Just today DTG released the map of the future Cardiff City Network route: And while looking into the different route patterns around Cardiff and the Valley lines, I found some issues that I believe DTG should consider during the route's development. But first I'd like to applaud DTG for approaching a very unique route type rarely seen in TSW. A network type of route can provide lots of replayability with unique scenarios, different passenger lines, and possibly heritage services and freight. I hope this DLC will succeed upon its release so we can receive more routes like this. I'd also like to say that I am not a resident of Cardiff or don't even live in the UK most of the time, but I am looking forward to this route and want them to give it every chance of succeeding. ----------------------------------------------------------- Now moving on to some of the issues I've noticed: 1) If the route uses the latest TfW timetable, then, out of the many passenger lines running on the route, there are only 2 regular end-to-end services possible, that is Penarth-Coryton and Cardiff Bay-Cardiff Queen Street (this excludes the empty coach stock movements or some singular services terminating early). In a network style route I believe having end-to-end services is essential for providing a feeling of completeness. I also read some Matt's comments that with this route they aim to bring more shorter end-to-end journeys, which does not seem to be the case with the chosen route. 2) Many of the regular services will be no longer than 15-20 minutes, e.g. Penarth-Cardiff Queen Street (continues to Caerphilly), Cardiff Bay-Radyr (continues to Portypridd), Cardiff Central-Radyr (continues to Treherbert). All of these services have 5 stations in total, making them feel incomplete with such a short journey time. 3) Services like Barry Island-Bargoed and Bridgend-Rhymney will likely be represented on the route, however these services can only run on the Grangetown-Cardiff Queen Street section, which would have been a problem in itself, if two stations on those lines (Cogan and Heath High Level) weren't RIGHT next to the route itself (next to the Penarth branch junction and the Coryton branch Junction respectively). -------------------------------------------------------------- Looking at the route I think that DTG were aiming for a route where you would have to ability to go from one service onto the next (You could for example take a train from Cardiff Bay to Radyr, then change to a different train to Cardiff Central and then change onto a train to Penarth), rather than a route with many true end-to-end runs. ------------------------------------------------------------- My Proposal: 1) I believe that the main thing that needs to happen is an extension to have the most playability in a network-style route. The extensions that should be considered are the extension to Pontypridd and/or the extension to Caerphilly. (in green - the extensions) The extension to Pontypridd would make the train from Cardiff Bay a true end-to-end service (It would add 4 more stations and 7.5 miles to the route). The extension to Caerphilly would make the train from Penarth also a true end-to-end service (It would add also 4 more stations and 5 miles to the route). *Note: Another possible extension could be the line to Barry Island, however it is unlikely because it would add 7 stations and 7 miles of route, which DTG might consider too much work at this point with 19 stations already. (again, in green - the extensions) 2) If any extensions are off the table, which may be the case since Matt commented that the route is already a hefty 19 stations, I suggest AT LEAST adding the missing stations at Cogan and Heath High Level. Otherwise we will have a situation similar to when SEHS first released, where the Ebbsfleet Low level station was pretty much fully modeled, yet accessible only to AI. This will require very little work but will add to the variety. -------------------------------------------------------- I'd like to hear everyone's thoughts on this as I see the potential in having at least one of the extensions done to add to the network-style nature of the route.
It is an extreamly good idea. But if it dose expand up to pontypridd should it finish the valley lines by going all the way to aberdare and merthyr tydfil. Overall and extreamly good idea wich i hope gets added to TSW
Think we need to see how Cardiff City works out in game before asking for an extension. And if DTG are starting to pitch their tent in Wales, would rather the next route something like North Wales Coast or maybe part of the Marches Line.
I'm personally happy with the scope of the Cardiff network dtg have laid out. The problem with any South Wales route was always going to be exactly how much is/isn't included, and where exactly you draw the line, but i really do think this will be an immersive and engaging experience
If we keep asking for extensions for routes that are nowhere near ready for release, we're not going to get anywhere
