This is something I've wondered about for a while. I personally would be very interested to see both modern remakes of historic routes, and historc versions of modern routes. I would pay good money to see a modern version of Preston to Carlisle. It would be a much longer and more fulfilling run for the Pendolino, and it would be especially great to see a Class 397 as well. I'm somewhat surprised nothing like this has been considered yet. I find it very hard to believe no one at either DTG or JT looked at the 390, and then at Preston to Carlisle, and thought "we could do something with this". I'd even settle for a new 390 timetable. If they did Diesel Legends for GWE they could definitely do this. I'd also be very fascinated in a 1980s London to Brighton route, with slam door EMUs. And I know a lot of people on this forum would kill for an an ECML with Deltics. Remakes of routes like this could be a great way to inject new life into routes. I know it would likely be a lot of work to make everything look era appropriate, but the track and scenery would already be there.
I remember quite enjoying both the modern version and the historic version of TSC Riviera Line. I liked how you could see how the route has changed over a few decades.
The London Overground routes backdated to have the older BR EMU's and DMU's would be awesome, same for the Scottish routes; who wouldn't love Class 47 push-pull services? The ECML I'd like to see backdated to the Intercity Swallow or GNER era featuring the IC225 trains, as well as the Class 89.
I really want a backdated 1960s-70s Peninsula Corridor with SP power in the form of an FM H-24-66 Trainmaster, Alco S4 and RS-32, and EMD GP9. A modernized, electrified version of the Peninsula Corridor should include the section to Gilroy and the Stadler KISS EMUs, along with a UP SD59MX rebuild, SD70M, SD60M, GP60/GP62/GP60E (including an SP-patched unit), or a GP40N. Sherman Hill and Cajon Pass with classic diesels or steam power would also be awesome. I want Santa Fe power on Cajon (which we are getting soon). The Deltics on ECML are a must. Also, we could get PRR steam or diesel locomotives (or Conrail diesels, if DTG could get the licensing) on Horseshoe Curve, and B&O or Chessie (or both) on Sand Patch Grade.
Was musing last night before going to sleep (!) that the new 150/2 and 153 being created for the Cardiff mini route have scope to be placed on other routes for a different era. I cannot believe DTG would go to the trouble of making two new trains, just to use on one very small route DLC. As regards the south of England routes, I would still like to see a retro 70’s/80’s on BML with CIG’s (BIG’s), VEP’s and EPB’s.
This is a good suggestion even if it would require a separate game. Imagine all of the parts of the network once available but now no longer in use.
