I'm hoping for one just outside Chicago on the Canadian Pacific South Elgin to Byron, or UP has one to Rockford and CN has the same I think. I wonder does any commuter trains go to Elgin from Chicago? It is about 100-110 miles from Chicago Union (or is it Olgivie?) Station to Byron. You can drive a commuter train to Big Timber and there has been talk for years about extending it. Big Timber The most fun part is the freight over rolling terrain in this west of Elgin. You are in the country side. This is one epic route and could even use IC&E logos etc. Not sure what people would prefer the time to be set in the route. If it doesn't make much different do to modern day and then offer a IC&E download later.
I found a video of the entire length of the run from Big Timber. Halfway to Byron. It is the Metras. And this is Monroe Center on the way to Byron.
-CP would be a good choice. We don't have a CP route yet. Loco suggestions: Metra F40PH, MP36PH-3C, or SD70MACH, CP AC4400CWM or ES44AC, and CP SD30C-ECO or GP20C-ECO. -Possible CSX Locos: SD70AC (rebuilt SD70MAC), ET44AH, CM44AH (rebuilt AC4400CW), C40-8/C40-8W, ES44AH (heritage units included), SD40-3, GP40-3, GP38-3, and/or 3GS-21B Genset Switcher; plus Metra locos -Possible UP Locos: SD70M, C45AH, C45ACCTE, SD70AH-T4, C44ACM (rebuilt C44AC, C60AC, and C44-9W), GP60/GP62, GP40N, 3GS-21B Genset, and/or SD40N; plus Metra locos
The good thing about this route is it would satisfy freight side as well as huge demand for passenger trains in USA. Not that the US has great passenger trains. Better in Europe or Australia. In any case it also single track for the freight side. Which makes crossings (meets US terminology) more challenging. Being a rural (mostly) route it would certainly be popular, rather than another hill, pass or summit. Like Niddeltalbahn. A different route of sorts but will certainly capture the imagination of the Metra and freight crowds as well. With locomotives I suspect it will be one chioce by DTG or 3rd party or a locom9otive they don't have on the DLC yet. Might get a SD40 and SD70AC included as well.
