Route The Italian Eastern Riviera: Genoa - La Spezia / New Stunning Italian Mainline / New Country: Italy

Good afternoon everyone. Today I'm going back to an old suggestion of mine. Since I believe the work done previously isn't up to par, having decided to expand the proposal and wanting to update the whole thing. I'm referring to the Genoa-Pisa Line, particulary its Genoa-La Spezia section; also known as the Northern Tyrrhenian Railway. Welcome to one of the most fascinating and beautiful places in the country! Our line runs between the splendid Tyrrhenian Sea and the inland mountains, along the famous "Italian Riviera"; a global summer holiday destination, well known and appreciated in the entire world! Our itinerary starts from the beautiful city of Genoa, an important European port, running down south-east. Until it reaches La Spezia, another important local port and home to the national naval base. Along the way, some iconic places of this area are crossed, including S. Margherita Ligure/Portofino and the so-called "5 Terre" (5 small villages perched on the rocks). The sea, the sheer cliffs and the mountains; a journey full of curves and tunnels; exploring one of the most beautiful and busiest lines in the country! This is The Italian Eastern Riviera: Genova-La Spezia Mainline!

Link old suggestion: https://forums.dovetailgames.com/th...pezia-sestri-levante-new-country-italy.79839/

GENERAL FEATURES

This route features:

- 89 km(55.3mi) total length.
- About 1/3 of lenght inside tunnels.
- 60+ galleries/tunnels.
- Passage along the beach and side by cliffs.
- Two authentic and busy port cities.
- Freight terminals (two large harbor areas at the ends).
- Multiple layered services, overlapping patterns and subs.

The line is served by:

- 4 Tracks, standard gauge (1435 mm/4 ft 8+1⁄2 in), electrified 3kV DC OHLE (Italian standard network voltage) [Genoa node: Sampierdarena-Piazza Principe, partially independent variants].
- Double track, standard gauge, electrified 3kV DC OHLE [partially underground variant, bypassing Piazza Principe station].
- 4/6 Tracks, standard gauge, electrified 3kV DC OHLE [Genoa Piazza Principe- Genoa Brignole, full 6 track expansion in progress].
- Double track, standard gauge, electrified 3kV DC OHLE [Genoa Brignole-La Spezia Scalo, with double & single track variants inside tunnels].
- 4 Tracks, standard gauge, electrified 3kV DC OHLE [La Spezia Scalo-Migliarina+dedicated track towards port area].

Except for Genoa Node/port area and Piazza Principe, Brignole, Sestri Levante and La Spezia common areas. Not to mention all loops and auxiliary tracks at many stations.

The path is equipped with:

- CTC/SCC (Centralized Traffic Control) under Automatic Block (integrated digital signalling). CTC center in Pisa and Genoa Teglia.
- SCMT (Train Operation Control System), as safety system adopted.
- GSM-R (GSM F) regards comm.

Max gradient on this route reaches:
- 0/0.7%(0/7x1000), especially from La Spezia to 5 Terre area and leaving Genoa (towards cliffs).
Max permitted speed on this route reaches:
- 80/115km/h(50/71mph) more or less along the entire length (except for terminal/freight tracks).
Speeds related to passenger service. Freight traffic doesn't exceed 80/100km/h(50/62mph)!

The line is managed by:
- RFI s.p.a. (Italian Railway Network), as regards infrastructure.
Passenger service is operated by:
- Trenitalia s.p.a. (Ligurian/Genoa dep.), private/public passenger transport company.
- SBB CFF FFS SA/AG, public national company (SBB-Trenitalia Eurocity services).
- ÖBB-Personenverkehr AG, public national company (DB-ÖBB Euronight services).
- Fondazione FS Italiane, public national foundation (railtours).
- Trenord s.r.l., private/public passenger transport company ("Sea Trains").
Freight service is operated by:
- Mercitalia Rail s.r.l., public/private freight company (formerly Trenitalia cargo division) .
- Medway Italia s.r.l., private company (MSC Group).
- Captrain Italia s.r.l., public/private company (SNCF Group).
- Oceanogate Italia s.r.l, private company (Contship Group).
- GTS Rail s.p.a., private company (GTS Group).
- DB Schenker Rail Italia s.r.l., public/private company (DB-FNM groups synergy).

ROUTE AND STATIONS

This route features a total of 33 active stations/stops, plus 3 additional stops (off main route). The 3 terminals of Genoa Piazza Principe, Genoa Brignole and La Spezia Centrale are included.

The calls are, as follows:

----Genoa Node------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Genoa Sampierdarena Station, divided into two areas: "Bastioni Variant" platforms; "Subsidiary Variant" platforms. Km-3**.
----Bastioni Variant--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Genoa Via Di Francia Stop. Km-1**.
- Genoa Piazza Principe Station (underground). Km+0.7*
----Subsidiary Variant-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Genoa Piazza Principe Terminal (surface). Km0*.
----Mainline------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Genoa Brignole Terminal. Km+2.5*.
- Genoa Sturla Stop. Km+5.5*.
- Genoa Quarto (dei Mille) Station. Km+7*.
- Genoa Quinto (al Mare) Station. Km+9*.
- Genoa Nervi Station, end of urban area and metropolitan service. Km+10.7*.
- Bogliasco Stop. Km+13*.
- Pontetto Stop. Km+13.8*.
- Pieve Ligure Stop. Km+15*.
- Sori Stop. Km+16.5*.
- Mulinetti Stop. Km+18.6*.
- Recco Station. Km+20*.
- Camogli-S. Fruttuoso Stop. Km+21.7*.
- S. Margherita(Ligure)-Portofino Station. Km+26.8*.
- Rapallo Stop. Km+29.2*.
- Zoagli Stop. Km+32.8*.
- Chiavari Station. Km+37.7*.
- Lavagna Stop. Km+40*.
- Cavi Stop. Km+42.3*.
- Sestri Levante Station, terminal of local regional services to/from La Spezia and Genoa. Route midpoint. Km+45*.
- Riva Trigoso Station. Km+48*.
- Moneglia Stop. Km+53.3*.
- Deiva Marina Station. Km+57*.
- Framura Station. Km+60.6*.
- Bonassola Stop. Km+63.5*.
- Levanto Station, terminal of local regional "5 Terre Express" services. Km+66.4*.
- Monterosso Station. Km+70.7*.
- Vernazza Stop. Km+73.6*.
- Corniglia Station. Km+76.8*.
- Manarola Stop. Km+78.8*.
- Riomaggiore Stop. Km+79.5*.
- La Spezia Centrale Terminal. Km+86.2*.
- La Spezia Migliarina Station, located in the right "wing" of the city. Km+2***.

*/** Distance from route origin, Genoa Piazza Principe (Km0).
*** Distance from route origin, La Spezia Centrale (Km0).

Reference depots are:
- OML Genoa Brignole-Terralba (Trenitalia).
- DORS La Spezia Migliarina (Fondazione FS).

ROUTE PLAN


Top: general view of the route; all main stations/stops are indicated.
Others: Genoa (center) and La Spezia (bottom) rail facilities. All key points are indicated.
GOOGLE Maps Credits.

PASSENGER SERVICE

REGIONAL(Suburban/Mid-Range) / METROPOLITAN(Urban) TRENITALIA

R31: Genoa-->La Spezia (multi pattern) / M45: Genoa Voltri-->Genoa Nervi
a1) Regional (R) / Savona-Genoa-Sestri Levante (runs to/from Genoa Brignole) [2Tph both directions].
b) Regional (R) / Sestri Levante-La Spezia-Sarzana (runs to/from La spezia/Deiva Marina) [1Tph both directions].
c) 5 Terre Express - Regional (R) / Levanto-La Spezia (runs to/from Sestri Levante)[2Tph both directions; active Mar15-Nov2].
d) Fast Regional (RV) / Genoa-La Spezia (runs to/from Ventimiglia/Savona/Pisa) [1Tph both directions, replaces regional of that hour].
a2) Metropolitan (M) / Genoa Voltri-Genoa Nervi (sporadic extensions to Recco) [2Tph both directions; designated as regional, integrated by Savona services].

So: 8Tph Genoa<-->Genoa Nervi; 4Tph Genoa Nervi<-->Sestri Levante; 4Tph Sestri Levante<-->Levanto; 6Tph Levanto<-->La Spezia; 2Tph Genova<-->La Spezia (direct).

About 460 services/day (summer time).

INTERCITY DAY / NIGHT TRENITALIA

IC Long Range / ICN Long Range (national services)
a) Intercity Day (IC) / Sestri Levante-Naples (morning only).
b) Intercity Day (IC) / Milan-Livorno/Grosseto.
c) Intercity Day (IC) / Ventimiglia-Rome.
d) Intercity Day (IC) / Milan-La Spezia.
e) Intercity Day (IC) / Turin-Salerno/Reggio Calabria.
f) Intercity Night (ICN) / Turin-Salerno/Reggio Calabria.
g) Intercity Night (ICN) / Milan-Syracuse.

13Tpd IC Genoa-->La Spezia; 13Tpd IC La Spezia-->Genoa. Total of 26Tpd (1Tph/1Tp2h, replaced by FB/FA of that hour).
4Tpd ICN Genoa-->La Spezia; 4Tpd ICN La Spezia-->Genoa. Total of 8Tpd (mostly morning/evening runs).

FRECCIABIANCA / FRECCIARGENTO TRENITALIA

FB/FA High Speed Connections (national services)
a) Frecciabianca (FB) / Rome–Pisa–La Spezia–Genoa (extended to Turin/Milan) [5Tpd Genoa-->La Spezia; 5Tpd La Spezia-->Genoa. Total of 10Tpd].
b) Frecciargento (FA) / Rome–Florence–Pisa–La Spezia–Genoa [3Tpd Genoa-->La Spezia; 3Tpd La Spezia-->Genoa. Total of 6Tpd].

Link to Trenitalia Ligurian General Timetable (from page 132): https://www.trenitalia.com/content/...igitale/orari-regionali/Regionale_Liguria.pdf

EUROCITY SBB-TRENITALIA / EURONIGHT ÖBB

EC 34-35 Zürich HB-->Genoa P.P.* (international service)
a) Genoa P.P.-Sestri Levante, with 1Tpd (morning).
b) Sestri Levante-Genoa P.P., with 1Tpd (afternoon).
* Extended to Sestri Levante on weekends. Calls only at: Rapallo, S. Margherita Ligure-Portofino.

EN 233-235 ÖBB Nightjet (München Hbf)Wien Hbf-->La Spezia Centrale (international service)
a) Genoa P.P.-La Spezia Centrale, with 1Tpd (morning).
b) La Spezia Centrale-Genoa P.P., with 1Tpd (afternoon).
All seasons. Calls only at: Rapallo, Levanto.

Plus all Trenitalia services to/from: Florence, Pisa, Acqui Terme, Alexandria, Ventimiglia, Milan, Turin, Busalla and Acquasanta. Driveable or AI Only!

There are also occasional railtours (Fondazione FS) and some Trenord "Sea Trains" Milan/Como<-->La Spezia trips (Mar29-Sep28 on weekends/holidays)!

FREIGHT SERVICE

Freight traffic on this route is intense, despite the non-optimal layout of this path. As a mainline, it connects northern hubs (Alessandria, Turin, Milan, Chiasso etc...) with the riviera; there are also southern connections (Pisa, Livorno, Rome, Marcianise etc..). Without forgetting services to/from France (via Ventimiglia).

Sectors involved:
- Intermodal (containers, tanktainers).
- Steel/metals (coils, rods/beams, metal scraps).
- Miscellaneous (pallets, packaging etc...).
- Chemicals (liquids, powders).
- Oil/Gas.
- Vehicle Transport.
- Cereals (sporadic, to/from France).

Service samples:
- Turin Orbassano-Livorno Calambrone (miscellaneous).
- Tavazzano-Rosignano (chemicals).
- Alessandria Sm.-Livorno Calambrone (chemicals).
- S. Giuseppe di Cairo-Rosignano (metal scraps). So Sad ... (few will understand this).
- TCS Piedimonte-Turin Orbassano (intermodal).
- Rome Sm.-Chiasso Sm. (miscellaneous).
- TCS Piedimonte-Fiorenzuola (intermodal).
- Chiasso Sm.-Pisa Campaldo (steel).
- Livorno Calambrone-Tarvisio Boscoverde (cars).

There are also many services originating from Genoa/La Spezia harbours. Especially intermodal and steel/metals.

ROLLING STOCK

The following rolling stock can be seen on this route (choosing between):

REGIONAL

- ETR 521 Rock EMU / E.464 DC electric loco + NCDP-CDPTR Vivalto Coaches / ETR 104 Pop EMU, for Trenitalia Regional, Fast Regional and Urban services.

-First: ultra modern EMUs by Hitachi, 5 cars (double-decker), 3kV DC powered and max speed of 160km/h(100mph).
-Second: glorious electric loco by ADTranz/Bombardier, single-cab (with luggage), 3kV DC powered and max speed of 160km/h(100mph). In service alongside its double-decker coaches by Corifer/Ansaldo-Breda (4 coaches+cabcar formation).
-Third: modern one-handle EMUs by Alstom, 4 cars (single-deck), 3kV DC powered and max speed of 160km/h(100mph).

Occasionally, MDVC/MDVE (single-deck) coaches can be seen alongside E.464s.

INTERCITY

- E.414 & E.402B DC/Bi-voltage electric locos, for Trenitalia Intercity day/night services.

-First: Old electric high speed loco by TREVI, single-cab (rear gangway), 3kV DC powered and max speed of 200km/h(125mph). Completely rebuilt from old E.404-100 series.
-Second: powerful electric loco by Ansaldo-Firema-Sofer, double cabin, 3kV DC/25kV AC powered and max speed of 220km/h(137mph)[limited to 200km/h(125mph)]. Similar to the E.403 series.

It's also possible to see convoys operated by E.464s (200km/h-125mph variant) or E.401s.

Intercity convoys are made up of:

- Type Z1 UIC 29-90 B series / Type Gran Confort (GC) FS 19-90 A series / Type X UIC T4 series Coaches, for Trenitalia Intercity day/night services.

-First: standard 2nd class intercity coaches, developed starting from their European counterparts. Here present in their revamped saloon version (2nd class day or night seating), max speed of 200km/h (125mph). A cabcar variant exists (Z1A).
-Second: iconic 1st class intercity coaches, originally carrying out international services (TEE/Eurocity). Here present in their ravamping saloon version (1st class day or night seating), max speed of 200km/h (125mph). A mixed seating/bar variant is available (BHR).
-Third: old sleeper coaches, developed starting from German models. Here present in their latest compart./corridor revamped version (2nd class sleeper), max speed of 160km/h (100mph). The MU 160 coach (1st class sleeper) was built on the same chassis.

Intercity formations are made up of (7+1)/8+1/2 pieces:
Mid Range/Long Range Day (push/pull): 1xE.402B/401+2xGC+5xZ1+1xZ1A.
Mid Range Day (sandwich): 1xE.414/464+6xZ1+2xGC+1xE.414/464.
Long Range Night (sandwich): 1xE.402B+2xZ1/GC+1/2xMU 160+4/5xT4+1xE.402B.

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HIGH SPEED

- ETR 460 & ETR 485 Pendolinos Dual/Tri-voltage electric tilting trains, for Trenitalia Frecciabianca and Frecciargento services.

Iconic Italian electric tilting trains by Fiat Ferroviaria/Alstom. National spearhead in the 90s/00s. Consisting of 9 cars (1st, restaurant and 2nd)(both), 1.5/3kV DC (460) and 1.5/3kV DC-25kV AC (485) powered, max speed of 250km/h-155mph (limited to 220km/h-137mph) [460] and 280km/h-174mph (limited to 250km/h-155mph) [485]. 460 is being phased out.

FREIGHT

- E.494 Traxx 3 / E.483 Traxx 2 / E.652 Tigre / E.191 Vectron DC electric locos, for various operators freight services.

-The first two are DC electric locos belonging to the F140 DC3 and F140 DC families by Bombardier. Equipped with double cabin, 1.5/3kV DC powered, max speed of 140km/h(87mph). They're widely used here by many operators.
-The third is the good, old Tiger FS, here in its advanced multi-role version (now freight only). Equipped with double cabin, 3kV DC powered, max speed of 160km/h(100mph)[limited to 120km/h(74mph)]. The entire fleet is operated by Mercitalia Rail.
-The fourth is the brand new and ultra modern DC version of our Vectron. Equipped with two cabins, 1.5/3kV DC powered, max speed of 160kmh(100mph). It's used here only by some operators.

Other models are also present, such as E.193 Vectron (Oceanogate) or E.189 EuroSprinter (ES 64 F4)!

LAMPOIL

L - Licensing: Don't know
We don't know if RFI, Trenitalia or other private companies (freight) willing to provide data access/search for this route. DB Cargo Italia could be easy to get, as it's linked to DB Cargo AG (DE). All details on the first page!

A - Anticipation: Yes
Of course! Many players will be pleasantly surprised to play this content. Italy has been mentioned many times here on the forums; one of the most requested countries, I think. So there's a certain anticipation on this one! And they won't be bored for sure!

M - Mix: Yes
Perfect mix on this line: overlapping regional services, intercity, high speed, eurocity/euronight + other occasional/seasonal services. 500+ overall daily services, given its mainline nature. There's an excellent stratification and integration between different types of service, with some variations (rush hour etc...). Without forgetting the intense 24h freight traffic!

P - Prominence: Yes
One of the most (globally) appreciated Italian settings! There are several points of interest, such as the so-called "5 Terre" area, Portofino etc... Not to mention the various historical structures along the route (castles, fortresses etc...)! So I'd say that it will be a strong global appeal route! Rolling stock proposed is quite standard; certainly Pendolinos are so iconic!

O – Opportunity: Yes
This content offers several integration possibilities: extension up to Genoa Voltri (urban service) and port area (freight); modular addition of intercity services, high speed (Pendolinos) and other seconary services, such as Trenord summer connections! Not to mention possible interaction with nearby routes layers! Two-way layering from/to other future routes!

I – Intelligence: Yes
The only two main events (that come to my mind) are the Sanremo Italian Song Festival (February) and occasional raltours weekends, organized by Fondazione FS here!

L – Limitation: Maybe
There may be issues related to some military facilities along the route: La Spezia Naval Base (Navy) and Riva Trigoso shipyard (Defense dep)!

STATIONS


Up: Genoa Brignole Station, imposing terminal, dating back to 1905. It's one of the two main railway hubs of the city, terminus of many services.
Down: La Spezia Centrale Station, city's main terminal, dating back to 1887. The extreme southeastern point of our route.


Up: Genoa Piazza Principe Station, city's historic terminal, dating back to 1860. Famous for its elegance, it represents the designated hub for many national and international services.
Down: Sestri Levante Station, route mid-point. Terminal of regional suburban services, coming from both directions.


A) Genoa Nervi, urban services eastern terminal.
B) S. Margherita (Ligure)-Portofino, serving the iconic location.
C) Rapallo, another famous location stop, right next to the previous one.
D) Chiavari, first important stop on the flat coastal stretch of the route.

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A) Levanto, 5 Terre Express services terminal (some of them). One of the most recent structures (1970).
B) Monterosso, first and main stop of the 5 Terre area.
C) Vernazza, iconic stop, located partially underground!
D) Corniglia, halfway through the 5 Terre area. A popular location for railfans, as it's squeezed between mountains and the stunning sea in front of it.

ROUTE VIDEOS


Cabview Pisa Centrale-Genoa Piazza Principe. Trenitalia Intercity Day service: E.402B Loco. Consider only La Spezia-Genoa section (from min 47:00)!


Cabview Genoa Piazza Principe-Sestri Levante. Trenitalia Intercity Day service: Z1A cabcar.


Genoa Node trainspotting!


La Spezia Centrale trainspotting!


Manarola (5 Terre) trainspotting!

IMAGES


A) General view of Genoa and its huge port.
B) Genoa Lantern, large & ancient lighthouse, city's symbol. It's located in the port area and dates back to 1128!
C) Victory Square, note the "Arch of Victory" (WWI). Through it, you can see the Brignole station.
D) Spectacular view of Pieve Ligure, with our line overlooking the sea!


A) Recco Rail Viaduct, dating back to the 50s. With its particular shape and bright colors, it represents the symbol of this line.
B) View of S. Margherita Ligure. Portofino in the background.
C) Rapallo and its flashy colors.
D) Zoagli beach, one of the most exclusive places on The Riviera.


A) View of Cavi Coastline. Notice our line passing right next to the beach!
B) Sestri Levante and its unique shape.
C) Moneglia beach, approaching 5 Terre from west.
D) Monterosso (old town); the spectacular promontory and its ancient fortresses.


A) View of Vernazza, one of the "5 Terre" villages along the coast.
B) Riomaggiore, last and most characteristic of the 5 seaside villages (IMHO).
C) DORS La Spezia Migliarina, the largest heritage stock depot in Italy! Railway Heaven for steam, electric and diesel enthusiasts!
D) General view of La Spezia. Foreground: naval base; background: intermodal docks.

I also remember the presence of: S. Giorgio Bridge (Sampierdarena), rebuilt after the catastrophic 2018 collapse; the so-called "City", Genoa harbor administrative district; "D'Albertis Castle" (right above Piazza Principe); Navy shipyard of Riva Trigoso; National Transport Museum (rolling stock/models exhibition). As well as several ancient viaducts and many small reference points, such as fortresses etc...

CONCLUSIONS

Welcome to The Riviera! Where the beautiful sea meets barren cliff rocks, where small villages are perched high above water and where small beaches seem to hide from view. Here you'll be in charge of the large passenger traffic between two important local cities, taking advantage of modern EMUs and other veteran stock of the coast! You'll also be able to manage a wide range of national Intercity and "Frecce" services, which connect the area to the rest of the country. Not to mention the intense national and international freight traffic! Discover one of the most famous and beautiful areas of my country, through its stunning mainline! This is The Italian Eastern Riviera: Genova-La Spezia Mainline!

Caravatt.

 

the rolling stock selection is downright brutal, especially ROCK/Caravaggio and the modern EMU under that ... tho those speeds seem like such a waste of performance... with all those speedy EMUs I would prefer some faster route, but I wont mind this one either

 

Unfortunately, this line is old (19th Century) and the coastal setting doesn't allows you to speed up too much. However,still absolutely worth the trip (even Irl)! I consider this one the Top 5 routes to take into account, if you want to bring this country to TSW!

 

This looks to be a pretty scenic route. I'd love to see such a route being made in TSW. Looking forward seeing new trains and a new signalling system too.

 

Ok I don't think that DTG is going to consider all of the rolling Stock to come to TSW5 because there is too much Rolling Stock on the route, and I'm not very sure if DTG has the energy to make all of these locos, especially because they are completely new.

I'm not trying to be mean but I'm just saying that DTG might cut it short on the rolling Stock because there are too much for DTG to make, if you get it.

But still, nice suggestion

 

This would be superb but the burning question before posting such a long essay is whether it fits DTG LAMPOIL process in particular whether FS will grant a licence and allow access for research and recordings.

 

Just added to Page 2, Vern! Let's say that licenses apart, everything fits LAMPOIL perfectly!

 

Regarding possible mastery for this route, two concrete opportunities:
a) Genoa Subway,here present with its "Brignole" stop, right in front of our city terminal.

View of the AMT Brignole Terminal.


AMT 31-37 DC Railcars, in use since 2017.
It would be a bit like Rivet trams; AI or static stand!

b) TEE Coaches, iconic stock from a glorious past! Can be seen at DORS La Spezia Migliarina.

Type GC-TEE "Az" FS (1st Class) Coach, in its iconic "Trans Europ Express" livery (70-early 80s).


Its luxury interiors, with glass compartments. However, a simple static model would be enough (exteriors only)!

I hope you liked my idea!
Caravatt.