Bedford to Bletchley (Marston Vale Line) This is a 17 mile diesel line located in the midlands of the UK, linking Bedford to Bletchley and providing the first direct connection between the West Coast Main Line and the Midland Main Line north of London. The line is part of the former Varsity line linking the university towns of Oxford and Cambridge, dating back as far as 1846. During the Beeching cuts of the 1960's, the lines to the east and west were taken out of regular use, leaving Bedford to Bletchley as the only surviving segment with a regular service. However there are future plans to upgrade the line and reintroduce direct services between Oxford and Cambridge, as part of the East-West rail project. The line is largely rural and operates as as part of a community rail service, primarily to connect small villages to nearby towns with an hourly service. Services are currently operated by West Midlands Trains (branded as London Northwestern) using a fleet of three Class 230 Vivarail D-Trains (formerly District line LU trains). The Class 230 is the diesel variant of the Class 484, using diesel engines located under the chassis to drive electric motors (a diesel-electric or DEMU). Beforehand the line used a mix of Class 150 and Class 153 'Sprinter' DMUs, these being replaced in 2019 by the Class 230. Such project would be ideal for Rivet Games, allowing reuse of elements of the Class 484, and by providing a shorter line where extra detail can be put into lineside scenery, incorporating features such as functional level crossings. Notable landmarks include the Millbrook automotive proving ground, Bedford and Bletchley Train Maintenance Depots, and the newly rebuilt Bletchley flyover. Class 230 exterior. These are visually similar to the Class 484 but utilise underfloor diesel engines to power generators that in turn drive the electric motors. The Class 230 interior. These units have been heavily upgraded from their former London Underground configuration with new seats, Wi-Fi and a toilet installed, along with the removal of two intermediate doors for more seats. Ridgmont Station is the halfway point where services pass. This image shows a Class 150/1 alongside a Class 153 in the former London Midland colours. Route Map. The route is approximately 17 miles long with 12 stations and 2 depots. Mostly double track with shorter segments of single track approaching Bedford and Bletchley. Altogether this would be a great little route to use a new type of train on; being of a reasonable size, scenically appealing with quaint stations and countryside scenery, and by operating quirky and unique rolling stock. Thoughts welcome.
Good call but I would have to reflect my last trip over there was in a Cravens (Class 105) DMU into the original St Johns station. At that point I think some of the brickworks were still open and rail served, probably with a Class 25 on trip workings from the Bletchley end or the odd Class 45 on through workings from the MML, the spur at that time being freight only.
