Route Marshlink Line Ashford International - Eastbourne Via Rye And Hastings

Discussion in 'Suggestions' started by boredwilson#7958, Jun 19, 2025.

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  1. boredwilson#7958

    boredwilson#7958 New Member

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    Good morning/Evening wherever you are.
    I've had this idea for a long time now and I think it would be a good idea for many reasons.
    1. Connects southeastern high speed and east coastway.
    2. New locos. Class 171 which is almost identical to the 170 apart from the couplers so an easy model to make. The other unit class 68 and new waggons for nuclear waste.
    3. Dungeness branch line. A very unique line that ends on a main road where nuclear waste is collected from nearby dungeness power station where they could have timetabled in or use as a scenario.
    3. Reuse of southen class 377 to run between Ore and Eastbourne. The reuse of southeastern class 375 to run between hastings and St Leonards warrior Square.
    4. Railtours. Could use class 33 which recently did a railtour down the dungeness branch and Ashford International.
    5. Adding on to point 4. New loco class 205 and use slam door units which frequently use the line for railtours (they used to use the line regularly before they were withdrawn).
    Personally I think the route has a lot of potential. It does have its drawbacks which I'll list below.
    1. There's not many services. Being a single line ¾ of the way there and back means 1 train per hour leaving Ashford International and Eastbourne 3 class 171s are in use at any time
    2. Speed limit. Max speed of 60mph down most of the route from Ashford International till Ore where the tracks return to 1 track in each direction.
    3. Some stations are very small and don't get a lot of services. Winchelsea and Three oaks only get 1 train every 2 hours and doleham has 1 train every 3 hours due to lack of passengers in the area.
    There are more benefits of of the class 171 with is services up to selhurst depot on London commuter for maintenance (much like class 313).
    Personally I think the route is worth around £19.99 or £24.99 possibly making the class 205 could make another dlc for £9.99 for the unit.
    Let me know what you think
    Thank you.
     
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  2. ididntdoit

    ididntdoit Well-Known Member

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    Yeah that's a good suggestion. Went and visited Lydd station some time ago before it was burned down. Definitely a unique little branch.
     

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