Apologies if this already suggested, but I was just watching part of the Videoscene Thrash Bash cab ride and it occurred to me this could make an ideal study for a TSW(2) route. Just under 50 miles in length, not too complex depending how much of the Newport area freight yards were included. Challenging driving with some steep gradients (Llanvihangel Bank) but some opportunity for faster running, more so than NTP. Most of the stretch is very pretty scenically. If the ATW/TfW era is an issue for licensing, then the late BR period is a goldmine waiting to be tapped. Much of the motive power and stock already exists with a bit of reskinning - at that point in time most of the Cardiff to Crewe services which formed the backbone of the route were hauled by Class 33's with the occasional 47. The line saw heavy use for inter regional freight as it still does today, plenty of scope for a Class 56 DLC along with more 37's, maybe a 60 depending on precise era. Local passenger services were generally handled by Class 116 suburban DMU's, or occasionally Class 108 so opportunity there for another DLC.
I'd buy this definitely. We used to use the line from Hereford as far as Abergavenny, lovely station at Hereford and great scenery. About time there was a route that wasn't completely in England. I remember the 33s being on the Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff trains. I seem to remember seeing a class 52 at Hereford in the 70s too. Lots of variety, great choice.
By the time I started in the Control in 1989 the passenger services had gone over to 155's (used to dread covering the Provincial Desk with those things to look after). However prior to that I did a stint in the loco diagramming section and the 33's required very careful planning, as they had to go back to Eastleigh for A Exams, cyclic working with Cardiff to Portsmouth services needing particular attention.
The 33s were a welcome change when they started appearing on the Cardiff trains. It's all units now of course like everywhere else. At least if they decided to make it present day, we've got scenario planner to run what we like.
Sign me up I'd buy this in heartbeat, this is a awesome route idea, and a run I know well, time to start praying like crazy people
