my, second suggestion for TSW, might be a tad easier than the other one, depending on licencing. Nagoya to Nakatsugawa with the 313-1000, 313-1500, 315 and 383 series this is a 80km double tracked main line between the City of Nagoya and the smaller city of Nakatsugawa. from the Centre of Nagoya into the mountains and valleys of Rural Gifu prefecture. the basics route: 80km double tracked throughout 1067mm Gauge track ATS-ST signalling system 20 stations timetable not the busiest, also not empty 3TPH each way consisting of 1 Shinano Limted express ran by the unique 383 series EMU taking roughly 48 minutes making 2 stops 1 Rapid Service using either the 313 series or 315 series units taking roughly 1h 15m making 15 stops and 1 Local service using either the 313 series or 315 series units taking roughly 1h 25m stopping at all stations the rolling stock all run on 1067mm gauge track with ATS-ST signalling and are powered by the standard Japanese 1500V DC Overhead Electrification 383 series the most unique of the 3 being a 2, 4 or a 6 coach EMU for Limited express services having a top speed of 130kmh, full 2+2 seating throughout and being one of Japans Tilting trains incorporating a Passive tilt system to allow higher speeds around the tight corners on Japans network (of which there are many) 313-1000 series and 313-1500 series these are very common 3 and 4 car suburban EMUs built for JR Central with a top speed of 120kmh and the 315-0 series these are JR Centrals Newest Suburban/Commuter EMUs (i think) entering service in 2022 to replace older stock, again with a top speed of 120kmh and being suburban/commuter units, similar in function to the 313 series although being longer at 8 coaches and a solid 23 years newer than the 313 series, the 2 obviously vary in many ways stations the range from the large 10+ platform Nagoya station right down to the unmanned rural station that's not much more than a platform and a shelter scenery and more route details this varies a lot, you begin in the bustling city of Nagoya making your way south and then curving to the east-northeast to begin the run out of the city, a decent section of the run out of nagoya is elevated so there should be decent views of the city, on the way out you will pass over the Shonai river and pass the Jinryo Depot where the 313 and 315 series trains are based, passing Kozoji the line follows the route of the Shonai river entering a valley not long after, but no sooner you enter the valley, the line enters a couple of long tunnels, exiting the tunnels brings you out at Tajimi which you pass through, in and out of another tunnel and are back in a valley, this time with the Toki river, then back in a tunnel and out again, into Tokishi from which point the line once again follows the river but not in tunnels this time, this continues for some time where you pass through some towns and cross between sides of the river several times before arriving at Takenami and once again plunging into a tunnel which brings you to Ena, on from here it's a simple run through the city and a cutting to Mino-Sakamato and onto Nakatsugawa. images The Map, well, it's the route map, not much more to say Trains, in order, should be 315 series (modern looking commuter unit) 313 series (older looking commuter unit) and the 383 series, which looks rather strange and as you can see, is asymmetric, so one way you get a massive window and the other way you are sat to one side of a Gangway extra services and AI Around Nagoya, there are a couple of other unit's that could be used but the 313 being as common as it is, could quite easily fill in most services and the 315 also can with the 4 coach version not used on the Chuo Main line, all of these would be AI in theory, freight trains utilising the 2 part EH200 series locomotive could be added but as i am not very well versed in Japanese freight services, hopefully someone else can say if it would be worthwhile. if you want to see what the route looks like irl (subject to any changes made since this video was made) here is a video, this route is featured from 00:00 to about 50 minutes in i think that's everything, sorry for making it so long
That’s a fantastic suggestion - thanks for putting so much detail into it. I really like the balance this route would bring to TSW: not overly busy, but still with a solid and varied timetable that mixes express, rapid, and local services. The contrast between the bustling city centre of Nagoya and the rural mountain scenery of Gifu would make for a really engaging drive, especially with the elevation changes, tunnels, and riverside running. The rolling stock you’ve outlined is a strong lineup too. The 383 series with its tilting system would add a unique gameplay element, while the 313 and 315 series cover the "bread-and-butter" suburban and commuter runs. That mix of old and new EMUs, plus the limited express experience, feels spot-on for representing JR Central’s operations. I also like that the route length at 80 km is long enough to allow for full end-to-end runs, but not so long that it feels unmanageable. The variation in station types, from the huge Nagoya hub to tiny rural halts, would really showcase the diversity of Japanese rail travel. Freight might be a “nice to have,” but even without it, I think the passenger operations alone would already offer plenty of depth and replayability. Overall, I think this would be a brilliant candidate for TSW and definitely worth supporting.
