So I've had a sparking idea fly into my head: if the timetables of WCMLOS and Simsig Carlisle aren't so vaguely different: would it be possible to literally have a visualisation of Simsig Carlisle using Just Train's WCMLOS? I know for a fact that a six year difference already means the timetable has changed but is it the same for the most of it? I know for a fact that the closure of the avoiding lines already renders a huge change in the timetable, presumably the diversion through Carlisle Station itself, but my knowledge of what has closed or opened in Carlisle in that time frame is not very helpful. Looking at their preview stream at 01:00 time, I compared the services shown between that and Carlisle Simsig and they looked very much alike.
A lot of change came in the early 90s and onwards, constant cuts to sleepers, speedlink being axed and privatisation. Up until the late 80s at least a lot of the freight was as always, Ravenscraig closing in 1992 saw a massive reduction in Metals traffic for example also as well as Coal traffic winding down. I travelled South on the WCML the other day and was passed by one freight between Carstairs and Wigan. Very different in the 80s as this DLC will show. Its partly why I dont get enthusiastic over modern stuff as the amount of variety that has gone in the past 30 years is huge.
Presumably by 1986 the local trip workings were slightly streamlined as the Power Station and Dentonholme Yard would have gone with the loss of the avoiding lines. The SimSig 1979 scenarios are superb though I still haven’t been able to finish one without getting the portions muddled up and having to delete something. Although I’m currently trying my hand at their North Wales Coast simulation, though that is set in the more modern era. Quite challenging as you have to work with, albeit simplified, Absolute Block and there are numerous crossings that need to be manually lowered and raised. However I will be back on Carlisle for another go before long.
Have had a go at the NE Wales one with the block instruments. Carlisle saw as well as a reduction in traffic had the closure of Currock which saw a lot of the local workings around the area vanish.
NE Wales got a bit boring as it settles down to an hourly service on the Bidston Line and roughly hourly on the main line, very odd bit of freight - even with delays switched on. Useful trainer before tackling NWC though.
