Hello, Everybody Today I'm suggesting The Harrogate Line for TSW5 The Route The Harrogate Line runs for 39 miles between Leeds & York via Harrogate. The line opened in 1849 (175 Years ago as of 2024) by the North Eastern Railway. The line has been ran by the LNER & BR and currently is being operated by Northern. Today I'm suggesting the route for TSW5. The route would be set in Modern Day and my suggestion also includes Neville Hill Depot. As this route is only 40 Miles I would also suggest including the section of the ECML between York and Leeds via Church Fenton as this could then add just that bit more in terms of services. Stations The Harrogate Line features 12 stations with these being - - Leeds - Burley Park - Headingley - Horsforth - Weeton - Pannal - Hornbeam Park - Harrogate - Starbeck - Knaresborough - Cattal - Hammerton - Poppleton - York (Journey Time - 1hr 8mins Approx) Stations on the little ECML Section are - - York - Ulleskelf - Church Fenton - Micklefield - East Garforth - Garforth - Cross Gates - Leeds (Journey Time - 21 mins approx) Landparks & Points of Interest Some things I believe are Landmarks & Points of Interest on this route are - - The Bramhope Tunnel This tunnel opened in 1849 and is 7.6 miles in length - The Arthington Viaduct The amazing Arthington Viaduct (aka Wharfedale Viaduct) is a 21 arch viaduct that was completed in 1849. It measures in at 500 Yards and today is a Grade 2 listed structure - Knaresborough Railway Station & Viaduct Knaresborough is a Grade 2 listed station that (like everything on this line) was completed in 1849. As you can see, the station has kept its vintage asthetic. On the approach into Knaresborough from Leeds you pass over the stunning Knaresborough Viaduct. Whilst it isn't as long as the Arthington Viaduct, it's placement is not all-you-can-eat Buffet to the eyes! Just look up Knaresborough Viaduct on Google Images and you'll know what I mean! During constuction in March 1848, the viaduct collapsed into the River Nidd with the resultant noise of the falling masonry having said to have lasted for five minutes. The viaduct that stands today was completed in October 1851. Trains & Layers Trains Included Today, the railway is operated by Northern Trains who use a mixture of Class 150, 155, 158 & 170 DMUs. LNER also operate the Class 800 on the route as well. For this suggestion, I suggest that we see the Class 155 and possibly a Northern-liveried 170 come with the route. I would suggest the 801 to replace the 800 but the 801 is mainly a EMU as its diesel engine can only go up to 30mph. The 155 could also run the commuter services between York & Leeds via Church Fenton Layers In terms of layers - - ECML Class 801 - York to Leeds via Church Fenton, ECS from Leeds to Neville Hill and back, Static Stock at Neville Hill & AI services in and out of York - ECML Flying Scotsman - Railtour along the Harrogate Line (possibly a circular tour from York to York via Harrogate) as well as ECS moves in and out of the NRM) - Class 66 - Freight. Can use any of the countless variations of identical Class 66 - ROG Class 37 - Static Stock at York Parcel Sidings - Class 47 (NTP & Blackpool) - Diesel Railtour & to act as the diesel at the back of Flying Scotsman's consist. - Peak Forest Jubilee - AI Only Tour to Scarborough (replicating the Scarborough Spa Express) That it is for my suggestion, I hope you like it! I also do not mind if this route is set in the BR-era if it gets made (All Infomation and images were sourced from Wikipedia)
