Introduction: Introducing the coastal link of the glasgow southwestern, set in 2015, it is a modern reigonal diesel line that connects places such as ayr, Kilmarnock, and Glasgow with the ex-ferry port at Stranraer. With only a handful of stations past Ayr, it's a unique run with not many like it. The route: The route runs for around 74 miles, starting in Kilmarnock, heading west where it connects with and runs alongside the ayrshire coastline between Barassie and ayr. We then continue south for the last 60 or so miles, with only a few intermediate stops at Maybole, Girvan, and Barrhill. Between Ayr and Girvan, trains typically run at around 1TPH, with some of these continuing to Kilmarnock, and Stranraer. Maximum line speed is 90mph, although past ayr the max is 60mph. Service examples: Ayr to Girvan Calls at: Maybole, Girvan Operated by: Class 156 Time taken: ~27 minutes 1TPH Kilmarnock to Stranraer Calls at: Troon, Prestwick town, Ayr, Maybole, Girvan, Barrhill, Stranraer. Operated by: Class 156 Time taken: ~2 hours (May terminate or begin at ayr from either Kilmarnock or Stranraer.) 1 train every few hours. Ayr to Glasgow central (stopper) Calls at: Newton-on-ayr, Prestwick town, Prestwick International Airport, Troon, Barassie (AI takes over here.) Operated by: Class 380, Class 314 (rare runs on peak only.) Time taken: 13 minutes (Destination may show Edinburgh or north berwick.) 2TPH Ayr to Glasgow central (Express) Calls at: Prestwick town, Troon. (AI only past Troon.) Operated by: Class 380. Time taken: 13 minutes (Only runs on peak.) Stations and landmarks: Kilmarnock (T) Platforms: 4 Barassie: Platforms: 2 Troon Platforms: 2 Prestwick B.P oil Is a siding just north of Prestwick International Airport Station, which sees fuel tanker trains arrive to transport jet fuel. Glasgow Prestwick Airport Is a large international airport just next to the mainline. Runway 30 departures and 12 arrivals pass directly over the rail line, and taxiway J runs next to the rail line for a short distance. Aircraft that are regularly seen are ryanair b737-800s, Cargolux b747-400/747-8F, Military aircraft including C-17 globemasters, kc-135 stratotankers, and smaller privately owned aircraft. Prestwick International airport Platforms: 2 Prestwick town Platforms: 2 Falkland yard Is a large siding just north of Newton on ayr. It doesn't see use often aside from temporary stabling for freight locomotives, or railtours. Newton-on-ayr Platforms: 2 Ayr (T) Platforms: 4 Ayr C.S This is the main depot just south of ayr where trains are stabled overnight. These would include class 380s, and 156s. Maybole Platforms: 1 Girvan (T) Platforms: 2 Barrhill Platforms: 2 Stranraer (T) Platforms: 1 Traction and rolling stock: Base route: Scotrail class 156 "Super sprinter" The class 156 is a 2 car diesel multiple unit which operates across the central belt. It would operate all services south of ayr, and out of Kilmarnock. Top speed: 75mph Layers: Cathcart circle, EDN, Fife circle (Non-AI substitution only) Layers: Scotrail class 380 "desiro" The class 380 operates services between Ayr and Glasgow central, and at the time some of these would continue to Edinburgh or North berwick. Top speed: 100mph Scotrail Class 314 Although rare, the class 314 would occasionally substitute for class 380 services. Top speed: 75mph RHTT class 66 The class 66 would operate RHTT duties along the route. Class 47/20 There would be a july railtour between Newton-on-ayr and stranraer, and then up to Barassie. It would be operated by an intercity swallow class 47, a pair of class 20s on the rear, and mk1 coaches. This is based on the airliner railtour, which originated at and would return to crewe. LMS jubilee The jubilee would have a june railtour from Kilmarnock to Stranraer, then back up to Barassie. Overall: This would be a pretty unique route, with the option to run either electric or diesel services, and the lack of modern routes similar to it (primarily single track diesel, and jointed tracks.) It would also make good use of the class 380, and add the class 156, which would bring plenty of layering, livery and scenario opportunities.
Forgot to add this, but there are several token exchange points, one of which at girvan station, where southbound trains will stop at the end of the platform, then pull into the station. Which is really unique to see
