*Before anybody says it, yes, I am very much aware that the Cardiff network, nor the Class 153 is released yet - there is no harm in merely making a suggestion early. So with the confirmation that the Class 153 is coming as part of the Cardiff network release, I think it would be great if DTG and Skyhook could work together to bring the 153 to the Midland Mainline, as they did with the Scotrail 158. The 153 could be used in a 2 car formation to substitute with the 158, adding a little more variety to timetable mode. It could also further expand the AI traffic on the route, by being used in Nottingham’s Eastcroft and Derby’s Etches Park depots, the Derby to Crewe service, and additionally adding in the Robin Hood Line services to/from Mansfield and Worksop. For additional context, the Newark to Matlock and Lincoln to Leicester services which are currently driveable on the route were most commonly operated by class 156s, with 153s and 158s making regular appearances too.
