With the recent announcement of the Hadfield Line, going from Manchester to Hadfield via Glossop, I think it would be a good idea to make use of its Manchester Piccadilly tile to build the route over to Sheffield. The Hope Valley Line: Manchester to Sheffield (modern) Route: The line would be set in the modern era and run from Manchester Piccadilly to Sheffield, providing both routes via Stockport and Strines, for the added variety. Traction: For rolling stock, we can use the East Midlands Railway Class 158, which we already have, as well as have the Northern Class 150/2, which we already have from Rivet Games. Obviously the 150 would need quite a substantial upgrade, however the building blocks for it are already in place. The 323 would be used as a layer, for those of us that already own the Hadfield DLC. Services: - Manchester and Sheffield via Stockport. Services will comprise of 1 East Midlands Trains Class 158, in each direction per hour - Manchester to Sheffield via Strines (Northern stopping service) will comprise of 1 Northern train per hour, in each direction. - Manchester to New Mills Central (Northern stopping service) will comprise of 1 Northern train per hour, in each direction. - Manchester to Hazel Grove via Stockport will comprise of 1 Northern train per hour, in each direction, utilising the Class 323. This will give the 323 further use away from the Hadfield DLC. Route length: Manchester to New Mills Central via Reddish North: 12 miles Manchester to Chinley via Stockport: 28 miles Chinely to Sheffield: 25 miles Total route mileage: 65 miles* Route map: Route pictures: East Midlands Trains Class 158 passing through Edale Northern Class 150/2 at Grindleford Class 323 at Hazel Grove
Looks like you are merging this with the Woodhead line Manchester Piccadilly to Glossop and Hadfield at Guide Bridge. This can be remade by the same developers who made it for train simulator classic now for TSW3.
I intentionally left these two trains out as I thought these would be added/layered in from a future loco DLC. I wouldn’t expect a brand new route and multiple new trains at once, all for £30.
Come to think of it, a 195 would be nice, seeing as they now have the Northern license. Though I was thinking with the overall route mileage, would they have enough time and resources to build the route with all the stations, as well as a brand new train?
Wonder whether or not the Earles branch could be included? I know on Don Coffey's clips of trains to/from he always has to finish or start the run on the mainline reception lines as the owner will not allow filming down the short line into the terminal.
Whilst I’d like that, as well as many other players, I’d say any freight branch lines and/or terminals would be out of scope for the initial route release. The idea of extensions excites me though, as Skyhook Games has their MML route ‘future proofed’. I wouldn’t mind paying a small amount for extensions off the Hope Valley Line. Perhaps include a few of its freight lines or add on the line down to Buxton.
I'm totally onboard (badumtish) with this suggestion. I commented on the Glossop Line thread in the main TSW section about this as it would make total sense to do it, especially if they include the Hyde via Woodley to Romiley section and Rose Hill. I grew up around Marple so this was my local line as a child so would be fantastic to get to drive it in game.
I think this route would actually be useful after the release of the glossop line as they both run near each other with means the Class 323 could be layered as AI only on normal services.