So i have to say, normally i'm not massively into the sounds in game, so long as it's approximately about right i'm happy and i care more about the timetable provided in game myself (we all have our own priorities!) but wow I have to say the new Class 153 has unbelievably good sounds, it's so noticeable that it has been taken from real life recordings and it actually took me back to the time Class 153's were a common sight (and sound!) near me. i know DTG didn't get the new sounds from TfW, but actually got them from ScotRail, who actually have a repurposed Class 153 that they often attach to a Class 156 and send up and down the West Highland Line. I know they send this unit between Glasgow Queen Street and Oban, and they may also send them up to Fort William too i would imagine during the peak seasons. Anyway my point is this: We now have the Class 153 in game with amazing and realistic sounds provided by Scotrail, and Scotrail clearly are very happy to work alongside DTG (we have Fife Circle, Edinburgh to Glasgow and Cathcart Circle all in game), so could we see another Scotland route in the West Highland Line in the not too distant future? the real question if so would be which section, as it's clearly too long to include the full West Highland Line, but i just think with Scotrail being so happy to provide access to DTG, it would be great to take full advantage of the opportunities here and look into creating part of the West Highland Line.. or maybe the Kyle of Lochalsh Line or part of the Far North Line, both of those latter two already having the relevant traction and liveries in game in the form of the Scotrail Class 158. I know personally, having travelled on the West Highland, Far North and Kyle lines, these would make incredible additions to TSW in terms of world class scenery (i'm fully aware the timetable would be limited but that isn't remotely an issue for these potential DLC's in my view) so i'd love to see DTG really go for it in terms of bringing some of the classic scenic routes (WHL, Kyle or Far North) Scottish routes into the game, especially as it seems Scotrail are one of the most co-operative TOC's
Considering the 153 was sourced in Scotland, Rivet likely had a fairly involved role in it. I’ve seen a couple of people say there’s a delay in acknowledging AWS/DSD on console, along with AWS acknowledging triggering a DSD tone, those are Rivet train setup hallmarks.
Nice route for the 153 to give it an outing, would of course be the Central Wales Line. Though probably fails LAMPOIL because there’s only four trains a day in each direction. However, due to the running time you could probably split these at Llandrindod or Llanwrtwd where the trains are booked to cross. Failing that, a West Wales (proper) network from Carmarthen visiting Pembroke, Milford and Fishguard would give the 153 (and 150) some home territory on which to properly stretch their legs.
Since Scotrail were willing to let them get sounds from a 153 I really hope they can do the same for the 385 too in the future. It would be a real treat. 385s sounds awesome in real life.
You say the West Highland is too long. The majority of it passes through sparsely populated areas especially North of the Loch Lomond area. Mainly trees and Mountains. Crianlarich is the obvious cut off if its half done or Fort William to Mallaig. Obviously Lampoil probably means it's a non starter as most people seem to demand at least 300 (of the same) services to make a route interesting..... The West Highland pre 1988 is almost double the traffic of now in parts. But BR doesn't sell.
i agree with this, if you were to split the route at Crianlarich (as happens in reality), then any of the following could be possible: Glasgow Queen Street - Crianlarich Crianlarich - Oban Crianlarich - Fort William Fort William - Mallaig An on the timetable point, i'm usually the first to want the timetable to be full of life, but this really is a valid exception to that, as even if there are only 4 trains each way per day, the scenery more than makes up for it and would surely be a viable route to make for DTG. plus if Fort William - Mallaig was made, not only is that the shortest section but also has the Harry Potter link with Glenfinnan viaduct (i'm really not a Harry Potter fan myself, but surely as part of the LAMPOIL process that has to have some significant appeal to DTG) and on a sparse timetable, if DTG were to make either the Kyle of Lochalsh Line, or part of the southern end of the Far North Line, there would also be double the number of services in the timetable as Inverness - Dingwall services would be playable representing whichever of those two lines wasn't included in full. but anyway, my overall point is the Scottish Highlands have some of the best railway scenery in the entire world, we currently have the Class 158 and Class 153 in game, and ScotRail are clearly more than willing to work with DTG.. so i really do hope that any of the WHL, Kyle or Far North Line could be seriously considered!
Well put, although I will always vote for a retro version of the route, 37 and rolling stock also exist....
Borders Railway would be the most obvious next step, short commuter route with Edinburgh Waverley already implemented along with the 158 and 170. Having said that the West Highland Line is spectacular and could prove to be a great sell for players
Borders Railway would be neat. I’m literally 5 mins away from Eskbank Station which is one of the stations on the line. It would be so interesting seeing it in a game.
