Overview: This is a remake of not only my very first route suggestion on the forums, but my very first post on the forums. It’s also worth mentioning this is based off the TS Classic version of this route, as I think the layout for that route was perfect (aside from Penn Station and Grand Central) and would work well in TSW. This route includes roughly 75 total miles of track, including services to both Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal. Although it’s one of the slowest parts of the Northeast Corridor, with an average speed of 60 mph, it makes up for it with its business and variety of services. Not only do you have Amtrak services that go over Hells Gate Bridge, Metro North services that do a power change from overhead to 3rd rail, you also have tons of local freight and switching. Locomotives: For pre-existing locomotives to be added to base route, the ACS-64 and GP38 will work perfectly, although the GP38 should be fitted with in cab signaling to make it able to do services around the mainline. As for a new train to be added, the Metro North M8 is the perfect addition. It’s a staple of this route, and its ability to switch between 3rd rail and overhead wires makes it unique and interesting. As for layers, the following trains can layer on the route. M8 Amtrak Acela (Playable) LIRR M7 (AI) LIRR M3 (AI) LIRR M9 (AI) MNRR M7 (Playable and AI) MNRR M3 (Playable and AI) NJT ALP-46 (AI) CSX SD40-2 (Playable and AI) CSX AC4400CW (Playable and AI) NS ES44AC (Playable and AI) CSX C40-8W (Playable and AI) NS GP38 (Playable and AI) Locomotive DLC’s: There are a couple locomotive DLC’s that could work with this route, here they are: MNRR P32AC-DM Not only is the GE Genesis one of the most highly requested locomotives to be added, this variant is unique because it’s dual mode, allowing it to switch between diesel and 3rd rail power. They are coupled to Shoreliner cars, which come in multiple variants that are usually mixed together. Genset 2GS14B These are switcher locomotives used by both CSX and Amtrak. The CSX version can substitute for some GP38 services, while the Amtrak version can add switching services in Sunnyside Yard. Both liveries can be included in the same DLC. Grand Central: I decided to make a dedicated section for Grand Central Terminal in this thread because, well, it sucks on Harlem Line. I think it needs a complete remake, and deserves more justice considering it’s the most famous train station in the world. The lower level is completely missing in Harlem Line, and the lighting sucks. It would be awesome if we could explore the main concourse and all its architectural beauty, but I can imagine it would be a huge main to model, and I can understand why DTG would want to avoid that. But the platforms should definitely be updated, and the lower level should be included as well. It would be nice if the Long Island Railroad section was included as well, but it doesn’t have to be, as it’s completely separate from the rest of the station, and all the services would be AI driven anyways. Conclusion If you prefer the high speeds of Boston Sprinter and New York - Trenton, this is not the route for you. But if you like a busy, four track mainline with a variety of services, this is the perfect route for that. I’d love to see this route get added because of all its potential!
A classic New Haven version of this route with an EP5 Jet and EMD FL9 dual mode locomotive, plus an Alco FA/FB, GP7/9, Alco or EMD switcher, etc. for freight and yard duties would be awesome to see. Then we have the new Avelia Liberty trainsets coming soon on the NEC, so those could be added as a DLC in the near future.
