Just a quick one for the JT team. I’m hoping that with the upcoming release of the class 86 for WCMLOS, a new timetable could be released with the new mk2 coaches in operation on all consists of mk2 coaches currently in game, and perhaps too in BPB. Seeing the older NTP stock somewhat lowers the immersion, as I’m aware that in reality, these older style coaches with square windows were rarely seen in operation on the WCML. Especially as they feature in only the BR blue grey variant. It’s very distracting when seeing a service of these pulled by an IC 87. Additionally, a new timetable for BPB with these stock in mind could do wonders. I remember on the JT stream preview of WCMLOS they mentioned wanting to review BPB with their new stock. This update is the perfect opportunity to do such. Many more services could be introduced where electric locos could arrive from the north or south into Preston, and then be swapped for 47s before heading to Blackpool. And the opposite can be said when the consists return to Preston. These two routes are in my top 5 favourites in TSW, and this enhancement would only make them better. I’m looking forward to hearing more in the next devblog post from JT. Make sure to mention me if you guys decide to take this on board (I’m delusional)
I agree it's odd seeing the older Mk2s behind an IC87, but I disagree that they were rarely in use on WCML. Saw them most often on the cross-country services, usually with an 86 or 85 hauling, having been substituted for a diesel somewhere on the WCML. Back then the consists could be a right old mix of liveries and types. It wasn't uncommon to see a couple of Mk2a coaches randomly in a formation with the later air-conditioned variants. But I would expect them to swap out the older Mk2s for the newer ones. Also, on one of the preview streams for WCMLoS, Just Trains said they were planning to go back to Blackpool Branches at a later date and tweak it to include the new electric locos, which naturally means loco swaps at Preston. JT are very savvy, they know that those sort of timetable improvements to BPB could lead to more sales/cross-sales.
