Route Cambrian Line, Shrewsbury - Aberystwyth As A Test Bed For Etcs L2

There have been many suggestions on this line before so I don’t mean to add to them, many go into detail on how stunning the scenery is on the route and the route itself, however I want to suggest it as a great line to try out ETCS functionality on TSW.
I work on the freight fitment side of the ECML ETCS Welwyn to Hitchin fitment program and while I’d love to see the bottom end of ECML added to show this, it’s too long and relatively boring to be a valid suggestion. As WCML Preston - Carlisle has proven 80+ mile routes are doable, the Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth route on Cambrian should be relatively possible. The main factor is ETCS Level 2. Level 1 has already been in TSW but it’s not implemented as good as it could be and level 1 does not remove the line side signalling equipment (what we would call signals away).

ETCS level 2 on this route would require the existing Class 158 and Class 37 to be modified to ETCS standards, this includes the retro fitment of the ETCS DMIs (driver machine interface) in the cab, and the licences for TFW and Network rail for the class 97.

level 2 would be a whole new experience in TSW, requiring players to correctly setup the cab with train data, driver data etc and learn multiple new modes of operation. (ETCS has lots of different modes for different types of working) This would include simulated Radio block centre connections, level NTC to Level 2 transitions and vice versa. The key is the lack of signals and following a DMI for speed changes and end of authorities. (a red signal in conventional speak) The ETCS DMI will provide players with a hook to follow for speed as well as what’s known as a planning area which is actually pretty similar to what is shown on the TSW HUD, it includes gradient changes and speed changes ahead of the train. It would almost allow the player to turn off the HUD and use the DMI solely without actually losing any of the HUD functionality increasing the immersion without the need for higher route knowledge levels.

the route is solely operated by 158s and 97s both of which are already in the game meaning the functionality changes are in the cab and cosmetic only. If done right and if it’s possible to add ETCS L2 it would open the door to even more interesting routes using ETCS such as ECML when complete and those in other countries already using it like the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Norway etc.

ETCS being the day job I’m happy to go in to more detail of ETCS Level 2 if required.

 

Main problem with the Cambrian is relatively low service levels but having just bought and watched the Videoscene log train cab ride Blu-Ray from Aberystwyth to Chester agree it would be a nice scenic ride and something different for the UK side of TSW. We already have the SHG Class 158 which could be reworked as necessary and the 37 exists for conversion.

The one thing I hope DTG would do, which Network Rail seem incapable of, though is give the lineside foliage a hard trim. Very apparent from that video (filmed in 2023) is the utterly disgraceful state they have allowed it to get in. Much of the line now runs through a tunnel of trees which quite apart from obscuring the magnificent views, is shooting in the foot as regards adhesion.