As part of the obsolete TSW4 (rant about annual releases) we had a particular section of the East Coast Mainline represented. But in my brutally honest opinion, the Peterborough to Doncaster section of the line is so boring and linear, not to mention that it only has three intermediate stations! It's so insulting for DTG to give us the wrong section of a highly requested route, even admitting their laziness by saying that this section was the easiest to make. This route was also a remake of a route in TS Classic by Creative Rails, but they cut the route at York instead of Doncaster, an extra 27miles north, making the TSW version a step backwards. As a result, I think London - Peterborough would be a better choice for a route focused on the ECML, here's why. The London - Peterborough section of the ECML runs for about 76miles, combined with the Hertford Loop and Moorgate branches, that puts the route coverage around 104miles. This would make the route less linear and have multiple places to branch off in order to provide a good amount of service variation. If any developer wanted to make this route, I would say the Hertford Loop and Moorgate branches should be mandatory to avoid making some of the motive power options looking like caged animals like the Class 390 on WCML South. Or in the ECML's case the Class 717 In terms of rollingstock this could include: LNER Class 800 and 801 Azuma LNER Class 91 + Mk4 coaches and DVT Hull Trains Class 802 Lumo Class 803 Grand Central Class 180 Great Northern Class 387/1 Great Northern Class 717 Thameslink Class 700/0 + 700/1 If they included any of these potential motive power options in one package, it would make the route worth buying at full price coupled with the route coverage and would make the route have a good variety in services and trains. In conclusion, I think this would be an awesome route to have in TSW due to its varied services and non-linear nature. Personally, I think Just Trains should attempt this route concept due to them already making high quality add-ons like Blackpool Branches and WCML Preston - Carlisle and actually bothering to take their time carefully with their add-ons.
I’m not sure if Just Trains is interested in making modern day routes, but if they did make this, it would be an instant purchase for me! Personally I’d rather see a modern day representation, and potentially have a retro timetable DLC to accompany it.
I keep praying that one day we will see this route made. I hope DTG take notice too, can’t tell you how many posts I’ve seen requesting this section of the ECML.
I agree. I mean this section and a Class 91 has been requested by people for god knows how long at this point. And its about bloody time we got this section and a Class 91 +Mk4 coaches in TSW. Does DTG ever listen to what the players actually want?!
I agree as well, I also would like to see Kings Cross to Peterborough and I hope they join it up, to Peterborough to Doncaster, I am finding myself suffering from a little annoyance, when, DTG keep bringing out bits and pieces of routes, for goodness sake DTG, just finish the routes off from end to end please and give us players the choice on how long we want to drive for. As you have done a few extensions now, correct me if I am wrong, but, your statement of saying we don't do extensions, is no longer a valid argument, as the precedent has now been set, German route for TSW6 comes to mind !! Anyway!! Please give it some thought DTG.
If it wasn't included, I would be absolutely livid if they pulled a sheerness with this one too, especially given the unusual nature and history of this branch
My favourite and the most interesting section of the most historically important mainline in the UK (in my opinion). Any era from when the Class 312s took over the outer stoppers in 1978 to the modern day would make me very happy. So much classic traction to chose from Deltics, 89, 91s, HSTs, 312/313/317/365s and the modern lot, obviously.
