Bristol Westbury Swindon Network Description This modern diesel commuter route would cover the western segment of the Great Western Main Line between Bristol Temple Meads and Swindon, along with a section of the Heart of Wessex line as far as Westbury from Bath Spa, as well as the short single line branch connecting Westbury to Chippenham via Melksham. The line forms a triangle of possible routes, with a mix of frequent services and stopping patterns, allowing for more diverse gameplay. The scenery is largely through countryside with scenic valleys and river crossings, along with many quaint stations and small intermediate villages. This could allow for the introduction of a request stop mechanic for stations such as Avoncliff. The termini stations of Bristol, Westbury and Swindon are all historical railway locations; Bristol Temple Meads station housing the impressive station building and canopy built by Brunel. Swindon was once the former GWR locomotive works where most of the famous GWR steam locomotives were constructed and maintained. Westbury is a significant junction station connecting with intercity services to the south west as well as seeing plenty of freight with a large yard just to the west of the station perimeter. Route length would be around the 40 mile mark, with 12 stations, multiple sidings and yards, and a large depot at Bristol St Philips Marsh. Services -Bristol Temple Meads to London Paddington, 40 minutes. 2 trains every hour. -Cardiff Central to Portsmouth Harbour, 45 minutes. 2 trains every hour. -Gloucester to Weymouth, 50 minutes. 1 train every hour. -Westbury to Swindon, 40 minutes. 1 train every 2 hours. These services are operated by Great Western Railway. Some services may terminate at other stations en route, e.g. Weymouth services originating at Bristol Parkway instead of Gloucester. Other services would include AI traffic at Bristol, Westbury and Swindon. The limited Bristol Temple Meads to London Waterloo services operated by South West Trains could also be represented. Train Types Local services are operated by Sprinter family DMUs, primarily the Class 150 and Class 158. The Class 158 units are typically formed as 3-car units with a single driving car from a 2-car unit coupled onto another 2-car unit resulting in three cabs per train. This operation was performed to boost seat numbers when used on the long distance Cardiff to Portsmouth services. The Class 150 is more commonly seen on Gloucester to Weymouth services but may occasionally appear on the Portsmouth services when there are stock shortages. Express services are operated by Class 800 IET EMUs, but previously were the domain of the trusty HST. For simplicity, the route could contain only one new type of train, the Class 158, with layers adding additional variety to the timetable. The Class 150 could also appear (subject to Rivet allowing its reuse), ideally with updates to sounds and physics, along with era-appropriate modifications. Locale The route would be best set between 2016 and 2017, similar to Great Western Express, primarily to make best use of existing content and layering. Alternatively, the route could be set post-electrification, but would require the addition of the Class 800. Layers The Class 166 from Great Western Express would substitute in for 3-car Class 158 local services. The HST would add intercity services between Bristol and Swindon, and additional AI services at Swindon and Westbury. The East Coastway Class 66 could add AI freight at Westbury and populate the nearby yard. The historic Bristol Temple Meads station Class 150 pair at Bath Spa A single Class 150 at Avoncliff, note the very short platforms Class 158 at Bradford-on-Avon Route Map Thoughts/ideas/improvements/constructive criticisms etc. welcome.
I’d quite like this. My suggestion would be 158+800 for base locos with layers for HST to allow for a transitional period and the most variety
If a HST were able to substitute for a Class 800 in the layering system then I'm all for that. Even as a loco DLC the Class 800 would be a welcome addition.
