So, while I dont think DP would make a very interesting route, some people have been suggesting it, so decided to give my 2 cents on what would be the best way for DTG to bring it to TSW with realistic asperations.... Route: Donner Pass Era: Early to mid 1990's Operator: Southern Pacific End Points: Roseville to Truckee Miles: ~100 miles The route itself would start in SP large yard in Roseville. Home to both a hump yard and the Roseville Shops. It would then head up the pass to the summit at Norden and Donner, with the impressive Norden Turntable and snowshed near the top, before cresting back down around Donner Lake to the eastern endpoint at Truckee. Special Service: Spreader and Flanger Service in the Winter One thing that could make the route a bit unique in the winter time would be a service in which the player takes over using a spreader or flanger to keep the tracks clear. While the Rotary would be nice, I don't feel like there is a way for TSW to simulate it properly, plus they were only really used in dire situations, where the Spreaders and flangers ran on a more consistent basis in the winter. The SP had 6 GP38-2s specially modified for snow fighting service, numbered 4809, 4817, 4839, 4840, 4841, and 4843. These units were modified with various tools to help with cold weather service. All units plus the flangers and spreaders still serve the UP as they did for the SP. Locomotives -GE AC4400CW So the 1st locomotive to be suggested would be the GE AC4400CW, would be one of the easiest to bring to game, with some minor changes to the CSX model to bring them up to SP spec. The Southern Pacific ordered 279 of them, numbered 100 to 378, delivered in 1995, they were mainly assigned to coal trains out of Utah, so they would primarily appear on any coal trains on this route, they later found their ways on other trains as needed. The SP models had flashing ditchlights and high numberboards. -EMD SD40T-2 The 2nd loco that would make sense would be the SP's iconic tunnel motors, more specificly the SD40T-2 model. Originally delivered between 1974 and 1980, they were pretty much the staple of SP's freights from the 70's till the 90's. There were variants between the build orders, with various nose lengths used based on the order. http://espee.railfan.net/40ttable.html The short 88in nose would be the most likely one to use due to its numerous numbers. The later Speed Lettered units with Ditchlights would be the most appropriate for this era, though the older paint plus Kodachrome versions were still visible in this time, and would give a nice variety if all 3 paints came to the game. -EMD GP38-2 Obviously, the special snow fighting units would need to be included should DTG want to pursue that option. The SP also had a roster of regular GP38-2's though I have no clue on what they could even do on this route, as there is really no local services on the line, and most of SP's 4-axle power was used on the sunset route. Optional units -C44-9W An alternative to the AC44, SP had 101 units delivered before the AC44's. they were numbered 8100 to 8200. Like the AC44, they had High numberboards and fleshing ditchlights. -SD40R/SD40M-2 Only included here as DTG has the CRR SD40 to work with. The SD40R were SD40's that got rebuilt in the 80's, while the SD40M-2s were rebuild provided by Morison Knuderson for 133 units in 1993, in which MK had to find units to provide. 30 of the 133 units used SD40 carbodies. -SD9E Somehow still holding on, the SP still had SD9's running around doing local work, a handful of SD9E's also were equipped for snowfighting service.
Rolling Stock. 100 ton hopper (DRGW Utah Coal) Autorack 50ft boxcars 57ft mechanichal reefer (Pacfic Fruit Express) Bulkhead Flatcar 3 Bay Hopper TOFC (45ft trailers)
I haven't really been a big fan of US freight, but I think that's because the two newest routes are desert. This looks a lot more scenic with the forests, and I like the potential for new gameplay with snow clearing. I'd definitely pick this up if it came out.
I'm all for this route. It is needed in TSW3/TSW4. The snow clearing with GP38-2s or SD9Es (preferably both) would be awesome, and something I've suggested before. As for other locos to include for this route, I'd like the SD45T-2 and maybe a GP60 for yard duties in Roseville. Perhaps the route could be extended to Reno, NV (making the route 140 miles) where SP had another yard. I would love the 1990s version of Donner Pass, but I'd like a version set in the 1940s-1950s with SP's massive AC-Series 4-8-8-2 Cab Forwards pulling heavy freights over the pass. For a modern UP version of Donner Pass, I'd like a GP60, ET44AC, SD70M, C4460AC/C44ACM and/or SD70ACe-T4.
Depending on that 2 cents that DTG can make spreaders be good for the route in winter time. Other than that, this is a good suggestion for Donner Pass.
Would absolutely love to have this route in TSW3! (Or 4). Dovetail has been lacking lately when it comes to U.S freight routes that take place in high forested areas of the U.S. All the rolling stock in this seems prototypical of the era and would be great to have in the game as new content. Only problem I see with this is Dovetails detail of scenery. IMO Dovetail doesn’t give the U.S enough attention when it comes to scenery. Other than that, this route seems great!
A TSC route that needs to come to TSW3/TSW4 and speaking of SP GP38-2 one can get the HSC achievement by simply running this route with GP38-2. Also, another route to get the 500 miles of AC4400 which is for Cane Creek/Sand Patch Grade. Speaking of a DLC locomotive can a SP F7B work here counts for 247 miles Cajon Pass version or not?
