Not an ideal solution, but graphically there is a few 100 yards of the same track/signal on the TV spur north of Rugby which is covered on both routes. So south bound scenarios, I have scenarios that finish at line speed just north of Rugby on Trent Valley Line , then start again with a rolling start at the same speed, at the same signal location on WCML South. Means you can run non stop from Stafford to Euston.
I believe you are right about ATS having made one, however I think they did mention on stream that due to Trent Valley being made by Thomson Interactive, they wouldn't be able to release the merge due to how protective (I think would be the right word?) Thomson are over their content. However, if ATS are making their own version of Trent Valley from the ground up then please correct me!
I'm not interested either, but different people have different interests and play styles. It's really no different from liking or not liking shunting scenarios.
I don't like the mega routes as some would not be done by one driver all the way. You can run all the way from Kings Cross to Edinburgh but a driver would get relieved at Newcastle or York. Kings Cross to Newcastle was the furthest they ran with one driver in BR Diesel Days It would take in excess of 4 hours to do an end to end run which I would get bored with.
On the WCML I would love a merge, in reality drivers start at Euston & get relieved at Preston, would be good to have the choice to do longer runs.
You must have been a really popular driver with your colleagues when you announced "I'm Bored Now" LOL Good job you only worked the Woodhead line not the WCML. I currently run a good 8-10 hr minimum day shift in an Iveco diesel governed to 56mph. I would gladly swap for a blast up the WCML for 4 hours at 125mph in a Pendolino. Guaranteed "NO BOREDOME" #eyesonstalks.com LOL
There is a difference between a Sim when you know what will happen and real life. Every time you run a scenario the same trains pass you at the same places - not so in real life. I was only a Guard on the full Woodhead line and I also worked to London when we had loco hauled trains. Driving was only MU trains but I did WCML over Shap - Preston to Oxenholme The railways have better terms regarding how long a driver can drive without a break.
While I truly feel your pain of having to endure an Iveco for any length of time, I've got to laugh (or cry truth be told) at the 8 to 10hr shifts, I average anywhere between 13 and 15 with the occasional short 12hr shift in an MAN. Lol.
