PC My Freight Hauler Experience In Airedaile Wharfdale

Since I downloaded TSW7 on the weekend, I only played the new Freight Hauler feature on the new UK route. (I must admit, I'm a big Derail Valley fan)

I want to share my experience, perhaps this helps you too.

Take your time:
If you play Freight Hauler, you need a bit of time, even if at first sight it looks like it is done fast. Especially if you have consists from or to Rylstone Quarry, because from Rylstone to Skipton you have a speed limit of only 15. As we say here, "Flowerpicking during the journey is strictly forbidden!".

If you don't have so much time, you can save and continue later. I used the save function often and only once had a problem with my Class 66 not releasing the brakes. I loaded it a second time and it worked.

Route Setting:
If you set a route to Rylstone Quarry from any of the other yards directly, you will get a message that this route is not valid. There is no direct route possible, instead set a route to Skipton and from there a second route to Rylstone.

If setting a route does not work, you are probably not SITTING in the cab.

When you set a route in a yard, always check if all signals on the way are green (it needs some time) AND if all manual switches are set correctly. Several times I ended on the wrong siding although the route was set correctly.

Red Signals:

I detected at least one red signal at Neville Hill with missing white lights, although in the HUD and on the map it showed green. If in doubt, contact the dispatcher.

There are certain signals that remain red although a route was set through them. Contact the dispatcher, either it is red because there's a timetable train coming or you are advised to pass this signal at low speed.

There are some signs that act as red signals too:

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If a route is set through them, you can pass them. BUT at the Rylstone Quarry entrance after the bridge, this still acts as a red signal. You have to call the dispatcher to pass it at low speed. Also when you leave the Quarry again !

Which loco to use:
At daylight, if you stay on one yard, use a Class 09 GREEN, Unlike the 08 BRB it has a walkie talkie to contact the dispatcher if you need. At night, both are no good choice, as their lights are very poor.

If you have to drive outside the yards, a Class 66 DB is a good choice, as it has a radio on board and large windows and excellent illumination, so it's also a good alternative for night shunting.

My playing style:
I spawn one loco of my choice and play it as long as I stay on that yard. Of course you could erase it every time you need it at another siding and re-spawn it there, but in real life only Harry Potter could do that… If at Neville Hill yard, I first shunt all the local consists with the 09 and then use the 66 for the long journey to Rylstone.