Just Trains Next Route Predictions

It’s safe to say Just Trains are the best third party developer for DTG.
Since the WCMLOS has been out a while now it’s got me thinking about their next project. I personally think JT will continue their venture north from Carlisle. That would make sense going by their previous routes.

What do you think?

 

JT stated on the WCMLoS preview stream that they could not do Carlisle - Glasgow due to it being very complex further north. They could go south towards Crewe but as another studio is basing a route around Crewe, it's unlikely.

I do believe though that they will want to get use out of the class 86 and 87 in their new route so would have to be part of the WCML in the 80s.

 

I hope they choose a section around the Crewe-Trent Valley corridor, perhaps throwing in a first generation EMU. That’s a day one purchase for me!

 

What about Settle-Carlilsle ? With the Carlisle area already done in the same vein as Preston being used for Preston-Carlisle.

 

Wolves to Coventry would do nicely.
Along with the EMU(s) for the local services (can't remember the classes).
Plenty of stock available for a lively New Street!

 

Something else… Perm any one from:-
North Wales Coast, Chester to Llandudno and Holyhead.
Furness Line, Lancaster to Barrow maybe extending around the Cumbrian Coast to Sellafield.
Reading to Taunton or Exeter via the B&H.
Riviera Line Exeter to Paignton but also going to Plymouth.
Wherry Lines Norwich to Sheringham, Yarmouth (both routes) and Lowestoft.

 

Early 80’s would still be the Class 310’s with the odd 312 on services within the WMPTE area. The Class 304’s had pretty much gone by then.

 

Cardiff to Taunton
Riviera line
Extended Gwe
Birmingham to Shrewsbury
North wales coastal
Bristol to Westbury

 

To be honest I wouldn’t mind what route they did. I’d buy it anyway.

 

I'd like to see something north eastern from them, we haven't had anything since Tees Valley. Perhaps Newcastle-York will be a bit much, but there's plenty other lines they could do.

 

Carlisle to Newcastle would be a good shout.

 

Indeed. Controversial opinion, but the Tyne Valley Line is much better than the Settle-Carlisle.

 

Modern WCML (doesn't matter which section)

P. S. If JT can't close Carlisle - Glasgow section, who will do it....?

 

JT have said they can't do Carlisle to Glasgow as it's too complex.....but they didn't say anything about Edinburgh, which branches off at Carstairs....but I think the Distance would be a bit too much.

So I voted for south to Crewe. That is arguably the most logical choice.

 

The problem with the rural lines is they’d be deserted if it’s set in the 80s. How much traffic did the S&C get in those days, considering it was slated for closure?

 

It doesn't have that much of a service now either but back then it was even scarcer.

 

2 trains a day or something similar, more when railtours ran. In the 2000s railtours couldn't get paths on the line there was that much freight (mainly coal) so a lit of money was spent on signalling improvements mainly IB signal sections put in. Since coal finished a lot quieter now. But back in the 80s the one freight that should of gone that way was diverted a long way round. S and C not a great one for an 80s route.

 

Yes two or three trains a day on the S&C as BR wanted shot of it. Depending on the exact era a bit of freight though mostly overnight with a couple of trip workings from Kingmoor during the day depending on the exact time period. So pretty much fails LAMPOIL on the timetable diversity and interest.

Newcastle to Carlisle could be a possibility but even then, in the early to mid 80’s the basic service was only two hourly across the length of the whole route with additional trains filling in between Newcastle and Hexham. All DMU, too so no loco hauled services. And not much freight by then.

 

Isn't there a 'Just Trains next route speculation' thread already?

You mean 'WCML', not 'WCMLOS' in your poll options - the 'OS' part refers to 'Over Shap', which is the part of the WCML route they released.

 

Preston to Crewe, they'll still want to make use of the 86 and 87 and have stated they won't be going North from Carlisle. Add in Fiddlers Ferry and a Class 56 with coal wagons.

 

Hope Valley, Sheffield to Manchester.

 

In short it seems like for either technical or timetable accuracy reasons, anything north of Carlisle in the 80s is out of the picture. South of Preston towards Crewe seems like a good shout. I would have said maybe towards Manchester to give some longer runs with the Pacers, but after releasing the 86 I think JT wouldn't want to just step away from electrified routes, it would only make sense to give it more runs.

Preston to Crewe though is significantly lower in mileage than Preston to Carlisle. It wouldn't be a problem if they chose that as from what I know that stretch is a lot busier anyway, but what would be the southern end point if they did want to match WCMLoS's mileage? Preston to Birmingham? Preston to Crewe with some Liverpool lines included?

That being said, there is another bit of speculation to be had. The 87 is covered, the 86 has now been covered on its own along with MK2 aircons, so what could be the new loco in such a route? Set a couple years later with 90 + DVT comes to mind. Or maybe a more local EMU.

 

A possibility but Preston to Crewe isn’t really far enough. Preston to Birmingham perhaps? Also if WCMLoS and, when it eventually turns up, the Class 86 have earned or exceeded the revenue expectations there’s no reason they wouldn’t turn attention to another area altogether. The only Region I suspect is outside their comfort zone, at least going by their TSC output, is Southern third rail. They have experience of Western and Eastern Region stuff. Though I wouldn’t rule out a curved ball like Salisbury to Exeter with a Class 50 plus reworked Class 33. That could prove interestIng and a Day One purchase!

 

It was mentioned on one of the streams and also last time this poll was run by someone, that Carlisle to Glasgow isn't happening. Doesn't stop me from continuing to ask though!

Ideally, I'd like to see another WCML route, maybe even introduce the 90/DVT as it's only a couple of years on from the most recent route. JT have carved out a corner of the market for themselves and another route in that kind of era/area would help with further sales of their older routes if their existing stock can be utilised.

I think it would be weird to release the 86 and not have another route where it can stretch its legs.

I love what JT bring to the table and the only reason I won't be getting their modern142 (yet) is my lack of interest in the route it's for.

 

As long as it’s not modern, any option is good! We know it’ll be top quality and that’s what matters.

Plenty of other devs working on the current day, these people demanding modern from JT need to back off. They’re the only ones giving us BR content! Seriously, stop trying to take that away…

Anyway, I voted ECML simply because I’d love to see JT make a Deltic based route!

 

81s and 85s featured heavily in JTs period already done. They worked mainly fast freight such as Speedlink but also had ETH capabilities so did work passengers turns also. If you put a 81, 85, 25 and 108 DMU the North West of England is pretty much done. When it comes to coaches and wagons however.....

One reason why I am back in TSC is proper freight formations for the time can be done. TSW barely scratches the surface for UK wagons in the 80s.

 

Anything Scottish would be really nice

 

I voted for something else. All JT products for TSW is set in BR period, I think their next route TSW might be another route set in BR period, but maybe this time they would make a route set in modern period just like some of their TSC route, and here are my guess (all route mentioned below are developed by JT for TSC)
1. Derwent Valley line from Ambergate to Matlock

2. Wessex Main line Southampton-Salisbury ( a route in South West would always be nice )

3. London Underground Metropolitan line using S8 stock

4. Nottingham-Lincoln (featuring the famous newark flat crossing)


PS: maybe JT's next route for TSW would be this, although it's nearly impossible. ( I found this on JT's official website, maybe JT also involved in the development of this route)

The famous Tohoku Shinkanse (ja: 東北新幹線) and Tohoku main line (ja: 東北本線）

It would be awesome if we can see this in TSW.

 

If they did go south from Preston, I hope they'd include the runs out to Colne. The pacers & 101s sitting in the bays there are most inviting!

 

Don’t we already have enough modern content at the moment?, but I would love a Japanese route

 

I was kinda guessing that, given that it's already a TSC route and they already have Carlistle done. I'd really like them to work down by Crewe to get more of the WCML done, but if Crewe is already being done by someone else....Settle is probably the best bet.
Where would it connect from there though?

 

Hope Valley or Cornish Main Line but I’m being too much optimistic for this one, it’s a long route…

 

GEML late 80s with the 86 seems a logical solution if north of Carlisle isn’t an option

 

Always thought it was odd the "East Coast" main line was the line further from the coast than the GEML.

 

Between Newcastle and Edinburgh it's closest

 

What about a WCMLOS minor expansion? Adding Windermere, Heysham and, maybe, a new 1st gen DMU (finally!). They've been busy with their two add-on packs this year, so it can't be too long and complex this time! Maybe they'll go to Barrow in Furness...

Maybe adding this one! (Windermere, Oct. 1988).
If you look carefully, all the stations are already in place at Windermere branch. And (if the SHG pack will be confirmed), there could be some nuclear activities at Heysham, right?

 

I put the OS in as to reference “extension”.

You’ve only criticised my post, but never contributed to what you’d like to see from Just Trains next route. So I ask you again, what would you like to see?

As it currently stands I doubt we’d see anything modern from JT as they’re too invested in BR.

Since the extension to Glasgow is out the window the next choice if JT were following their WCML trend would have to be Preston to Crewe, well I’m hoping they stick to that formula as it would be nice to have a more of a complete section of the WCML. That’s where the route hopping feature shines the most.

 

I would think an expansion would be doable in addition to a full route. Then again, I don't know how big JT's team is.

 

Won't happen, I know, but would be great to see them do a more modern version of Blackpool Branches.

Like many others though, I'll happily buy whatever they choose to do next as their content is in a class of its own.

 

I remember the 304s and 310s (thanks for the info).
Nice view from the 310 cab I imagine if it came to TSW.

 

That's for sure - I'm without enthusiasm about the 80s, but with what quality JT did their 2 routes, it's just awesome (in BB and WCMLOS it's just stupidly interesting to PLAY)

 

WCMLOS is just okay to play.... but it looks great.
Give it some branch variety and it'd be even better.

 

Exeter - Plymouth incl. the Riviera Line in approx. 1970 so we can have a Class 42 and 35.

Please.

 

We have no actual 1970s (or 1960s) routes in game (unless you count Clinchfield) so anything between 1958 and 1983 would be almost uncharted territory in the game. Seems like a huge 25 year window to be missing.

 

SoS and PFR both 1960s I think

 

My assumption would be either another bit of their North Western Network from Preston or Carlisle, or somewhere else they can use their stock.

Preston to Crewe is probably the most logical in my mind, though another big WCML stretch seems a big project and it wouldn't really offer that much different to their current WCML stretch.

So perhaps heading to Manchester from Preston or something instead with a new first gen DMU.

As for other places to use their stock, I would say I'd like something with the 86s and Mk2s, being the GEML in a similar era, but it seems very unlikely to make those the stock included in the route, but I suppose could be used as a layer. Could have the 306 or 315 with a 309 or 312 or something as the included stock and then layer on the 86 etc.

Or they'll throw us a complete curveball and go for a completely new area and rolling stock.

So basically either more of the area, more of the stock elsewhere or something completely new... what helpfully vague speculation on my part!

 

1958 for Sos.
I stand corrected... PFR was stated as being in 1963 in an old promotional.... so" only" a 20 year gap of trains. I'd still like to see something set then.
It does make it even odder then that SOS and PFR would feature no diesel traction given quite a bit was coming into service then even in that area.
Hec, the Class 8 or 9 were well broken in by then coming out in the 1950s, the Class 20 in 1957, Class 24s in 1958, etc. Even the Class 47 wouldn't be out of place, having operated out of Crewe and was introduced a year or two earlier.
Just saying... huge span of years with nothing. I get the why (historically it's harder to make "older" routes compared to newer ones because you need to find reference materials vs walking out with a camera or using Google Earth)
Still....

 

JT have so far made content just in the sweet spot for my preferred time period so more of that and I’ll be happy. I’d say going south from Preston is the most likely thing to do to use the existing station as the hub for all their routes and make good use of the trains they have already created. How far down the WCML that would go and what branches they would add (if any) is not so easy to predict. They could of course have a different plan altogether but I think whatever they do it should stay in the same era.

 

An 80s era matching WCML would be very interesting.

 

I'd genuinely like to see Newcastle to Edinburgh in the early 90s. Valenta HST and 91s would be a joy.