The cathcart circle is one of the shortest british routes based in the uk, and while still a pretty great route, it feels lacking in some areas, mostly service diversity, so here's an idea on how a small, simple network can be expanded into a larger one. Extentions Part 1: A larger network Newton is one of the 3 current terminus on the cathcart circle, it sees half hourly services terminate from glasgow central high level, services from/to larkhall, dalmuir, motherwell and more, and of course the fast services that pass on the WCML just next to the station. The main part of this extention would be the 28 mile section of track from glasgow central to lanark, 26 of which being part of the west coast mainline, which would bring in some much needed regional and a good amount of freight, 8 stations would be added on this section, with most services calling at each. The next section which would be added is the busy argyle line, this would include the line from glasgow central low level, although potentially could go as far as Dalmuir, out to Motherwell where it would cross over with mainline services, this 14 mile expansion would include 11 new stations. The stations Here are all the stations that would likely be added in this expansion. Glasgow central (Low level) This would be one of the first low level stations in train sim world with regular services, with many trains passing through every hour. Argyle street Very similar to glasgow central low level, it is only a short distance away, not much else to say about this station. Bridgeton Our first sign of daylight! Still a technically a low level station but has an open roof. Dalmarnock A station with a very unique modern looking building, also our first fully outdoor station! Rutherglen Our last station before joining the WCML, an island platform station which also has 2 tracks now not in use. Cambuslang Probably one of the busiest non-terminus stations in glasgow, it has 2 platforms and is slightly curved, most trains stop here although some express services may pass at speed. (Via uddingston) Uddingston Not much to say about this station either, it is just past newton and around 7 miles outside of glasgow. Bellshill Again not much to say about this station, it has 2 platforms and has trains to and from Lanark and Edinburgh call here. Motherwell Probably the largest station on this extension, it is a 4 platform station which sees the argyle line and WCML meet up, before splitting off again. Most services call here, and most that pass are services from london, or other stations further down the mainline, Motherwell is also the terminus for some argyle line trains. Shieldmuir Shieldmuir is the first station past Motherwell, and is actually one of the 2 stations located within the town of wishaw, it is also located just next to royal mail's railway terminal, where some of its class 325 trains are stored. Wishaw The second station in wishaw, most services do not stop here, with only suburban services to Lanark calling at this station. Carluke The last station on the WCML, Carluke is a 2 platform station located just before the branch-off to lanark. Lanark This station sees services from glasgow central high level terminate, and at the time this route is set, some services also terminate here via glasgow central low level. (Via hamilton) Newton Newton currently exists in game, and sees cathcart circle services terminate, and argyle line services call at. Blantyre Blantyre is a small 2 platform station on the argyle line around 2 miles south of newton, not much else to say. Hamilton west This is one of 2 stations located with in the town of Hamilton, the station was originally called Hamilton, however was renamed to Hamilton west in 1876. Hamilton central Hamilton central is the second station within the town of hamilton, it originally opened with 4 platforms, however this was later reduced to 2. Airbles Airbles is a station within the town of Motherwell, with 2 platforms, this is our last station before finishing off at Motherwell! Part 2: The trains Lack of rolling stock is arguably the cathcart circle's weakest point, as 1 type of train doesn't allow much variety, although there is plenty of room to expand that, especially considering this extension. Class 314 Top speed: 75mph Routes served: Most cathcart circle services, occasional argyle line and lanark services. Entered service: 1979 Unit numbers: 314201-314216 Already exists in game Class 320 Top speed: 90mph Routes served: Glasgow central high level and low level to lanark and motherwell, Shields depot, AI out of glasgow central, peak cathcart circle services. Entered service: 1990 Unit numbers: 320301-320322 (/4 subclass had not yet been transferred to scotrail) Would be included on release Class 318 Top speed: 90mph Routes served: Shields depot, services alongside class 320, peak cathcart circle runs, AI out of glasgow central. Entered service: 1986 Unit numbers: 318250-318269 Potentially included on release, more likely to be dlc. Class 334 Top speed: 90mph Routes served: Shields depot, occasional argyle line services, rare AI out of glasgow central high level, layers to Edinburgh glasgow between edinburgh and edinburgh park. Entered service: 2001 Unit numbers: 334001-334040 Unlikely to be added on release or as DLC, would likely layer from another route. Class 66 Top speed: 75mph Routes served: Freight, RHTT, static. Entered service: 1998 Already exists in game. Conclusion: This expansion would make a small, simple route into a large, varied network with plenty of choice in services to choose from, and plenty of rolling stock to add for extra diversity around the busier parts of the route.
Scenarios: 1. Sunny glasgow! Its a sunny morning in glasgow, and daytrippers are looking to go into glasgow for the day, Drive this pair of class 320s from glasgow central to lanark and back 2. Poor planning. Drive this class single class 320 from motherwell to glasgow central low level, Although it is peak time. So expect a very busy train. 3. Mainline closures Drive this class 320 from Lanark to glasgow central via the cathcart circle due to engineering works at cambuslang, before taking it back to shields depot for the night. 4. Chasing commuters. Drive this class 66 rhtt bound for carlisle from glasgow central low level to carluke via hamilton, Expect to be chasing reds and yellows as plenty of commuter trains will have priority.5 5. Off to work Get on a train from newton to glasgow central, and take charge of a service out to to Lanark.
I don't think this would be a good extension because it won't really be a circle round cathcart anymore
Very good suggestion! I think this is a great idea, but no class 385 layer or at least a class 380 for Lanark services and circle services? Ethier way really good idea! The line to dalmuir could partially be re- used if the west highland line is ever made!
I think having the 'Cathcart Circle' route include the Argyle Line and whatnot would lead to confusion and, of course, is restrictive in terms of having to own Cathcart, and also for the route in terms of era and rolling stock. I would love to see the route through Central LL, but I think having it standalone is the best option.
Would have added a 385 layer though cathcart is set in 2014 iirc, though if a 380 is added eventually there could be a modern timetable with the 385
