This is an idea that I have had for a couple of years now, though it has grown to something more desirable for others rather than just scratching the itch of my own "local line". I propose it would be set around 1985-87. The North Manchester Network would consist of serval routes giving a variety of driving options in both stop-start local services, semi-fasts as well as some intercity services as well as a limited amount of freight. Preston-Bolton-Salford-Manchester Victoria Services would include DMU and loco hauled passenger trains mixing semi-fast and intercity services, including the Blackpool "Club" trains. Local services included Southport (via Wigan) Blackpool, Barrow in Furness, Blackburn and Clitheroe. Dependent on the era and the status of the "Windsor Link" the Glasgow-Harwich "boat train" would also run this route along with several postal services. Bolton also had a resident Gronk at this time giving a great opportunity for the very tedious overnight refuelling trip from Bolton to Newton Heath. There was of course Horwich Works, which while it closed in 1983 could be "fudged in" with a fluid timeline. Some services would route via Westhoughton to Wigan on that short connection to the Atherton line. Wigan-Atherton-Salford Manchester Victoria Mostly DMU including 101,108,142,150 across all eras, there was also the Southport "Club" train. Most services were Manchester - Kirkby (via Wigan), Southport (Via Wigan) or from Wigan to Manchester including a run through Manchester and the Oldham Loop (Manchester via Oldham). Manchester Victoria - Rochdale (including Oldham Loop) While some services from Blackpool, Southport and Blackburn, a lot of Wigan services ran to Manchester via Oldham, requiring the train to pass through Manchester Victoria and loop back around via Oldham and Rochdale, usually the destination blinds would be changed at Rochdale if the service was travelling beyond Manchester back west. Manchester-Bury electric line A wholly independent short electrified line from Manchester Victoria to Bury Interchange using the unique side contact third rail powered Class 504s, the line was very run down by the mid-late 1980s and would later become a tram line. I feel that TSW can capture that run down feeling so well (as it already does so in the very outdated NTP). Some other non-504 services ran along this line including trains bound for the East Lancashire Railway and football specials hauled by locomotives. The depot, BQ is the oldest continually operating railway engine shed in the world and would be a great inclusion as it was still being used for the 504s during this time (it was handed over to the ELR following the line's closure) Manchester - Warrington/Earlestown A short run from Manchester Victoria to Earlestown or possibly Warrington via Chat Moss, it would give opportunity to take over some freight services and TransPennine services either starting/ending at Manchester or near Rochdale (service/routing dependant). There would also be local DMU services to Liverpool which would call at Eccles, Patricroft, Newton and Earlestown. There would also be an opportunity to drive the North Wales Coast services from Manchester as far as Earlestown or Warrington. Why not include south Manchester? Before you ask, I did think about it but the combined route mileage of the North soon adds up but also I felt that the South of Manchester just didn't really offer much in this time period, routes would be cut short and stubby with the only real addition being Oxford Road to Altrincham before it was converted to the tram system. I felt that a myriad of Intercity services running from Piccadilly to Stockport would be more of a tease than fun. It does offer potential for a separate route system though with the south side routes covered in full end-to-end. Rolling Stock It would depend slightly on the era, however all bar one* class is either already covered in the game or in an upcoming DLC. DMU - 101, 108, 142, 150/2 are already in TSW and were operating across the Greater Manchester area during both periods, it would be slightly fudged with the 150/2 as that came on scene in 1987 but likewise one or two diesels might have been past it by then. The 108 is obviously coming up in the Whitehaven route from JT and would be a most welcome addition to NMN. Locomotives - 31, 37, 40, 47 - Were all very common across the area during both possible route time periods, well the 40 would be fudged in having been phased out in 1984 but would be a great addition if LHCS NWC services were added. A Class 56 would be a welcome addition for passing freight traffic however I would not class it as the "included rolling stock" as dependent upon the Chat Moss stub being included it would only offer limited Grid mileage. The Class 504 This would be the star traction, it would operate between Manchester and Bury and a key thing for this, developer wise, would be the ease to use it as a base to create other EMUs including the 304,305,308 which were very similar in design so would save on later development costs. If Horwich Works is included then there are opportunities for loco drags of 504s between the depot and the works. Route Hopping The route hopping potential is excellent, the player could connect to North TransPennine at Manchester Victoria, as well as Blackpool Branches at Preston and Crewe-Preston at both Preston and Wigan (maybe Warrington/Earlestown if included). It could also be possible to route hop to Manchester Piccadilly for the modern era routes from there. Manchester Victoria We can all see that the original Manchester Victoria in NTP is not up to scratch, the track layout is excellent and it's nice and grimy but it is lacking a lot of detail, just imagine how a renewed Victoria would be with all of the services of NMN passing through, it would be a great place to just sit and watch the trains pass by. Think of the carriage sidings at Red Bank being utilised properly and just how many DMUs would be brought into/out of service between Victoria and Newton heath. The Era Ideally the route would be set in the mid-1980s, the entire rail network around Manchester was looking shabby and run-down. In my opinion this really carries well into TSW more than the clean and polished modern era. If it was set later than 1988 then the Windsor Link would have been built allowing services to Manchester Piccadilly however I feel that it would be too much in terms of detailing to go that far and one would need to consider the performance issues. I feel that the excellent 1980s routes from Just Trains has really shown that there is a demand for the BR era, their WCML routes are brilliant and a route like NMN would compliment it well. It would also bridge the gap between the west and east coasts (sort of) with its connectivity to North TransPennine and could lay the groundwork for future routes and perhaps even encourage a refresh/enhancement of that route too. NMN would utilise rollingstock already available with the exception of the 504 which in itself would be a great selling point. The variety of services should please all but the most fussy of player Thank you for coming to my TED Talk
