So I've looked around the forums a fair bit and despite seeing mentions of the Bluebell I haven't seen a physical route suggestion for it so thought I would attemp to give my take on the route as best as I can! This may be a long suggestion but I want to try and do it justice! The Bluebell line was created by the LBSCR and originally went from East Grinstead to Lewes and the Ardingly branchline went from Horsted Keynes to Haywards heathe. Fast forward to the present day and currently the line stretches 11 miles from Sheffield Park to East Grinstead where it joins onto the mainline (Thumbnail 1). The Ardingly branch was also cut short and now Ardingly Station is used for freight operations, still joining the BML at Haywards heath (The spur can be seen on the BML route). The line to this day is travels through a beautiful region of the English countryside. Despite being beautiful it provides a challenge to drive despite its length as gradients alter drastically over the course of the route. In terms of Locomotives there are many preserved on the line and no doubt SOS locomotives and rolling stock could also layer into the route. I have picked a few personal favourites as examples for the route. In my opinion the A1/A1X class (also known as Terriers) have to be included in this route as Stepney (No. 55) was the first locomotive to be sold to the bluebell railway and is popular with both children and adults alike. Fenchurch (No. 72) was previously famous for being the oldest locomotive working for BR during its time. I also believe that a 4MT Tank would be another worthy shout for inclusion to the line with 3 currently being present on the Bluebell (800151, 80064 and 80100) despite only 1 being operational and 80100 being currently in Barry Scrapyard condition. The SECR O1 (or any of the SECR) locomotive provides a different option with its beautiful historic 0-6-0 layout which was introduced in 1878. You could also provide the Class 33 and 09 on early morning services or as other layers as both are currently on the railway. As Far as Rolling stock goes there is the obvious availlibility to use the Mk1 carriages maybe in a Southern Green livery but I thought I would include the Victorian Metropolitan (first produced in 1898) set currently in service as they are a beautiful old set and have separate compartments providing something different. This set look their best (in my opinion) on the O1 and the Terriers. In terms of gameplay, the short route length and slow speed (25mph for heritage) does only take around 50 minutes from Sheffield Park to the terminus at East Grinstead but the bluebell are able to run up to 5 services each day with proposed early morning and late evening diesel run services to aid operation times (Will add an example time table from the website). There are other options as well as shunting displays, which also take place at Horsted Keynes and example goods trains are also run at times. You could also provide a rescue service to retrieve a failed locomotive and a scenario to do the full route. You could also have morning preparation and evening closing as part of the route. The route would have the benefit of being able to be created easier than that of a historical route and would also lend itself to working with the bluebell directly being good for publicity for both the BRPS and DTG while also allow for more steam to be undertaken without the long route creation times needed for historical images. The locomotives would also no doubt be able to be used in other routes and future locomotives could also be layered in. Not just British locomotives either as recently the American USATC 6046 visited the line and drew in crowds from near and far. I hope this hasn't been too long-winded but the route holds a special place for me personally and even if this isn't your cup of tea I hope you can take something from it!
I was down that way once and so popped in to see what all the fuss was about. It was brilliant. So many historical pre-grouping items which would really look good in train sim world. Probably one of best ideas/suggestions I've read. Would love to see this line.
There is a name for 4MT it's Belle. You can actually create. Thomas and Friends character if you own Bluebell Railway then creators club.
The gradients would be a good challenge for steam. The O1 would be a magnificent addition to the game.
That O1with the Victorian Metropolitan coaches would look amazing.That being said, I wouldn’t be opposed to Terriers either. Fine examples of Victorian craftsmanship.
I was about to post the usual thoughts about 25 MPH etc., but that said a preserved route with small tank engines hauling heavy trains up stiffish gradients might not be so bad.
I'm fully bumping this thread just to add this image the bluebell posted of Fenchurch with the Met set! Even though there may be better routes we can all definitely appreciate this beautiful image!
If you want to pull it on the Underground the matching locomotive for the set is Maroon Coloured GWR 57xx Duck Or Metropolitan Railway L1 locomotive if you actually own both Blue Bell Railway if made and Metropolitan line a requested train simulator Classic route for TSW 3
