Today I would like to suggest a raft of types to better fill existing UK routes. Each and every one of these classes are notable in their absence and are missed opportunities at this time. Timetables can be vastly improved with these types included and empty stations and lines would really come to life. Here goes... IoW Class 03 shunters (cut cab 03079 and 03179) Class 05 shunter and engineers wagons Class 485 and 486 VEC and TIS units WCL Class 43 HST with Valenta prime mover Class 50 with appropriate Mk1 and Mk2 coaches Class 108 and 122 dmus FCL Class 67 or 68 and Mk3 coaches Class 156 Sprinter (see MML) MML Class 153 Class 156 (see FCL) Class 222 WCML Shap Class 370 APT-P WSR Class 14 Class 35 (see DLoGW) Class 42 (43 as well if possible) (see DLoGW) ECML Class 55 and appropriate coaches for railtours Class 91 IC225 sets Class 180 Grand Central AI traffic (see GWE) Class 800 Azuma WCML South Class 68 Class 69 Class 92 Class 221 Class 325 Class 350 variants Class 710 5 car sets Class 805 Evero GWE Class 57 and Mk3 Sleeper stock Class 60 Class 165/1 (correct model) Class 180 (see ECML) Class 332 Heathrow Express Class 360/2 Heathrow Connect DLoGW Class 22 Class 35 (see WSR) Class 42 and 43 (see WSR) Class 117 and 121 Class 123 (see NTP) Class 128 (see NTP) Class 251 and 261 Blue Pullman (see PFV) ECW Class 171 Class 377 variants (see BML) BML Class 377 variants (see ECW) Class 455/8 Class 700 FLU NTP Class 25 Class 31 Class 123 (see DLoGW) Class 124 Class 128 (see DLoGW) Class 141 TVL Class 20 with headcode boxes Class 56 SEHS Class 70 diesel Class 375 and 377/5 variants Class 465 variants Class 466 BCC Class 170 PFV Class 44, 45 and 46 Class 251 and 261 Blue Pullman (see DLoGW) SoS Class 40 split headcode boxes green livery Share your thoughts.
I will attempt during the coming days to create threads for each class listed above and provide photos and details of their unique merits.
This suggestion is for the Spirit of Steam route Crewe to Liverpool Lime Street set in 1958. The British Rail Class 40 is a type of diesel electric locomotive of British railway. A total of 200 were built by English Electric between 1958 and 1962. They were numbered D200-D399. Despite their initial success, by the time the last examples were entering service they were already being replaced on some top-level duties by more powerful locomotives. As they were slowly relegated from express passenger uses, the type found work on secondary passenger and freight services where they worked for many years. The final locomotives ended regular service in 1985. The locomotives were commonly known as "Whistlers" because of the distinctive noise made by their turbochargers. The Class 40 would have been brand new in 1958 and this suggestion specifically pertains to the split headcode variant. Only minor reworking of the NTP version should be required to create this variant which would be in BR Green livery as when first built. Artwork of a green Class 40 at Crewe. BR Green Class 40 with split headcode boxes.
This suggestion is for the Class 170 Turbostar DMU in WMR livery for Birmingham Cross City route Litchfield Trent Valley to Bromsgrove and Redditch. The British Rail Class 170 Turbostar is a British diesel-hydraulic multiple unit passenger train designed and built by Adtranz, and later by Bombardier Transportation, at Derby Litchurch Lane Works. These units would add additional services to the route and should be a fairly simple conversion from the Scotrail variant on Fife Circle Line. Class 170 Turbostar in WMR livery.
This suggestion is for the Class 56 freight locomotive for Tees Valley Line Darlington to Saltburn. It also has potential applications for other routes. The British Rail Class 56 is a type of diesel electric locomotive designed for heavy freight work. It is a Type 5 locomotive, with a Ruston-Paxman power unit developing 3,250 bhp (2,423 kW), and has a Co-Co wheel arrangement. Enthusiasts nicknamed them "Gridirons" (or "Grids" for short), due to the grid-like horn cover on the locomotive's cab ends fitted to nos. 56056 onwards. Under its Romanian railway factory nomenclature, the locomotive was named Electroputere LDE 3500, with LDE coming from Locomotivă Diesel-Electrică (Diesel-Electric Locomotive) and the 3500 being the planned horsepower output. This class has two variants with minor differences between the Brush and Eloctroputere examples. Furthermore, they should have at least 4 liveries which would really bring the route to life. BR Blue Brush variant on coal duty at Thornaby. BR Blue Electroputere variant. Large logo Blue example. Railfreight red stripe example. Railfreight grey coal sector example
The Class 60, 56, and 70 are needed for British freight services. Also, a rebuilt Class 69 is needed. We still need a Class 55 Deltic (for ECML excursion passenger trains) and Class 50 "Hoover" for passenger services.
For Peak Forest I propose the following to expand the timetable. I have grouped them as there are only a few differences between each. The British Rail Class 44 or Sulzer Type 4 diesel electric locomotives were built by British Railways Derby Works between 1959 and 1960, intended for express passenger services. They were originally numbered D1-D10 and named after mountain in England and Wales, and, along with the similar Class 45 and 46 locomotives, they became known as Peaks. Class 44 in original BR Green livery. The British Rail Class 45 or Sulzer Type 4 are diesel electric locomotives built by British Railways Derby and Crewe Works between 1960 and 1962. Along with the similar Class 44 and 46 locomotives, they became known as Peaks. Both Class 44 and 45 had Sulzer/Crompton Parkinson equipment but differing horsepower. Class 45 in BR Green livery but with the later yellow warning panel. The British Rail Class 46 is a class of diesel electric locomotives. They were built from 1961 to 1963 at British Railways' Derby Works and were initially numbered D138–D193. With the arrival of TOPS they were renumbered to Class 46. Along with the similar Class 44 and 45 locomotives, they became known as Peaks. These differed from the previous Class 44 and 45 in having Sulzer/Brush equipment. Class 46 in BR Green livery with the later yellow warning panel.
Another proposal for Peak Forest is the Blue Pullman Diesel Electric sets. The Blue Pullmans were luxury trains used from 1960 to 1973 by British Rail. They were the first Pullman diesel multiple units incorporating several novel features. This suggestion pertains to the pair of 6 car sets used on the Midland services but ties in with the suggestion for the trio of 8 car Western sets. They were powered by the same NBL-MAN power units as classes 21, 22, 41 and 43 but allied to electric transmission like Class 21 only, with the other classes being hydraulic transmission. Class 251/261 Midland Blue Pullman 6 car set in original Nanking Blue livery.
This suggestion is for Just Trains amazing WCML over Shap route and, in fairness is potentially the only missing stock as they would likely have been seen during 1986 at the end of their active careers. British Rail's Class 370 tilting trains, also referred to as APT-P (meaning Advanced Passenger Train Prototype), were the pre-production Advanced Passenger Trains units. Unlike the earlier experimental gas-turbine APT-E unit, these units were powered by 25kV AC overhead electrification and were used on the West Coast Mainline between London Euston and Glasgow Central. The train had eight traction motors fitted to the two central motor cars giving a total output of 8,000 hp (6,000 kW), which enabled it to set the UK rail speed record of 162.2 mph (261.0 km/h) in December 1979, a record that stood for 23 years until broken by a Eurostar Class 373 on the newly completed High Speed 1 line. Class 370 APT-P at Carlisle. These units ended life in the livery above, but at launch had no black around the windscreen at each end.
Biggest issue representing these beautiful iconic trains would be the sounds. The only clip I ever found with audio had obviously been dubbed. MTU as the evolution of MAN engines could alias I guess, with a bit of a buff to the volume level.
Some examples of these engines are, I believe, still in operation in a few places but not on UK railways. I'm sure that some sounds can be sourced if enough research is performed which would lay groundwork for classes 21, 22, 41 and 43 which would require the same sounds. Five different classes for one research session seems logical to me.
This suggestion pertains to both East Coastway and London Commuter (BML) routes and covers all of the missing variants of Southern's Class 377 Electrostar to better fill timetables on both routes. The missing variants are 377/1, /2, /3 and/6 as we already have the/4 and /7 types. The British Rail Class 377 Electrostar is a British dual-voltage (some types fully equipped, others only internally wired) electric multiple unit passenger train (EMU) built by Bombardier Transportation on its Electrostar platform at Derby Litchurch Lane Works from 2001 to 2014. Class 377/1 variant. Some equipped with older light clusters. Third rail only as 4 car sets, 2 units operated by Southeastern franchise. Class 377/2 variants are dual voltage equipped 4 car sets. Class 377/3 variants are third rail only as 3 car sets. Class 377/6 variants are third rail only as 5 car sets. I have not included the Class 377/5 dual-voltage 4 car sets which only operate with Southeastern but these could be included for completeness. These are essentially the same as the Class 377/2 variant.
For Tees Valley Line and other period routes, this suggestion is for the Class 20 locomotive in its headcode box variant. I also suggest 2 liveries as follows. Front on view of the BR Blue livery example. Tail end view of the Railfreight red stripe version.
This suggestion pertains to both East Coastway and London Commuter (BML) and is for the Class 171 Turbostar dmu. The British Rail Class 171 Turbostar is a type of diesel hydraulic multiple unit passenger train built by Bombardier Transportation at Derby Litchurch Lane Works in England. It is identical to the Class 170 except for the replacement of the BSI coupler with a Dellner coupler. This provision was made to allow emergency joining with Class 377 DC third-rail electric units, which Southern runs extensively on most lines. The units work on the southern regions of the British railway system, operating services from London Bridge to Uckfield and from Eastbourne to Ashford International, these routes being unelectrified between Hurst Green Junction and Uckfield and between Ore and Ashford International respectively. These units are made up of subclasses /2 and /8 as 3 cars with just 4 examples of subclass /7 being 2 cars. Class 171/2 in Southern livery.
For London Commuter (BML), I am suggesting the Class 455/8 for suburban services especially at the London end of the route with a mixture of playable and AI services. The British Rail Class 455 is an electric multiple unit passenger train built by BREL between 1982 and 1985 in three different subclasses.. It is operated on suburban services in Greater London and Surrey by South Western Railway, as well as formerly by Southern. This suggestion pertains to the /8 subclass only. A refurbished Class 455/8 in Southern livery. Note the small box above the gangway which was a design hangover from the days of headcode boxes which were originally intended for inclusion.
This suggestion is dependent upon performance enhancements and is for London Commuter as well as any other routes required and is for the 12 car FLU Class 700/1. Details are not strictly necessary as we already have Class 700/0 8 car RLU for SEHS which are identical but for the extra cars. Class 700/1 Thameslink 12 car FLU.
Really both variants should've come originally. Hope they don't charge those who already own the 8 car the full amount!
It's a mystery why they didn't do that with all variants of every train we have. Would save a lot of time and money in the long run, even if they don't use one variant straight away, they'd have at least had it to hand.
I have been advocating this for so long. A massive saving of time and resources could be made doing it this way. The current method requires starting from scratch each and every time a new variant is created.
They didn't release the 700/1 because of performance issues. Also, the 700/0 runs on SEHS a lot more often than the 700/1. Shame we don't have it for BML though. Another performance problem, too many services.
Good idea but only if they update the traction sounds in line with the 350 and 380 so more audible in cab and nerf the sound level of exterior trains passing so it doesn’t deafen or blow out the speakers.
I mean they should’ve released both in the same pack. 700/0 for SEHS, with an occasional subbed 700/1 - in order to have the 700/1 ready for future gameplay.
For those with the PC version of TSW there's a modded timetable for Brighton to London with both variants of the 700. It's a little on the stuttery side around Clapham, Croydon and Three Bridges areas, the latter because of the number of parked 700s in the depot. But it's playable and I always use it over the original timetable. As much as I'd love them to update this route, if it's going to be a stuttery mess on consoles, I'd rather they built another electric London commuter route.
It's about time we had a Mk3-derived EMU in the game. This would certainly fit in with the era that London Commuter was set in. Sadly there's only one TOC still operating the Mk3 EMUs into London, SWR. And they're starting to be withdrawn. Catch them irl while you can.
Yes but the only routes the 700 would be usable on right now are SEHS which already has the /0 but because of performance issues they simply couldn't release it. Also, they werent able to add the /0 to BML because service numbers were too high. It simply just wasnt realistic.
I am looking forward to another route where we really can stretch their 700 let's because on southeast and high speed you can only go a distance and you can only drive for about 45 to 46 minutes and I really want to just this leg
They don't have to release it just because they made it. They could have made both variants, and saved one for when it would be needed, they don't have to use it straight away. Besides, in the long run, it saves time and resources making it in the future.
Or, maybe just tone down the 465 sounds altogether? I hate driving other trains when one of them passes me.
The point is that they 'should' have added both variants, regardless of them being used or not, for future proofing, making use of the /1 in scenarios or something - meaning that any future route using the /1 wouldn't require much time or effort to be spent on it.
This suggestion pertains to the original Isle of Wight route. The British Rail Class 485 (or 4VEC, later 5VEC) and British Rail Class 486 (or 3TIS, later 2TIS) electric multiple unit were originally built for the London Electric Railway from 1923-31 as its 'Standard' Tube Stock. They were purchased by British Rail in 1967 and transported to the Isle of Wight to work 'mainline' services on the newly electrified Ryde to Shanklin line, where they worked for an additional quarter of a century. At the time of their purchase the units had already worked for over 40 years on the London Underground, but their introduction allowed the last steam locomotives on the line to be withdrawn. A Class 485/486 unit at Shanklin in NSE livery. These units were previously in BR Blue Grey livery.
Exactly as I have laid out many times before. The current way of doing things is simply creating unnecessary future work and expense.
This thread features two types relevant to Isle of Wight. These types are Class 05 and Class 03 diesel mechanical shunters. The British Rail Class 05 is a class of 0-6-0 diesel-mechanical shunters built by Hunslet Engine Company from 1955 to 1961. They were used on Eastern and Scottish Regions of British Railways. The first two batches were delivered as 11136-11143 (later renumbered D2550-D2557) and 11161-11176 (later renumbered D2558-D2573). Subsequent locomotives were delivered, new, as D2574-D2618. D2554 was transferred to the Isle of Wight in 1966, to aid the electrification of the Island Line. Owing to its apparent suitability for working on the island, it was retained in working order and given the TOPS number 05001. It was transferred to departmental stock in 1981, being given the number 97803 and remained in service until 1985, when it was withdrawn and sold to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. Class 05 05001 at Ryde in the BR Blue livery that it retained for most of its active life on the island. After 1985, a pair of Class 03 shunters were brought in to replace the Class 05. The British Rail Class 03 shunter was, together with the similar Class 04, one of British Railways' most successful 0-6-0 diesel-mechanical shunters. 230 were built at Doncaster and Swindon works between 1957 and 1962, and were numbered D2000–D2199 and D2370–D2399 (later 03004 to 03399). D2370 and D2371 were used as departmental locomotives and originally numbered 91 and 92 respectively. The Isle of Wight shunters, nos. 03079 and 03179, were also rebuilt with cut-down cabs, to enable them to pass through a low tunnel in Ryde. Class 03 03079 at Sandown in BR Blue livery. Class 03 03179 at Ryde in NSE livery.
The BR 4746, also known as the ÖBB Cityjet, would be a great addition to Train Sim World 5 (TSW5) for several reasons: Popularity: The BR 4746 is one of the most requested locomotives by the Train Sim World community, especially among fans of Austrian rail services. Versatility: The BR 4746 is used for regional passenger services across Austria, offering a variety of routes and operational scenarios for players to experience. Modern Design: The sleek and modern design of the BR 4746 would add visual diversity to the game's roster of trains. Realistic Operations: Including the BR 4746 would allow players to operate realistic regional services, enhancing the immersion and authenticity of the game. Community Engagement: Adding popular requests like the BR 4746 can increase player satisfaction and engagement, fostering a more vibrant and active community.
Today I am exploring the possibility of having the missing variants of Class 350 added to WCML South and perhaps Birmingham Cross City routes. The British Rail Class 350 Desiro is a class of electric multiple unit passenger train built by Siemens Transportation Systems to its Desiro design between 2004 and 2014. All 87 are now operated by West Midlands Trains, having previously been operated by Central Trains, Silverlink, Southern, London Midland, First TransPennine Express and TransPennine Express. This suggestion pertains to the /2 and /3 variants. Class 350/2 at Watford Junction. Class 350/3.
This suggestion proposes the missing variants of Class 375 and 377 for Southeastern High Speed route. The British Rail Class 375 Electrostar is an electric multiple unit train that was built at Derby Litchurch Lane Works, thirty units by Adtranz from 1999 to 2001, and 110 units by Bombardier Transportation (successors to Adtranz) from 2001 to 2004. The class form part of the Electrostar family of units, which also includes classes 357, 376, 377, 378, 379 and 387, the most numerous type of EMU introduced since the privatisation of British Rail. This suggestion pertains to the /3, /6, /7 and /8 variants with /3 being 3 car and /6 being dual-voltage units. Also within this suggestion is the similar Class 377/5 units. Class 375/3. Class 375/6 Class 375/7 Class 375/8 Class 377/5.
This thread looks into the missing Class 465 and 466 stock for Southeastern High route. The British Rail Class 465 Networker is a class of 147 electric multiple units built by Metro-Cammell, British Rail Engineering Limited (BREL) and ABB Rail between 1991 and 1994. Originally operated by Network SouthEast, these units are now run by Southeastern. This suggestion pertains to the /0, /1 and /2 variants. Class 465/0. Class 465/1. Class 465/2. The British Rail Class 466 Networker is a fleet of 43 2 car electric multiple units that were built by Metro-Cammell in 1993 and 1994. The units are currently operated by Southeastern. Class 466.
This thread will explore the Class 60 heavy freight diesel-electric locomotive for GWE, but also other recent era routes. The British Rail Class 60 is a class of Co-Co heavy freight diesel-electric locomotives built by Brush Traction. They are nicknamed Tugs by rail enthusiasts. Class 60 in hybrid EWS livery.
For Fife Circle Line and other recent era routes I am suggesting the Class 67 locomotives. The Class 67 locomotives are a class of Bo-Bo diesel-electric locomotives that were built for the English Welsh & Scottish Railway (EWS) between 1999 and 2000 by Alstom at Meinfesa in Valencia, Spain with drive components (engine, generator and traction motors) from General Motors' Electro-Motive Division. The locomotives have been used by First ScotRail on the Caledonian Sleeper on non-electrified lines north of Edinburgh. Class 67 on Fife Circle Line.
For WCML South, Fife Circle Line and other recent era routes, this suggestion is for the Class 68 locomotives. The Class 68 is a type of mainline mixed traffic diesel-electric locomotive manufactured by Stadler Rail Valencia (and previously by Vossloh España) for Direct Rail Services (DRS) in the United Kingdom. The design is derived from the Stadler Eurolight, and Stadler's product name for this variant is the UKLight. Abellio Scotrail sub-leased two Class 68s, to haul sets of six Mark 2 coaches, for use on peak hour services on the Fife Circle Line. These were 68006 and 68007, which carried the Saltire livery. These services commenced on 1 April 2015, the first day of Abellio Scotrail operation, with the last service operating on 29 May 2020 as the PRM-TSI derogations for the non-compliant Mark 2 coaches ended on 31 May of that year. The Class 68 is a mixed-traffic locomotive intended for use on both passenger and freight trains. Customer trials of the type commenced during February 2014, which were initially conducted between Carlisle and Crewe. During mid-2014, DRS indicated that the type were typically operated on container traffic, as well as on Network Rail trains for which the company has been contracted to operate. The first passenger trains hauled by Class 68s were DRS special services for the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles. Furthermore, the type is routinely used on DRS nuclear flask trains. According to Rail, operations of the Class 68 has proved it to be a highly effective locomotive. Scotrail Class 68. DRS Class 68.
For various recent era routes I am suggesting the Class 69 locomotives. The British Rail Class 69 is a class of diesel locomotives which are converted from Class 56 locomotives. The conversion work is performed by Progress Rail at their workshop in Longport. The Class 69 was developed to fulfil the needs of the rail freight operator GB Railfreight (GBRf), which was unable to purchase additional Class 66 diesel locomotives yet sought more capacity in a similar performance band. The conversion of surplus Class 56s, which were available in sufficient quantity and in good enough condition to make the class a good candidate for the project, proved to be a desirable option, being more affordable than new build locomotives while achieving similar performance to the Class 66 post-conversion. Many of the new systems installed are similar, or identical, to those present on the Class 66, including its EMD 710 powerplant and associated control systems; this was a deliberate choice in order to maximise the performance similarities. Retained elements were refurbished to an as-new condition. Class 69 in GBRf livery. Class 69 in retro BR large logo Blue livery. Class 69 in retro BR Green livery. Class 69 in retro BR Maroon livery.
This suggestion is regarding the Class 70 diesel locomotives for recent era routes. The British Rail Class 70 is a Co-Co mainline freight GE PowerHaul locomotive series manufactured by General Electric in Erie, Pennsylvania, United States. They are operated in the United Kingdom by Freightliner and Colas Rail. These locomotives replaced the Class 59 as having the highest tractive effort of any Co-Co Diesel locomotive in use in the United Kingdom when they were introduced. Class 70 in Freightliner Green livery.
This is a suggestion for the Class 92 electric locomotive for WCML South and Southeastern High Speed as well as any other appropriate recent era routes. The British Rail Class 92 is a dual-voltage electric locomotive, which can run on 25 kV AC from overhead wires or 750 V DC from a third rail. It was designed specifically to operate services through the Channel Tunnel between Great Britain and France. Eurotunnel indicates the Class 92 locomotive as the reference for other locomotives which railway undertakings might want to get certified for usage in the Channel tunnel. Class 92 in DB Schenker livery
For use on GWE and as AI on ECML, this proposal is for the Class 180 dmus. The British Rail Class 180 Adalente is a class of 14 diesel-hydraulic multiple unit passenger trains manufactured by Alstom at its Washwood Heath factory in 2000–01 for First Great Western (FGW). They are part of the Coradia 1000 family, along with the Class 175. All Class 180s are owned by Angel Trains. Operations of the fleet commenced with FGW during December 2001, being tasked with express commuter services that used its 125 mph (200 km/h) capability. However, the type suffered frequent service disruptions due to recurring technical problems, particularly in regards to its hydraulic transmission system. FGW ultimately decided to return all of its Class 180s to the lessor in favour of refurbished InterCity 125 sets; the last train leaving its service in 2009. The Class 180s were held in storage for a time before new operators were secured. During 2008, Hull Trains replaced its Class 222 fleet with several of the Class 180 sets; it operated the type through to 2020 until its replacement by Class 802 sets. Starting in 2009, Grand Central also leased several Class 180s; it operated the type exclusively until November 2023 when it introduced Class 221s onto some services. Five Class 180 sets also returned to service with FGW; the operator's first refurbished unit was introduced on 28 May 2012. These five sets have since been transferred to Grand Central. The four units formerly used by Hull Trains were transferred to East Midlands Railway, the first entering service in January 2020; these four units were withdrawn by East Midlands Railway in May 2023. Several proposed operators, such as First Harrogate Trains and Platinum Trains, also envisioned operating Class 180s; however, their track access applications were rejected by the Office of Road and Rail (ORR). Class 180 in FGW dynamic lines livery. Class 180 in GWR Legends of the Great Western livery used for Old Oak Common 111 open day event. Class 180 in Grand Central orange stripe livery. Class 180 in Grand Central green stripe livery.
