Hello, I'm looking to get one of the WCML routes to add to my collection. now, because their is two, I'm finding it very hard to pick which one. for WCML(s) I have suffragette line so I can also have LO services, but I think that's it. I could also get the 390 with it to add more services. for WCML(os) I have Blackpool branches for the 142, NTP for the 45, flying Scotsman and SOS for the jubilee. I don't however have WCL, TVL, the 20 or 31. I could also get the upcoming class 86 with this, for more tap changer trains and the new MK2s. (and as a person from East Anglia, it would be cool to see it in an Anglia livery in CC ) notes - I'm on XSX, and like high speed and commuter services. please feel free to let me know what is the best! cheers!
So, whilst I would definitely say preston to carlisle has more to do, you'd want to pick up WCL and I believe a couple of the other loco packs to get most of the freight and shunting layers unlocked. There's a couple of manifest layers that add a bunch more to do as well as filling out the sidings that will otherwise be quite empty. WCML South is much easier to 'fill up' since with the pendo and suffragette you have almost every layer and a fair amount of content within that too. Problem is, express runs feel a little lacklustre and whilst the run between Watford and euston feels pretty busy now, going on to Milton Keynes can feel quite boring. Over shap never really feels 'boring'.
I have only the modern era one for now, whit Suffragette route and gameplay pack whit other layers on Gen9 is really worth it
WCMLS: Many one-handle EMUs and good old Class 66, modern age Good variety of services: Class 350 both express & local, Class 390 including night service details (slow line only), Class 377, Watford DC Line and LU Bakerloo line Moderately busy timetable (note that many think it's not enough but I am satisfied with it) All passengers flee 390 direct services at MKC. You could close the door to keep them in. nice scenery, although: legacy foliage in Harrow & Wealdstone areas Expecting -80% this summer WCMLOS: Class 87, 47 & 101, BR Blue 87: Express passenger and cargo. Tap changer and neutral section, somewhat more frustrating & challenging than PZB. This mean more focus required than Class 390s. 101: Limited local service. Fun train to drive but drivable on Morecambe branch (edit: and nearby) only? Too short, I'd use it with BPO instead. Broken passenger system, far more than any non-JT route. You'd better be prepared for no one boarding any trains on stops... nice scenery, although: zero grass beyond walkable areas, bare mountains in distance Expected to start to have a -50% much longer than other routes - likely a year or so
The 101 is drivable (and AI) between Carnforth and Morecambe via Lancaster. The Lakeland hills are bare in reality (this is Shap Fell)
the 101 is drivable from Preston Lancaster Windermere and Morecambe and a bit up at Carlisle, its got 2,3 and 4 (2x2) car services in the timetable. Not got WCMLS so couldn't comment on that but WCMLos is well worth it, get the extra layers as well if they come on sale.
The modern WCML is basically not ready, it has problems, consoles have been reporting crashes, Euston's lighting is rubbish and there is something funny how it displays, it doesn't seem part of the TSW world. It needs a remaster and it has only launched, it was rushed out the door in a poor state, it still has performance issues. The old school WCML effort has been put into it, far higher grade than the modern one. Get the old school one and let the modern one simmer for a while.
The 80s era one. The modemr one is alright and I enjoy it occasionally, but the other one is just better.
Preston to Carlisle wins by a furlong. However steward’s enquiry ongoing into performance issues which continue to dog the route, for me at least, and because the graphics stutters and fluctuations seem linked to sound causes the 87 to sound horrible at times. However WCMLS does make it past the finish post. It still has many issues, most of which (like the poorly constructed tunnels or incorrectly set AWS ramps) will probably never be addressed. But it is kind of fun to drive in the Pendolino, 350 or even the 710 on the DC line. And nobody else is going to be making this stretch for TSW so if you want to drive in and out of Euston for 50 miles, it is what it is.
i’d say wcmls, but that’s just my personal preference as i was born after the days of classic electricals. plenty of variety though