Hi again, I have recently come Into some money and I’m looking to buy another tsw route, any suggestions? I already own a few routes such as: London Overground, London Underground, Brighton main line, Fife circle, Blackpool branches and island line 2022. I have done some looking on YouTube and I think I like either the Niddertalbahn, southeastern high speed or Long Island railroad. If anyone can could you please describe to me how these routes are and if you recommend them or any other routes on the game. Thank you
Out of those I have only played South Eastern HS and personally I don't enjoy it much, but it focuses on a type of driving I cannot stand. Amazing timetable though. I would also throw Midland mainline into your mix, as it is a good quality route and rolling stock, with a couple of expansion packs which add a lot to the route.
Southeastern High Speed, with all layers, is a great route to have. Especially as there are a lot of seasonal services that only appear in specific months. It has been my go to route since it was extended for TSW3.
I like SEHS. There are several different types of services you can use on it (high speed, local commuter, etc on a 3 different "branches" basically) I personally like Nidder but it's slow, rural branch line. It's nothing like the other ones you have...but again you can do a variety of things (some commuter in a cool "retro" DMU and a small local freight with a shunter) It's kinda niche and retro, so you have to be aware of that. I don't have LIRR, but for commuter folks in modern EMUs people say it's pretty good. That's probably the closest to what you already have, but you might not be looking for more of the "same"...
I too can only speak for Southeastern Highspeed: It comes with 4 trains: Class 395 Javelin - The highlight of the route. Regular high speed services between London St. Pancras International (terminus) and Ashford International. Sometimes, these trains may not stop at Stratford International and Ebbsfleet International. There are separate tracks at these stations for non-stop services. These take about 40 minutes to complete. There are also St. Pancras (terminus) to Faversham (sometimes terminus) via Gravesend services. These take over an hour to complete, and use the high-level platforms at Ebbsfleet, where you must lower the pantograph and lower the third-rail shoes. You will then switch from km/h to mph, and join the slower lines. The train is not as fast on the third rail. Class 465/9 Networker - mainly operates between Dartford and Gravesend (terminus). Most probably, you will skip a station or two along the way (Thameslink services stop at every station, Southeastern services don't). There are one or two services that go between Sittingbourne and Dartford. Class 375/9 Electrostar - operates between Rochester and Faversham. You may stop at Newington and Teynham along the way, depending on which service you choose, but you will stop at the other stations between Rochester and Faversham regardless of which service you choose. Class 66 - A bunch of services arrive into Hoo Junction during the morning and early afternoon, then the wagons are shunted around a bit (playable) and then in the evening, Hoo Junction is emptied, as trains leave for the day. Class 66s can be spotted anywhere between Faversham and Dartford. Overall, a very nice route, with plenty of variety to keep you engaged. There are also some extra loco DLCs you can buy (that I haven't): Rail Head Treatment Train - runs in autumn to clear the rails of any leaves. Rail Operations Group Class 37 with white and yellow Class 375. The Class 375 is playable, but you can also drag it with the Class 37 (as if it were going to the depot to be repainted in the dark blue livery). Thameslink Class 700/0 to run services between Dartford and Rainham (terminus) that stop at all stations along the way (Higham is served exclusively by Thameslink). You do not get the Class 700/1, though. From what I have heard, Niddertalbahn is a really nice route - very quiet, calming, slow, atmospheric, and with unparalleled detail. I don't have it though, so someone who does can come and elaborate. I haven't heard much about the new Long Island Railroad, so I assume it has done well. I do know that safety systems cannot be disabled in the route, though, unlike the others.
It may seem trivial but it depends almost exclusively on your preferences. SEHS with all the layers (and there are many) is objectively superior to the others you listed. Niddertalbahn is particular, unique, a little gem. Very well-finished in the details, slow, a single track almost always. It has been very successful but it may also not be liked. Then I don't know if you like the German routes and the use of the PZB (certainly an added value for Indusi lovers). LIRR (1 or 2?) I have both but I prefer the others to express their opinion. I like them but I don't have a well-defined opinion yet.
Spread your wings, try Switzerland, Luzerne-Sursee is a great route if it's on sale. Small and compact, interesting stations and scenery, they nailed the route for me.
SEHS is a decent route if you enjoy a mix of high speed driving and commuter runs. Niddertahlbahn is slow but reasonably enjoyable with a mix of slowish passenger and freight. Optionally instead of Niddertahlbahn you could look at Maintalbahn which is in the same vein as Niddertahlbahn except the passenger is a bit quicker. LIRR V1 is a fair route but the lack of traffic on what is supposed to be the busiest US commuter route lets it down, I don't have LIRR V2 yet so haven't experienced if they've increased the traffic much. You should also look at Midland Mainline as Matt #4801 suggests. It has The HST, 158 and class 66. You'll also find stock in places from TVL & NTP as well as the ROG 37 and the two cargoline packs (if you own/buy them too)
