There are number of services in timetable mode that feature a 31 dragging a 101. I’ve seen some photos that confirm that was the case in the late 80’s in the North East. But just how prototypical and common was this, in terms of its reflection in the game?
Well I suspect it wouldn't have happened very often, not as common as featured in the game. Certainly when Tyseley units failed in the late 80's or early 90's a Bescot 31 and a couple, may be 3 or 4 mark 1 or mark 2a-c carriages were used, I remember travelling on one such set. Personally for me it would have been better if they included a couple of the WSR mark 1's in blue/grey livery with the class 31. But then again the passenger workings on that route don't reflect the situation in 1989 anyway as the class 101's would have been in the minority and most unlikely to be 3 car units and Pacers would have been more common. The class 101 on NTP does not fit the era that is set in either as it has the Regional Railways seat trim and not all units would have been two car sets, three car sets were still common. These might seem minor points but if the class 47 wasn't correct for the era there would be much gnashing of teeth but first generation DMU's apparently don't have to be accurate, even though they were the backbone of local diesel services! Presumably the aim is to make the sim as accurate to the prototype as possible! As much as I love TSW and TS1, I do wonder about some of DTG's research as it is easy to find the relevant information and there are plenty of knowledgeable people around too.
I think for most people it is OK that it is not 100% accurate. I think both practice aspects play a role, information you can get, trains you have physical access to but also playing fun be have some impact. I think the way the route is set up gives a nice idea about the not so good state of BR in these days (at leats that is the impression I get, not knowing anything upfront about UK railway history). Therefore for me the atmosphere is reasonable consistent BTW is it OK is I cite you in the route guide I am writing for TVL? This information is not so easy to find and locating it at this forum is not easy as well. Of course you get all credits for it.
Hello, yes feel free if you want to. To be clear I am not saying that class 101's weren't used on TVL in 1989 but that the class 143 Pacer would have played a large part (probably the majority) running the services and if there were still any 3 car class 101's left at Heaton in 1989 they would have been very rare, most had had the centre coach removed to make two coach sets which could keep up with second generation DMU timings easier. I understand nothing is 100% accurate but some of the inaccuracies can be irritating if you know they are incorrect, for someone who just wants to experience a decent idea what a BR freight and local passenger line was like in the late 80's it is fine. I know nothing about German railways so enjoy the routes as they are produced but there might be things which grate to our German friends which I would not be aware of. I am a particular fan of first generation DMU's so that is probably why I want that aspect of the sim to be as accurate as it can be.
