A suggestion for a network route, that could be standalone, or as an extension to Koeln-Aachen, with which it shares some track. As well as the main line to Koeln, several routes branch off on, or near Aachen, which could provide an excellent network route, potentially linking three countries. I'll list them all - it's unlikely we'd see all in a route, but a selection could be seen. Aachen to Herzogenrath (and Moenchengladbach) At the eastern end of Aachen, this line heads due north, passing through the suburbs and the yard at Aachen west, which would make a good start point for freight services heading towards Koeln. Not far away is Herzogenrath, where there is a two way junction. On the main line, RE and RB services continue to M'Gladbach and beyond, but we'll leave this line here. Herzogenrath to Stolberg, via Alsdorf The first of 3 unelectrified lines that form the core of the local Euroregionetz, established in the early 2000s. This line continues single north from Herzogenrath, then heads south, past the east of Aachen, and under the main line to Cologne, which it joins at Stolberg Hbf. Stolberg branchline This 3.5km unlectrified route heads southwest from Stolberg Hbf, linking it with 4 stations in the town. Unusually trains on this line start at Aachen, stop at Stolberg Hbf, reverse in a yard, and stop there again before heading along the branch. Stolberg to Langerwehe This route runs parallel to the mainline to Cologne, with many more stations. It leaves Stolberg Hbf heading south west, then turns north, crossing under the mainline, then following it a few miles north before rejoining it at Langerwehe. Herzogenrath to Heerlen If you turn east from Herzogenrath, you enter the Netherlands. Shortly after this you pass under, then join a line from Kerkrade, then reach Heerlen, which is part of the Dutch IC network. From here the mainline continues to Sittard and further north, while trains from Germany continue west to Maastricht. Again though Heerlen makes a sensible end. Aachen to Liege (classic) If you continue southwest from Aachen, you soon cross the Belgian border. The original route to Liege, used by local trains and freight, is very scenic in places, as you run along the valley of the Vesdre. Liege-Guillemins is very spectacular, and there is a short branch to Eupen for Belgian IC services. Aachen to Liege (High speed After the first station in Belgium, Hergenrath (not to be confused with Herzogenrath), the high speed line begins - this runs straighter than the classic line, and is served by ICE and Eurostar trains. It rejoins the mainline east of Liege, and the line crosses the Meuse river together before entering the station. Montzen Route This freight line heads south from Aachen West yard, up and over the passenger line, and into Belgium. After passing over the impressive Geultalviaduct, you reach the large Montzen yard, which would be a natural end for the TSW route. Services Liege-Aachen-Koeln is served by ICE and Eurostar, which alternate to make an hourly service. Aachen also sees occasional Flixtrain, IC and ICE services East of Aachen on the mainline, you see RE1 and RE9, which stop at all stations to Dueren except Eilendorf The unelectrified lines are served by RB20, an unusual service, which splits. The trains start at Stolberg Hbf, head north to Alsdorf and Herzogenrath, back around via Aachen, to Stolberg Hbf again, where they then split in the yard to the east of the station. The front portion continues to Langerwehe, while the rear reverses, stops at Stolberg Hbf again, then continues along the branch to the town. RE18 runs from Aachen to Heerlen and on to Maastricht RE4 and RB33 start at Aachen, and head north via Herzogenrath SNCB's L41 stops everywhere between Liege and Aachen An SNCB IC service links Eupen and Liege There is lots of freight Rolling stock (* means its already available) ICE3M* (or ICE3neo) Thalys PBKA RB20: DB/Euregiobahn 643 Talent 1 DMU RE1 and RE4: RRX Class 462 EMU RE9: DB 146+Dosto* or DB 442* RE18: Arriva Flirt 2 RB33: DB 1440 EMU SNCB IC: Class 18 Electric locos +I11 coaches SNCB L41: Classique EMUs or short form IC stock. Freight: any from the German/Austrian pool AI at Heerlen: stock from Groningen - Zwolle* ICE1*/101+ IC*/Flixtrain* Most trains not available can be subbed: Thalys PBKA: TGV Duplex RE1/RE4: 111 or 146 with Dostos RB33: DB 425 or DB 442 If the unelectrified lines are not included, than those AI and short-form services can be replaced with the 642 or 628. If the Maastricht service is just AI, then a DB or NS unit could sub in. Some pics Geultal viaduct Liege-Guillemins Euregiobahn 643. It's a diesel version of the OEBB EMU we have. A bridge on the Aachen to Liege line Aachen-West yard Summary This route could provide international traffic (passenger and freight), voltage changes, great scenery, impressive stations, high speed running, varied local services, freight yards, a lot of potential layers of trains we already have and some fun new trains too.
Yes, I think the Aachen to Liege bits are probably a separate route. But if we do ever get it - and I'd love to see a Belgian route, then it'd provide some lovely layers.
Some of the other trains referred to above DB 1440 (could also appear on RRO, SKA): RRX 462 (could also appear on HRR, RRO, SKA): Arriva Limburg FLIRT: SNCB HLE 18 with I11 coaches: SNCB Classique:
Sadly RRX license is big hard, thats why we haven't seen the RRX 462 in TSW yet i think. The route itself, as Belgian being would be so lovely! Including some of SNCB's stock to Aachen and back as full run from Liege to Aachen Hbf!
