This could be quite a fun idea for an inexpensive DLC that expands the GWE DLC, and could pave the way for further DLC or updates adding additional branch lines on the current section of the GWML in-game. Introducing the Marlow Branch Line! Overview Opened in 1854, the Marlow Branch Line connected the Great Western Mainline with the villages of Furze Platt, Cookham and Marlow to Maidenhead, while an additional section of the line continued on to Bourne End, Wooburn Green, Loudwater and High Wycombe, providing a link between the GWML and the Chiltern Mainline. In 1970, the section of the branch line beyond Bourne End was dismantled, resulting in a rather curious situation where trains to Marlow originating at Bourne End must use the station to reverse course! Trains running on the line are often given the affectionate nickname of 'Marlow Donkey', and run through some particularly picturesque areas of Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, with the section between Cookham, Bourne End and Marlow in particular running parallel with the River Thames for most of its length. The Rolling Stock As is the case with many branch lines on the GWML, the Marlow Branch Line is unelectrified, and thus the use of Class 165 and 166 Networker Turbos persists, even with much of the fleet in the process of being cascaded to the West Country. This DLC could be an ideal opportunity for DTG to introduce the FGW livery for the 166 in earnest, as it has been present in the GWE DLC's files since its original release for TSW2020. Pricing Above all else, however, is that this route would need to be sold at a lower price than that of a full-length route; though the Marlow Branch Line would add quite a bit of mileage (pun definitely intended) to the GWML, it is a short route on its own, and the limited stock it would come with means that it would be worth discounting it to provide more value for money.
Nice idea in principle but very much doubt would happen due to DTG saying they don’t intend on doing anything major with GWR
I do like this idea and dtg have said they are now open to do route extensions (it's about time dtg) so hopefully gwe will get a branch line as an extension sometime in the future
Let's hope the GWE branches end up being added at some point. Seems silly that we can't use them at present. None of them are particularly long but all have some interesting features to see. Please please please DTG.
