Alan Thompson Simulation Route Discussion/speculation Thread

We now have our first 2 screenshots of the upcoming ATS route. What are some of your ideas?

 

Considering the fact they said they would be reusing rolling stock, my personal prediction is the inverclyde line. It could reuse stock such as the class 380, 385, and 314. With potential for a class 318 or 320 loco addon.

Another idea is maybe the ayrshire coastline. As it does look sort of like the ACL, and it could reuse the 380, and maybe the 158 (if they decide to use that as a 156 replacement again)
These routes do sort of match the description here, being an OHLE semi-rural line

 

I actually thought: Germany. It just gives me the feeling of some German route.

 

The signal visible on the second pic looks like a UK one. I dare say that it could even be a modern LED signal.

 

I personally believe it looks like part of the North London Lines… not 100% sure where exactly but I do look forward to what they can provide us with

 

Those OLE masts aren't German.

 

We’ve been chatting on the discord and this looks like an apartment block Near East Didsbury. On the Styal Line. (Manchester - Crewe)

it would make sense, as avanti and transport for Wales also run around this bit

 

My wild guess is Manchester, Styal Line. Manchester Piccadilly through stations like Manchester Airport and Wilmslow before Crewe. I saw the screenshot in the Roadmap and instantly thought of the image attached, which is on the Styal Line. If by chance I'm onto something, I'm assuming the 323 would layer on, plus a new piece of rolling stock by ATS... plus the Class 66 could layer on with freight.

 

Aaaand we have a match. East Didsbury

 

Maybe? Can’t quite see the similarity personally. Could be reusing the 710 if it was part of the north London lines

 

Now that looks much much more similar

 

That’s the cookie

 

Ding ding ding. This looks dead on! If it's Manchester-Crewe and it's modern day... could we get a little bit more 390 action??

EDIT: In fact, we could have quite a bit of 390 action with Longsight TMD!

 

A lot of people have mentioned that ATS won’t have any new stock so this would make sense as it would use the 323, 350, 390 and whatever TfW stock from the Cardiff City Route!

Manchester - Crewe could be class plus a really busy Piccadilly!

 

The placement of the bridge, trees and high-flats made me think, for a fleeting moment, it was the Inverclyde Line at Cappielow, looking towards Cartsdyke, but the OLE, High Flat and Trees aren't right for that, and Greenock is hardly a 'metropolis'.

One day...

 

I know it’s using reused stock, but does that mean entirely reused? So obviously the 350 and 390 would be used, but would they not include a new northern unit?

 

Looks like it has been discovered, can't say I would have been anywhere near as I were thinking more cambridge way.

 

It all starts to make sense now! Maybe ATS have been waiting for the TSW5 layers before making any new announcements as they have been on the TBC part of the roadmap for sometime... Wonder what the mileage will be for their entry level route...

 

The route has a LOT of rolling stock. But I think we all know what’s going to be chosen

 

oh yes of course, i didn’t think about the 323

 

Manchester Piccadilly to Crewe is roughly 30mi/50km. I'm just trying to work out where exactly the second picture is.

 

There will likely be one new piece of rolling stock, to add to some decent layers.

Has the TPE licence been an issue? If not, a 185, 350 or 397 would make sense. Otherwise maybe a Northern 319 or DMU.

 

A TPE 185 would be cool! Licensing would be easy enough too as it’s under state control now!

 

No Class 66?

 

I was hoping for a 319. Failing that, a 185 would be great.

 

AT did develop a 185 for TSC, so I wonder if they have done that for TSW.

 

My assumption would be both routes to Crewe, and the Airport spur.

 

Oh there would certainly be some Class 66s if it is the Style line.

 

Second picture looks to be at Lacey Green, the stretch between Styal and Wilmslow.

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@53.3...try=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDgyMC4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw==

 

You can safely assume the 66 will layer into any modern UK mainline route. I mean why not?

 

Would be nice to potentially have it extend out to Trafford Park for rail freight opportunities if it is Manchester to Crewe. I know Just Trains have done that with Preston - Carlisle by including Kingsmoor yard but would be a welcome addition for this line if it does turn out to be Manchester - Crewe.

 

If it is the Manchester to Crewe line that'll be a superb little network and be a nice edition to let the Northern 323 stretch it legs. And potentially be the only other route a 390 could be driven on at this moment in time.

 

Agreed - the line through central Manchester would be fun too.

 

It’s a short distance, but it has implications such as Metrolink tracks, the ManU stadium, the city having to be modelled at street level & a fair bit of the ordsall chord infrastructure.

 

An update from ATS on Facebook: "... Also head to Twitch this evening where Alan, myself and Danny will go through all the TSW5 announcements and more sneek peak details of our route."

 

Yes, it would be interesting how they would deal with making such a unique water feature using TSW's water texture.

 

If it is the suggested Route people are mentioning, I hope we do get a different unit.

I have nothing against the Class 323, I do enjoy driving it - but after the Cross City and Glossop lines, it would be nice to drive something else

 

With this looking likely to be Manchester-Crewe with some 323 and 390 action, TSW5 is shaping up to be a killer release. Some very exciting DLC to look forward to.

 

A modern Crewe could be excellent. Maybe we’ll get the APT in TSW5 after all!

 

(Crewe-Manchester Wikipedia page)

The 67 is possible, down the line, for Transport for Wales; we know the license is here.

Northern would likely be the 323, which is fine as it is a nice unit, but it would be nice to have something else for Northern.

On the other hand, the 390 offers an hourly service stopping at Stockport and Wilmslow; so that could be a fun offering.

Layers for the 350, 158 (EMT) and possibly TfW, depending on what we get; we could be in for a busy Crewe as well.

 

I've another match, guys! It seems to be the Styal Line! Look at these pics. I also found the second location of the screenshots! It's a stretch near the Wilmslow Junction! Both the buildings and the bridge match perfectly. The curve has the right radius.

ATS


IRL

They could introduce a 185 TPE or a 195 NR, alongside the 323. Seems a bit short of a route! Another Glossop Line, with an airport terminal link!

 

A 185 would be great to have. Beasts.

 

So, this looks to be a "present-day" route?

 

one thing is, as it is layered rolling stock, would this route include the 323 or 350? Or would I need to have both WCML and Glossop for that.

 

I'd imagine they'd take it to Crewe, especially now that we have the 390, tbh.

 

I hope it's this! We could then get the WAG set as a DLC or even as the main loco potentially?

 

There must be some kind of Northern traction along with the route, although doesn’t the 323 run the stopper services between Crewe and Manchester?

 

From what I saw of the 185 they made it was pretty incredible, that was without official sounds being used either, and having loved riding on them they would be a most welcome addition.

 

The 185 would also have a decent amount of layers (Glossop, Cathcart, etc)

 

Shut up. I know you all think it's chat moss. (That's what I've been told. I haven't read yet.) BUT. LOOK. INVERCLYDE LINE. NEAR CARTSDYKE LOOKS EXACTLY LIKE THIS.
Houses looks VERy similar. It's got the curve. It's got the bridge. I'm checking for signals now.