Welcome to today's route suggestion and for this one and while this is another UK route suggestion, after going through a period of mainly suggesting period routes (such as routes from the 1980's/early 90's and even a few steam suggestions) I'm going to take a break from that for abit and suggest something far more modern. Now I may not be going back to that 'Rush Thread' from years ago, but with the suggestion I have for you here, I could very well be classed as one, which the potential for tons of traffic running along it, as well being more than just a straightforward A to B route. Now with this route, it doesn't really have a proper name like most railway lines out here, so I'm going to simply title this route 'Northern Direct Lines'. I have thought about other names such as 'TransPennine Express', 'Northern Commuter' or even 'Northern Express' for a good while, but none of them really seemed all that appealing to me, so I'll settle with that name for now, but if anyone can think of a better title for this route, feel free to let me know in the replies below. But regardless of the name, regardless of how much traffic runs along it, or even how much track age it offers, it's nothing compared to what the route is and the historical significance behind it. Today, I will be suggesting a route set between two of largest cities in North of England, Liverpool & Manchester. You might be wondering at this point 'Which line is it going to be?'. Is this going to be about the original line that goes via Newton-le-Willows & Chat Moss? (which was also the world's first public main line railway when it opened in 1830), Or is it the Cheshire Lines route going via Warrington Central? I simply say... …Why not both! Yes, this suggestion combines both Liverpool-Manchester lines into one big route, along with having a branch to Warrington Bank Quay. Seems quite ambitious, but with suggestions, I feel like you can be a little more ambitious than your typical TSW route, so let's see how this goes. Background This is actually one of those routes that the more you think about it, the more you realise that it's actually quite a good time to bring it to TSW. There could be many reasons as to why this might be an ideal route, some of which I've briefly discussed already, such as the historical significance behind this route, the fact it has tons of traffic running on it and the fact that it would be a network style route with the fact that you can take one of two paths to get between Liverpool & Manchester, along with a branch that takes you along part of the West Coast Main Line to Warrington Bank Quay. Most of this we will talk about later, but for now, I can think of two main reasons as to why this would be an ideal route to do now. First is the fact that we've already got quite a bit of rolling stock that could be utilised as part of this route. In fact, I would say that most of the content that is both available with the route and as layers is made up of stuff that has come to TSW in the past couple of months or years. Some of this stuff, especially those that come with the route, would have to be extensively modified in order to fit in here, but it is quite nice that going into here, we have a lot more appropriate content for a route like this than compared to what we had in the past, already this route at a major advantage. But before anyone says, that doesn't mean this route won't come with a brand new loco, as I do have one pipelined for this suggestion, and it's a rather special one. But all of this we'll take about when we actually get to taking about the available locos. The other big reason is that the three big stations that feature here have already made appears in TSW in the past, albeit in different eras. Liverpool Lime Street appeared during as part of the steam-era Liverpool–Crewe, Manchester Victoria appeared during the days of BR diesel hauled services on Northern TransPennine and finally, we just had Manchester Piccadilly as part of Glossop Line, and yes, I do envision this route having all three of these stations on the same route. If anything, having seen these stations appear on separate routes in the past, it would be a nice way to bring them all together on one big, busy main line route. Already having a modern Manchester Piccadilly is a start and this would be a great excuse to have modern versions of both Liverpool Lime Street & Manchester Victoria, compared to the period versions that we have at the moment. If wondering about the time period here, this would set in the very, very modern day. Like, literally as this route right now, which all benefits into both the timetable for this route, and the locos that would run on this, whether that would be with the route, as layers, or with future loco add-ons (which that last section, I have a lot in store for you there). But before going deeper into the route, let's see what it would look like on a map. Map of the Whole Route Area around Liverpool Lime Street, Edge Hill & Wavertree Technology Park Area around Liverpool South Park+Allerton TMD Area around Warrington & Newton-le-Willows Area around Manchester Want to see this map in full? All you have to do is simply click the link here. So talking stats for this route, the total length of everything you see here comes to 77.8 miles (125.3 km). This length includes the original Liverpool-Manchester route, terminating at Manchester Victoria (31.5 miles or 50.7 km, plus an additional 0.8 mile (1.2 km) making up a connection to Deansgate, which also includes the Ordsall Cord), the lower Cheshire Lines route via Warrington Central which is measured from where it turns off around Edge Hill, all the way to Manchester Piccadilly (totals 33 miles or 53.1 km) and the branch down to Warrington Bank Quay (5.2 miles or 8.4 km). There's also an additional 7.4 miles (11.9 km) of track making with various depots and yards featured along the route. 2.5 miles (4.1 km) of which is made up of the branch to Newton Heath TMD. Speaking of such locations, the route also has 40 stations, 4 depots (Edge Hill, Allerton, Ardwick & Newton Heath) and 4 yards/sidings (Tuebrook, Walton Old Junction, CEMEX Hope Street & the Freightliner Terminal at Trafford Park). So I think the first question that many of you are probably asking from looking at the map is, why suggested both of the Liverpool-Manchester lines as one big route, instead of just suggesting one or the other? Well, quite simply, I feel like that if you where to do just simply one of the two paths, you wouldn't really get the whole experience in my book. I'm pretty sure it would still be a solid route, and I'm sure that many people have suggested either route in the past, but it would have that feeling of something is missing, something that would really elevate and really take this route to another level, which would be having both lines, instead of just one or the other. It also helps that they both offer different driving experiences. Now in terms of the general layout of each route, there pretty much the same, in which they are practically straight for most of the way, with the southern path having a small twisty section around Warrington Central, before straightening out again. But what makes each path different is that the top path is fully-electrified and the lower path is diesel only. This is particularly important when in regards to what rolling stock will come with the route. I'll talk about it more when we get to it, but let's just say, it's quite a vast collection that I have in store for you. If anything thanks to the fact that we have both routes here, you could easily take or drive a train from Manchester to Liverpool via the top line and then return to Manchester via the lower line, it all makes for a far more interesting experience compared to if it was just one of these paths. But that's not all, along with the two paths, there's also the branch going right down the centre of the route, heading towards Warrington Bank Quay, which also takes it along part of the West Coast Main Line. I've decided to include this section, simply because if you're going to suggest a route that takes place on the two lines that head between Liverpool & Manchester, you might as well also include the line that runs right down the centre of it as well, for the sake of having another location to explore and to not waste the opportunity. Not to mention that it would be used by services on this route, mainly heading towards Manchester, but there's also a couple of freight services that had in the direction of Liverpool. But again, more when we get to what rolling stock would come with the route (which by the way yes, I do envision this route coming with some freight stock). There's also a yard located to the south of Bank Quay around Walton Old Junction that is usually used to store old wagon that I envision would be a decent place to start/stop freight services on this part of the route. Possibly the most interesting area of the entire route is the general Manchester area. Now that's not to say anything again the Liverpool area, as it does have a few interesting features such as Lime Street Station, the general Edge Hill area which, while not on the level of what it was on Spirit of Steam, is still quite a large area with a depot and a freight sidings, but the Manchester area really is an entire network in itself, just as much as the larger route that it is apart of. Both major stations are featured here, connected via the Ordsall Chord, which opened in 2017, to allows services coming from Leeds, Newcastle & Redcar to connect right through towards Manchester Airport (even though it doesn't see much use right now). I've also decided to include both of the main depots here, Ardwick & Newton Heath. The former of which already has a modern variant on Glossop Line and the later of which would be an modernised version of what we saw on Northern TransPennine. Even if Newton Heath is located quite far away from Victoria station, it is worth including as it's seemingly used by services that operate on the main route. Even on the outskirts of Manchester, you have the freight terminal at Trafford Park, which would be at the centre of the freight operations on this route, which is also located next to the Old Trafford stadium, one of the more recognisable landmarks on the route, along with it's own station, Manchester United Football Ground. The station hasn't been used since 2018 due to health and safety concerns (at the request of the iconic football club of the same name by the way) so it would be used at all in timetable mode. But I'm sure we could find a way to make scenarios out of it, where you would take football fans too and from the stadium for a big match day, something like that could be quite a interesting thing to see come with this route. Before we move on, you may have noticed that I've also included the tracks for the demonstration line that can be found at the Science & Industry Museum in Manchester, even though that track has been severed from the main line since 2016, due to the aforementioned Ordsall Chord. Now it may have been closed since 2019 (and I honestly don't know if it ever be reopened) but all I will say right now to the reason why I've included is... …what till we get to the loco add-on section. I have a little surprise waiting for you when we get there. But for now, let's take a breather and take a look at what the route looks like in real life. Pictures of the route in real life Liverpool Lime Street Edge Hill Liverpool South Parkway Warrington Central Warrington Bank Quay Earlestown Newton-le-Willows Trafford Park Freightliner Terminal Manchester Victoria Manchester Oxford Road There won't be any images of Manchester Piccadilly show here, as it would basically be the same as what can currently be found on Glossop Line, so there's no point showing something that's already be seen in it's modern form. Available Locos Now for the exciting part, and for me, the real driving force of this route. Of course for a route that is quite a vast network with two paths to take between the two main ends, along with a small branch along the WCML, we need a vast variety of locos to come with it, and luckily, I have that just for you. I envision this route coming with 5 locos, 2 of which are technically new (I say technically because they are really two different versions of the same loco), and that's not to mention the layering potential and all the possible loco add-ons that could come to this route after it has come out. But more when we get there, for now, let's see what the base route could come with. TransPennine Express BR Class 802/2 'Nova 1' We start this off with another member of Hitachi's new generation high-speed train that has come to be the mainstay of this sector across the UK, this time going for a Bi-Mode unit compared to the Class 801 we have now that is a pure electric unit only. This unit is part of the same family as the Class 800 that they are based upon, but have a higher power output and much larger fuel tanks, which allows them to operate on much longer sections of unelectrified railway. While GWR were the first to introduce the class in 2018, TransPennine Express would order 19 of these units for services between Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle & Edinburgh, as part of a much wider ambition to boost route capacity by 80%. They were originally given the designation Class 803's, before being given the Class 802/2 designation before taking delivery of the first one around 2018. The fleet came as part of a wider Nova programme was used to brand TPE entire brand new fleet of trains that they received at the time with Nova 1's going to the 802/2's, Nova 2 going the Class 397 and Nova 3 going to the so-to-be discontinued Class 68+Mark 5A push-pull set, with the 802's being introduced on passenger services in September 2019, with the whole Nova fleet being launched at a special event at Liverpool Lime Street on November 22nd 2019. In terms of what they will be doing on the route we have here, they probably have the simpliest task, operating express passenger services between Liverpool & Manchester Victoria via the northern route, making only one stop at Newton-le-Willows, which this service would later go on towards Newcastle. You would also see this unit around Manchester Piccadilly, operating a few AI services that either terminate here, or go on beyond the station passed Oxford Road & Deangate, on it's way towards Edinburgh. But believe it or not, despite the express passenger nature of this loco, I wouldn't say that it's the true star of the show here... Northern BR Class 195 'Civity' …that honour would go to what I call the Northern 'Civity' collection, because yes, it is indeed both the Class 195 & 331 that would feature as part of this route. I know it's sounds ambitious, but to be honest, both versions of this unit operate on this route in some capacity and I feel I would be a complete missed opportunity to make one Civity variant and not do the other one at the same time, kinda like the whole premise of this route about doing both Liverpool-Manchester lines, instead of just one or the other. But starting with the 195's, 58 of these units were built between 2017 & 2020, with composed of 25 2-car 195/0's & 33 3-car 195/1's. The purpose behind these units was simple, to replace the ageing, horribly received Pacers that were practically being run into the ground by the time of their introduction. The units were manufactured by CAF, based in Spain, since they were able to offer a diesel and electric version that was based on the same unit platform, which would also be their largest single contract for a European customer at the time. The first of these units arrived after testing in the Czech Republic in June 2018, before entering service just over a year later in July 2019. Since then, they can found on various services across vast parts of the Northern Network, including on this route. Speaking of which, both the two-car and three-car versions of this unit would feature here and would actually make up quite a large chunk of the services on this route. Some of those would include the following: Half services along the southern path between Liverpool Lime Street & Warrington Central. Peak-time half services along the southern path between Warrington Central & Manchester Oxford Road. Would operate on services down to Warrington Bank Quay from Manchester Victoria, coming from Leeds & Chester respectively. You would also see this unit as AI around the Manchester area, operating services heading north out of Victoria towards Leeds and even a few around Piccadilly, including what could a handful of small drivable services going in-between there and Deansgate, before heading off norths towards Barrow-in-Furness or Windermere. Northern BR Class 331/0 'Civity' These are basically the same as the 195's, but these are powered by electricity instead of diesel power, with 43 of these units being built in total. 31 of them being 3-car 331/0's & 12 being 4-car 331/1's. They were mainly brought in on the electrified services on this route, as well as replacing the old Class 321's & 322's on the Airedale & Wharfedale Lines. But what makes these units noteworthy are there quick acceleration, with the ability to accelerate from 0 to 78 mph (125 kph) in just 45 seconds, making them among the fastest accelerating EMU's in the UK. For comparison, the 321/322's that they replaced took over twice as long to get to the same speed. This improved accelerate was envisioned to improve efficiency and punctuality on various Northern commuter services that make multiple stops along the way. Unlike the 195 that we've just talked about, it would only be the three-car variant that would come with this route. For what I could gather, the four car version doesn't actually come anywhere near this route, so I felt like it wouldn't be worth throwing into here for the sake of it, and even if it could add some services here, it would probably be better suited for another loco. In terms of which, they would mainly operate on the whole length of the northern path, heading towards Manchester Piccadilly, along with a few small services departing out of Lime Street, heading as far as Huyton, before turning off towards Wigan North Western. Now like the 195's, they would also add a ton of AI around the Manchester Area, mainly focusing on that belt between Piccadilly & Deansgate again, but not going anywhere near Victoria, as far as I was able to find. It might be cool to have two different Civity variants here, but that's not the last time you be hearing about a multiple unit built by CAF, but more on that when we get to the loco add-on section. Northern BR Class 150/1 'Sprinter' After going through a trio of modern, state-of-the-art EMU, it's time for something a bit more old school. While we do already have a Class 150 in TSW, this variant would be completely different from that variant, as this is the 150/1, which was built as part of a second batch of fifty units between 1985 & 1986. The big difference visually here is the fact that these do not have front-end gangways, which would have allowed for passenger to walk between tow units when working in multiple. I feel like having this difference would help make it stand out from the variant we already have. Plus, it's the most numerous variant of 150 in Northern's fleet and just so happens to be the most prevalent on the route we have here. Speaking of which, this unit would be handling the grand majority of the services on the southern part of this route, operating up as far as Manchester Oxford Road from Liverpool Lime Street. Plus, in terms of general Manchester AI, this would make up the grand majority of that traffic. Some of these could even be made drivable such as very small services between Victoria & Salford Central, which may only last 4 minutes at most, but still worth including in order to get as much drivable services here as possible. All of this, along with the previous locos adding AI layers of their own, would really help enliven the Manchester area into one of the busiest areas in a TSW route, even before we starting talking about layering and possible future loco add-ons (more on that in a bit). GB Railfreight BR Class 66/7 Here's a question, are you bored of constantly seeing the EWS Class 66 being reused over and over and over again on various TSW routes? Well, while this route might have a 66 come with it, I think it's time to do something different with it, such as include it in a brand new livery, like the GB Railfreight one that we have right here. I know it would have made more sense to include a Freightliner livery, as this route has a Freightliner terminal, but I've already done that livery in a previous suggestion and I also saving it for a future suggestion down the road. Plus, I feel like a GBRf livery would be more flexible and better suited for the freight opportunities that I want to do here. While GB Railfreight has many different livery variants of the 66 that could be explored at a later date, the livery here would just be the bog standard Blue & Orange scheme. But in terms of what they will be doing there, they would undertake a variety of tasks. You would seeing them operating intermodal services in and out of Trafford Park towards Manchester Piccadilly. But the biggest services they would do and reason for this livery choice, are Biomass services heading towards the Biomass Terminal around the general Liverpool Harbour, which these services would join the route at either Tuebrook Sidings, located around Edge Hill, or just a few hundred yards to the east at the junction in the area around Wavertree station, which these services would then generally head on towards Warrington Bank Quay and beyond. To find out about the available wagons, you will have to go down to the next post in order to find it...
Continuing on from the last post, in terms of the wagons that the 66/7 would be operating with, they would consist of the following: KFA Container Wagon (We already have this with the RHTT, it would just need to be modified to carry containers instead of RHTT equipment). IIA Biomass Hopper Wagon (New wagon for this route). JNA Aggregate Wagon (This time in VTG Grey livery). All of these would help create the interesting and varied freight services that this route could provide. Additional services from other routes If you already think this route is quite busy as it is, well thanks to the wide variety of suitable stock that has come to TSW over the past year or two, we can add even more to really boost up this route even more. Now let's get the obvious one out the way first, which is the Class 323 from Glossop Line, which would sub into Class 331 services heading between Piccadilly and Lime Street via the northern electrified path. It would also add some AI around Piccadilly, representing the Glossop Line services that helps create some continuity between the two routes. Believe it or not, I did consider it as a loco to come with this route, but I decided that it was better suited as a layering and that the Class 331 was the more suitable loco for these services, along with taking the opportunity to have that alongside the similar 195. Now probably the most noteworthy layer here would be the East Midlands Train Class 158 from Midland Main Line, which would add EMT (or EMR as it's now know) services to this route. This would mainly be adding hourly services between Lime Street and Piccadilly via Warrington Central, which seems to be the most it does here, but would still help boost the number of services in that area, as well as offering a slightly faster services down here compared to the slower stopping services that the Northern services usually do down here. Finally in terms of other layers, I'm open to the option of maybe having the EWS Class 66 appear here, adding some additional freight services, but for most part, it would be seasonal rail tour services for the various UK routes we've had over the years, some these would include Northern TransPennine (using a mix of what's already available from the UK loco cast), Spirit of Steam (Using the LMS Jubilee), the West Cornwall Steam Railtour pack (using the Black LMS Jubilee) and even the Flying Scotsman on a few railtours here and there (Which by the way, this wouldn't be the last time I mention steam locos here too). All of this would bring some much need diversity and some different experiences to this route compared to what's already been discussed here. Future Loco Add-Ons So you think you've seen everything this route has to offer? Well couldn't be more wrong as we have so much to go through with this final section. In total, I was able to find 6 possible loco add-on ideas for this route, 1 is a loco pack based on one of the base locos, 4 would at most add diversity and even in some cases, add even more services to what's already available and the last one is a bit of a surprise and I'm not entirely sure how you all are going to feel about this one, but considering the route we have here and the historical significance behind it, I couldn't pass the opportunity to at least give it a mention here. But that's before talk about the ones that would truly make the biggest impact and be the most noteworthy additions to this route. GB Railfreight Livery Pack Considering that the route comes with a GBRf Class 66 and that GBRf loves to paint some of their locos in special liveries, I thought what better way to honour that than to bundle a couple of them into a special livery pack in a similar vain to the ones that came to the US routes such as Sherman Hill & Horseshoe Curve. Now I should mention that this pack wouldn't include every single special livery that is among GBRf's fleet of Class 66's, it would just be some of the more interesting ones. Plus, it would also be based around the variant featured with the route with the new LED headlight cluster (The Large Headlight variant would not feature unfortunately). But as for this livery pack, it would feature 9 liveries, which would include: 66734 'Platinum Jubilee' in Platinum Jubilee Pink & Grey. 66747 'Made in Sheffield' in Newell & Wright Transport Colours. 66779 'Evening Star' in BR Green. 66780 in CEMEX livery. 66783 'The Flying Dustman' in Biffa Red & Orange. 66789 'British Rail 1948-1997' in BR Large Logo Blue & Yellow. 66793 in BR Railfreight Triple Grey Livery. 66794 'Steve Hannam' in BR Railfreight Triple Grey Livery. 66796 'The Green Progressor' in HS2 Green/Blue Livery All of these liveries would just sub into the existing 66/7 services, but it would really be all about the scenarios with this one, as each livery would get it's own scenario (which would mean 9 in total). But either way, this would give the existing 66 loco some extra colour, as well as something to look out for as you explore the length and breadth of what this route has to offer. Northern BR Class 156 'Super Sprinter' For our first proper loco add-on, we are going to give the Class 150 a sidekick to go alongside with. Introduced in 1988 to replace the ageing first-generation DMU's and loco hauled stock, 114 of these units were built between 1987 & 1989. They are similar to that of the 150 with a similar cab design, but have the noteworthy difference of having single doors at either end of each coach, which also leads to the fact that the interior consists of a 2+2 seating arrangement, compared to the 2+3 of that of the 150. This is because these units were designed to undertake much longer journeys that had fewer stops, which they were perfectly suited for, and also had a lower fuel consumption and lower maintanance costs compared to the loco-hauled trains that they replaced. While there are a handful currently in storage, the grand majority still remain in operation, mainly in the northern part of the UK, with Northern having the largest fleet of 65 units. On this route, they would mainly sub into the exist Class 150/1 services, but it would make them more interesting as both units are capable of being coupled together as one formation, which I found is pretty common to see on the route in real life, so it would help them feel at little more complete now that we have the other DMU that typically operates on this route alongside the 150/1. TransPennine Express BR Class 185 'Desiro' This unit was actually really close to being included as part of the available locos, but even if it ended up here instead, I feel like it would be a really popular addition regardless of what route it is for. Originally ordered in 2003 at a cost of £260 million (back when the operator was know as First TransPennine Express), 51 of these units were built between 2005 & 2006, with the first being introduced on passenger services in March 2006. This order also came with two new depots where they would be stabled and maintained, which included Ardwick Depot, located near Manchester Piccadilly, which featured on Glossop Line and would feature with this route and it's this loco that would really make full usage out of it. They mainly replaced the Class 158 on North & South TransPennine routes, The Class 175's on routes between Manchester Airport & Blackpool/Cumbria and Class 220/221 Voyagers on routes between Manchester & Edinburgh/Glasgow). While over the years, there might have been attempts to displace these units with new stock like when TPE operated Class 350's at one point and even the new 'Nova' fleet, they've pretty much become one of most recognisable units currently operating with TPE. On this route, they would really help boost the TransPennine Express presence here by adding so many more services of that type. One would be adding two new hourly in each direction services between Liverpool and Manchester (One that goes via the southern path and ends at Piccadilly, carrying on from there towards Cleethorpes, and the other that takes the northern path, ending at Victoria and continuing towards Hull (Making only one stop at Lea Green along the way)). But probably the more significant service they would add, even if it's short, is the service that links Manchester Victoria with Piccadilly via the Ordsall Chord (which is part of the service that runs between Manchester Airport and Saltburn). All these new services would help make this route fell even more complete and really bring it another level. Transport For Wales BR Class 197 'Civity' Here we have not only another CAF Civity unit, but also one of the newest pieces of rolling stock currently operating on the UK rail network. I did almost considering adding a TfW Class 158 or 150 as part of the routes main stock, but I feel like this unit would feel more appropriate and also bring something different and unique that hasn't been seen in TSW before. If you want an example of how new these units are, they were ordered during the later half of the 2010 decade, first manufactured in 2020 and have only been in service since November 2022 (come up to nearly a year by the time this was written).They are based on the 195/331's that we talked about earlier, but have the noticeable difference of gangway doors, in order to allow passengers to walk between the two units when coupled. The units also have other customisations to better suit the Transport For Wales network, which included upgraded seating and general comfort, which many of these improvements came as a response to public concerns about the new trains and how they compare to the Class 158's & 175's that they are due to replace. Like the 195 that already available with the route, it would come in both 2 & 3 car variants (197/0 & 1971 respectively) and the main service they would add is bringing more traffic to the Warrington Bank Quay area, forming an hourly-on-each direction service towards Manchester, but this time heading towards Piccadilly instead of Victoria, which would form part of the service the travels between Manchester Airport & Llandudno & Holyhead. They would also a a two-hourly service out of Liverpool Lime Street that would turn off after ending at Liverpool South Parkway and generally head in the direction of Chester. Even with small services like these, they would easily add more traffic, and considering the unit in question, would certainly add something different that similar to the existing 195's/331's, but is different in it's own right. Northern BR Class 319/3 What a great segway from one of the newest operating trains to something a little older. While they were originally built and first introduced between 1987 & 1990, they weren't originally intended for anywhere near this part of the UK. They were once the mainstay of the Thameslink route between Brighton & Bedford, which first opened around the time these units were being introduced. However, when the new Class 387's arrived around 2015 (and later the Class 700's) some were moved up north to work on the route around here, which at the time were being electrified, the first one began service on this route in March 2015 and later routes would subsequently follow. Some would later go on the be modified in Bi-Mode Class 769's, which allowed them to operate on lines that didn't have overhead catenary, with the power of one in diesel mode said to equal or even greater than that of a Class 150, with even the ability to perform the power changeover on the move (For this route, it would only be the 319/3 variant here. The 769 would have to wait for another time). On this route, that would add some peak time services that run along the northern path between Lime Street & Manchester Victoria, but they would also add smaller services such as peak services between Eccles & Victoria, but mainly services come out of Lime Street, ending at Huyton and then turning off towards Wigan North Western (which these services are also operated by the 331's, but the 319's feel like the more appropriate unit for this one). Even if these units are due for retirement from Northern services soon, that doesn't change the fact that with the electric side of this route, it would add something a little older that would certainly fit in alongside the more modern stock that generally represents this side of this route. …and after all of that, it's now time for something completely different... Stephenson's Rocket …bet you didn't see this one coming! To be honest, considering that we are talking about a route set on the world's first public main line railway, I couldn't resist the temptation to bring up Stephenson's Rocket here, even if it is for a loco add-on at best (or even as part of some deluxe edition of this route, which is how envision this loco would get included here). Honestly, what can I say about this loco that hasn't already been said? Originally built for the Rainhill Trials in 1829, this loco would set for standard for all steam locomotives going forward, bridging in many innovations for the time such as the multi-tubed boiler, a separate firebox, cylinders that were closer to being horizontal and the pistons being directly connecting to the driving wheels via connecting rods. While it was trialled earlier Stephenson's designs such as the Lancashire Witch, it was Rocket that would really perfect the design and even if similar locos would be built after the trials, Rocket is probably the most recognisable of it's type and really paved the way for future steam locos for the next 150 years. The engine in this add-on would be based on the modern working replica that was built in 1979 for the 150th anniversary of the trials and would come with two replica LMR coaches (one 3rd class one coach & one 1st class enclosed coach), like you see in the image above. Now remember when I said that I included the tracks for the Manchester Science Museum Railway on the map I made? Well that's were this loco would mainly be operating on (I know Planet was the loco mainly operating here, but I feel like Rocket would be the most recognisable loco to do here) which this area would be accessible from Deansgate, the closet station to the museum. But even if all it does in the routes timetable in pootle up and down a short section of track, that's not what this thing is for. The real joy and the real selling point of this loco would be the scenarios it would bring (mainly recreating famous moments from the locos life such as the Rainhill Trials) and for doing whatever crazy stunt you want to do with it in scenario planner or free roam. Despite it's top speed of around 30mph, if you want to try push it further (with some aid from a faster loco) go for it, let you imaginations run wild! A loco like this would really honour this route perfectly, bringing the best of then past, alongside the most modern and up-to-date trains that you can find running in Britain's railway today. Conclusion In all, while it's not a period route suggestion like I've been doing of late, but this has every promise to be just as strong route in it's own right, possibly even more so that many UK routes that we've been getting as of late. This would be one of the busiest TSW routes out there with tons of traffic running along and quite vast network of lines, which include the option of taking two paths between the two main cities with also slightly differ in terms of traction that runs on it. You have quite a vast and varied collection of locos that go from intercity high speed trains to smaller regional trains and even some interesting freight stuff, a great use of some of the existing routes to provide even more flavour here, include those that have come in the recent years/months and some of the best loco add-on potential that any route could offer, some that could further enliven this route with even more traffic, some that would bring some extra diversity and even one that could bring tons of entertainment with it, along with being a nod to the history of the route. This route could best be described as the Northern equivalent of London Commuter/Brighton Main Line with while that route is longer in terms of the A to B distance, this route would easily beat it's overall length in terms of all the different paths and branches it could offer, making it far more interesting of a route compared to what Brighton Main Line could ever offer (unless it gets extended in some way). Maybe this suggestion is quite ambitious and maybe you could have done this as just one of the paths instead of both, but like I've already said, it wouldn't feel like a complete experience that way, and if this route was to done as two paths (with the Warrington Bank Quay section as a extra bit) it would truly be a sight to behold and hold more value and prestige than any other Northern UK route we have seen so far. Besides, is being ambitious the whole point of a route suggestion right? As always, if you have any ideas that you would like to see on this route, or there's something that you feel can be done differently here, then feel free to let me know in the replies down below. That's all from me, and I'll see you all next time. Image Sources https://www.networkrailmediacentre....on-of-liverpool-lime-street-completed-on-time https://ymliverpool.com/edge-hill-station-to-host-world-exclusive-audio-visual-concert/17885 https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/...kway_railway_station_MMB_08_156468_185142.jpg https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warrington_Central_railway_station https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warrington_Bank_Quay_railway_station https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/worlds-oldest-railway-station-given-26077575 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Along_platform_2,_Newton-Le-Willows_railway_station_(geograph_3818425).jpg https://www.freightliner.co.uk/locations/manchester-freightliner-terminal/ https://www.networkrailmediacentre....stment-for-central-manchesters-iconic-station https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Manchester_Oxford_Road_railway_station_-_2013-10-18_(2).JPG https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2023/0...ntain-transpennine-express-nova-1-trains.html https://docbrown.info/docspics/ArchiveSteam/lococlass195.htm https://www.flickr.com/photos/dwbphotos/49399771772 https://www.flickr.com/photos/dwbphotos/48014868898 https://www.flickr.com/photos/dc-7c/49565618516 https://revolutiontrains.com/tiphook-pfakfa-container-flat/ https://www.hattons.co.uk/directory/vehicledetails?id=3143071 https://www.railfreight.com/railfre...eart-of-hs2-operations-in-london/?gdpr=accept https://media.northernrailway.co.uk/resources/class-156-156451-northern-seaton-carew-6270010 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_185 https://www.flickr.com/photos/37190-dalzell/51346296742 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_319 https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/522839837981395724/ GBRf Livery Pack Image Collage Sources https://www.railwayherald.com/uknews/gbrf-marks-platinum-jubilee-with-special-livery https://www.flickr.com/photos/dwbphotos/52723891871/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/37190-dalzell/36289635204 https://www.flickr.com/photos/aswans1234567/47971384036 https://www.collettsmodelshop.co.uk...3-gbrf-biffa-the-flying-dustman-free-postage/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/37190-dalzell/33882030028 https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2021/0...il-livery-for-german-class-66-locomotive.html https://www.flickr.com/photos/tibshelf/53255891254/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/tibshelf/53255891254/
Great suggestion even if it isn't what you are used to, you still provide great detail and provide facts for any route in either a set period or a modern day setting I suggested the Chat Moss line here between Liverpool and Manchester a couple of weeks back and I hope the creators of the (electrified) route in Train Simulator Classic (Alan Thomson Simulation) can make Chat Moss for Train Sim World as well as a great way into the Train Sim World franchise
Nice one, certainly was surprised to see Stephenson's Rocket for sure. Since you'd have that small line down from Newton-le-willows to Warrington Bank Quay should they also just extend it a tiny bit further to Acton Grange Junction? I mean it would prepare DTGfor if they would add a Crewe - Preston / Lancaster line
I will say that while the tracks for Acton Grange Junction would probably be present, I didn't think it would be worth including on the map, since it would only be used for AI services to enter & exit the route. The furthest you could take the route in that direction is to a yard around Walton Old Junction, which I have decided to go back and include that on the map, since it could be used as a decent start/end point for freight services (that updated map you can now see on the main suggestion, or if you want to see it in full, simply click here). I know there is a yard located next to Warrington Bank Quay on the east side of the station, but that isn't include since, while it probably would be done up and made accessible, it probably wouldn't be used by anything relevant to the main route. Also, while I had the chance, I also now add another loco add-on suggestion for this route, which is actually a livery pack for the GBRf Class 66/7. I won't say too much about it here, but all I will say is, if you're going to include a GBRf Class 66 as part of the available stock and that company just so happens to love painting them in special liveries, you might as well not waste the opportunity.
Really excellent idea the northern route via Chat Moss originally made by ATS in TSC therefore we might be getting that one if it's their first TSW 4 route.
Sounds good to me, tbh we don't really need a Warrington Bank Quay to Newton Le Willows unless they would extend to Ellesmere Port or Chester but eh you can point me in the wrong here
Brilliant suggestion mate, this route would be a great one and bring some real good units with, especially if the 185 does get made as DLC.
I swear there's almost 0 none-merseyrail services heading to elesmere port altho chester could work for the tfw and northern services.
There used to be a Northern-operated service to Ellesmere Port from Liverpool Lime Street via Frodsham and Helsby, mainly operated by a Class 150 'Sprinter' but was known to have been worked by a Class 195 'Civity' but looking at RTT, it looks like that service does not run anymore As seen here in a YouTube video: I hope this is helpful to everybody but as of today, only Merseyrail operate to Ellesmere Port
Ellesmere Port isn't used by any major services that run on this route as far as I'm aware and while Chester could be an interesting location to explore here, I think I'm happy with this section ending at Bank Quay for the time being. You have to remember that this is an adaptation of both Liverpool-Manchester lines and that the WCML happens to run right down the middle of them. I've already mentioned this in the suggested, but I feel like that is you are going to do a route suggestion that combines both lines into one large route, it would be a bit of waste to not include this section up until at least Warrington Bank Quay (unless it's there as an off limits area), as it is used by services that run on this route, even if it would be hourly Northern services towards Victoria, Hourly TfW services towards Piccadilly (Using the 197 loco add-on that I suggested) and a handful of freight trains that head towards the Liverpool area.
That service would've been quite useful if you lived in frodsham for example and you wanted to go to ellesmere port
Yeah, I'm sure it was a shuttle service during the day from Helsby to Ellesmere Port then it would return to Liverpool Lime Street in the evening
