Going to present a case for a new ScotRail route! Of all the lines I looked at, the best, realistically, is the Borders Railway. At 35 miles long, it is currently the newest line on the Scotrail network. The line is mostly single track, with passing loops to allow for the 30 minute service. Complete runs are around about an hour. Rolling stock is primarily the class 158 Express Sprinter and the Class 170 Turbostar. The IRL timetable has space for railtours, so this can also be factored in. The route itself contains remnants of the original waverly line, such as historic viaducts, tunnels and the Millerhill Marshalling Yard. The yard is home to Class 385, Class 37 and 66s, Class 156 and 158s, more opportunities for these to be layed in. Stations: Edinburgh Waverly (Currently in game) Brunstane (3m 72ch) single platform - Dual track - Electrified Newcraighall (4m 54ch) Single platform - Dual track - Electrified Shawfair (5m 65ch) dual platform - dual track - Eskbank (8m 25ch) single platform - single track - Newtongrange (11m 77ch) Single platform - single track - Gorebridge (13m) Single platform - single track - Stow (26m 45ch) dual platform - dual track - Galashiels (33m 22ch) Single platform - single track - Tweedbank (35m 34ch) dual platform - dual track - There is also the ability to expand the route, by including the shorter Edinburgh to North Berwick line, providing a futher 22 1/4 miles, 8 stations and a mix of dual/ single track, re-using of the Class 385, to create an "Edinburgh branch lines" route.
From what I’ve seen of the cab ride this is a nice scenic run, too so gets my upvote. Of course the old codger in me would love to see a recreation of the entire Waverley Route from Edinburgh to Carlisle similar to Peak Forest, but realistically that’s outside what we can expect from DTG. Imagine thrashing a Clayton Class 17 or maybe a Class 26 across there!
Yes please! Would be a good line to get the 170 in, with the 158 being reused as a second train too. Would be a fan of adding the north Berwick line too and can use the 385 fir that so still just one new train. Both lines depart from the other side of Waverley from the Glasgow/Dunblane trains, for those unfamiliar with the lines, so would really give it some life.
Those in the UK can watch a "lost railways" program from Channel 5 on this, the guy took the train and then walked the remainder of the route to Carlisle... Quite interesting program Not sure on the route as much of it once you get out of Edinburgh is plain countryside with very little lineside asset, so if you're into rolling hills, great. I've lived there and not for me personally, so the only bonus here would the the 158 and 170
And of course unlike its original Waverley route guise, it's essentially a long siding with a couple of basic passing loops. No freight to add interest.
I would prefer the Fife Circle (or Edinburgh to Dundee) for a Scottish diesel route but the Borders Railway wouldn't be too bad, especially given how it is a new route in real life (in the sense of it being reopened).
To be honest, I selected this route based on the fact I don't particularly enjoy freight runs. Each to their own though
Fair enough. I'm sure you don't mind seeing them trundling along and having one waiting at a passing loop would add interest?
Yep, I'd prefer the Fife Circle or Edinburgh-Dundee as it offers more flexibility in service pattern than Edinburgh-Tweedbank or Tweedbank-Edinburgh services but the Borders Railway or the earlier Waverley Route would be a great route to cover but the two above routes I'd prefer too
I applied to become a trainee driver when this route was due to be opened. Unsuccessfully unfortunately. It would certainly be nice to see.
