, to me this would add massive variety to what might ultimately be quite a disappointing route, I can't wait for BCC but it's not sounding up to great things with just the 323.

 

A 172 would've been a brilliant train to do due to its unique transmission alone

 

Given the route limit is currently Bromsgrove, doesn't this mean that any railtour coming from the south will have to attack the Lickey Incline from a standing start?

Do we think the Jubilee is likely to be able to tackle this unassisted with a reasonable load or will the steam railtours included all be banked from Bromsgrove and therefore require additional layers? (Consider that if you only own BCC and SoS, then you won't have the Class 66 or any other potential diesel bankers).

Genuine question going out to folk that know more than me - do any steam railtours do the Lickey from a standing start in reality?

I'm sure many of these questions will be answered in the article this week, but food for thought.

 

In theory you would have to plan for a standing or near standing start anyway, in the event there was a signal failure or the something ran out of course and brought the train to a stand. In fact the power provided would also need to be capable of restarting the train on the bank. Would imagine any steam going up the Lickey is going to have a diesel attached on the rear as insurance.

 

Oooh well sorry that I rounded it up a few days before it's been out for 2 months. [Removed - Alex - Rude, Offensive]

 

Pretty sure the one that came through earlier this year actually stopped at Bromsgrove. They were run by Tyseley Steam Trust. Looking at the event page, they were originally planned to be GWR Castle No. 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe and GWR Pannier No. 9466, which would be banked up the Lickey Incline, but were switched to 7029 Clun Castle and 6233 Duchess of Sutherland, which were operated alone. I'm not sure how those engines compare to the ones we have in game that could be used for railtours.

Edit: No, I'm wrong. This video shows that it definitely wasn't stopping at Bromsgrove! I'd caught an earlier train and there was something about a special service on the platform boards, but maybe that was just to make sure all the crowds formed in the right place.

 

I know but for realism I would prefer the most realistic train for the route. There are other routes which use the class 172 as a core which could be built in the future.

 

Bless getting corrected then not liking it resulting to insults how very mature.

 

Thank you for quoting this before it was censored so we can see what was written.

 

Maaan, can't wait some route for TSW from Union Workshop on Chinese or Japanese theme (time for break this triangle UK/USA/GER and in this game)))

 

It will be interesting. Would love to see a bullet train. Even a subway route would be great.

 

See my previous post for more details, but a Jubilee has taken Lickey unassisted in the past. As to how the Duchess and Castle compare to TSW3's Jubilee, they're both more powerful. The Duchesses are still Britain's most powerful steam engine, and are capable of producing over 3000 horspower in the cylinders. A GWR Castle has a power classification of 7, compared to the Duchess's 8 and the Jubilee's 6, so they're no slouch however they're more known for their speed than their power.

I think Leander's crack at Lickey in 2006 wasn't planned- a banking engine wasn't available so the driver thought he'd have a go. The Duchess and the Castle were both meant to go up unassisted, and you can see comparing the footage of their respective runs that they made lighter work of it than the Jubilee did, with the same load of 6 carriages. Leander looked for a moment like it might not make it up. So if they do have a railtour on BCC I think they should limit it to 6 coaches, and even then it would likely be a challenge.

 

Please no, 101 is like Electrostar all over again.

 

At least the 101s are more interesting to operate.

 

True but it would be nice to see one of the other 30 or so examples of first generation DMU's produced rather than DTG's the class 101 fits all stance. A class 116 would be ideal for the Cross City route.

 

Getting the class 101 to go is not an issue, its trying to get them stopped is the problem!!

 

Not in 2019, it wouldn't. They'd been gone a quarter of a century.

 

Since when has that stopped them? F7 on CJP anyone?

 

That's "justified" as a heritage railtour sort of thing

 

Two wrongs, don't make a right!

 

How about 3 wrongs? I'll raise you legends of the Great Western on a partially electrified London to Reading.

 

Is it, though? The F7 services are on the regular timetable carrying standard freight consists on modern rolling stock (albeit much shorter train lengths).

Sorry this one still bothers me- maybe at some point they'll release a "Cajon pass legends" pack with an alternative timetable and appropriate rolling stock to go with the F7. Would be a lot more rewarding for the player IMO.

 

100% agree with you mate I was just talking about 101 vs electrostar and I cannot wait for the day we see more 1st gen DMUs.

 

That's the fun of it though!

 

Oh I know, I was hoping someone from DTG might see it and get the hint

I know I was responding in context to another comment.

 

Ah right it would be very nice if dtg got the hint about having more 1st gen DMUs in game that's for sure.

 

As a minimum we need a 108 and 117, being among the last surviving classes in main line operation. But a retro pack for BCC featuring the 116 and maybe a bubble car would be a Day 1 purchase for me. I know the old stock in a modern setting is an anachronism but as with GWE I could live with it.

 

I like them

 

I sincerely do not believe DTG intend to produce another UK diesel heritage route. All indications point to maximising revenue by making only the most popular sales-wise, therefore modern routes. They were happy to experiment at the beginning which is why we saw the likes of NTP and Tees Valley, but I doubt we’ll see their ilk again.

 

Maybe a 108 or 117 as you say, however, the 101 at least was built by MCW..... In Birmingham so would be a natural train to have on the route.

 

Sadly I think you may be right. You would think if otherwise after 5 years or so by now we would have Class 50, 56, a Deltic and the routes to run them on. In fact I would prefer another 70s or 80s BR route over any further dabbling with steam traction. Though fairly certain that has also died a death, so far as TSW is concerned.

 

DTG Alex maybe you guys could investigate the possibility of extending this network? As much as I like the London routes there's no cohesive structure to them as a network, here's a ready made network to tap into surely?

 

They might at some point in the future.

 

Only if they equip the F7 with a banking comm function so that helpers can be introduced along with realistically long consists.

The moderators do not have any input as to what routes and locos are produced, so appealing to them is wasting your breath ( or ink ). Why not write to someone in the company who can actually make decisions. Or use the suggestions forum which we're told the producers read from time to time.

 

I think it would be brilliant if DTG released signal/speed limit maps and timetables before the route is released so you can learn the route like real drivers do. I guess we kind of get route learning videos from the preview streams.