Well we don’t know if DTG have any surprises up their sleeves for Christmas, but assuming the Polar Express is off the menu due to steam traction and licensing, here’s a little thought. I’m sure those of us of a certain generation remember visiting the big department stores in the run up to Christmas. Almost inevitably the toy department would have a substantial and complex model railway on display, showcasing the range of models available and encourage people to buy - back when railway modelling was a relatively affordable hobby of course. Such layouts nearly always involved multiple tracks, climbing and looping around often in something of the rabbit warren configuration so you never quite knew where trains were going to pop out after disappearing in a tunnel. Drive or watch as per your pleasure. I would love to see DTG have a go at something like this for TSW. It really would be a complete “world” your character could step into from the shop floor with the whole baseboard area fully explorable. The background would be the life size store floor around the layout, shelves bursting with toys, Christmas decorations and maybe even Santa’s grotto in the corner. Licensing, well bring back some of the classic Hornby and Wrenn items from years ago, maybe even Lima. This is one time where I wouldn’t mind having steam outline locos that don’t have correct physics. In fact would go so far as to suggest the traction sounds should be classic 12v DC motors doing their thing along with the distinctive OO or HO track running sounds. Done properly and not too twee, this could be a big hit not just with younger players, but the grizzled old adults like me looking for a bit of nostalgia.
-Full-size Christmas trains: Some railroads do have Christmas lights on their locomotives and rolling stock. Canadian Pacific has a Christmas train for sure, as does CSX. -I love the idea of model railroads and Christmas, especially because I'm an avid model railroader. Perhaps we could get some classic 1950s-60s Lionel Trains with their AC Pullmor motor and E-Unit growling, electronic horns, smoke, and Lionel's 3-rail Tubular or Super-O track. Of course, we'd need their cool operating accessories, too (coal loader, bascule bridge, culvert loader/unloader, log loader, etc.).
Back in the day a lot of commuter trains on the last Friday before Christmas used to be like a party with groups of commuting friends drinking mulled wine and even decorating that part of their coach. It seemed to disappear in the 90s though I understand the buffet car on the Norwich trains from Liverpool Street would be rather lively just before Christmas up until the lockdown and subsequent home-working revolution (particularly during school holidays). Offices in London are mostly quiet in that last week before the festive period these days. Especially once the Company and Departmental Parties are out of the way.
Yes, this would be nice to have, but with a Steam Loco, like a jubilee, but that is wishful thinking. Then there is TrainPunk Train Sound Horn❗The Polar Express❗Train horn 2024❗Fictional future train horns❗Trainpunk #18
