Hi I'm suggesting a network of 3 different routes that cover the South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire & Lincolnshire areas to form a triangle route, mixing a variety of passenger and freight operations together Traction: I'm suggesting a route that utilises the current Class 158 from East Midlands Trains, the current Class 66 for freight operations, alongside a new Class 195 in Northern Rail Livery, with Class 158 also being added in the Northern Rail livery too. So that's one entirely new train (Class 195 - Northern livery), one recycled train in new livery (Class 158 - Northern livery) and two pre-existing trains (Class 158 - East Midlands livery; and Class 66 - EWS livery) Route: There will be three sections to this route as follows: 1. Sheffield to Lincoln (via Retford Low Level) 2. Lincoln to Doncaster (via. Gainsborough Lea Road) 3. Doncaster to Sheffield (both via and avoiding Rotherham Central) Route 1 runs from Sheffield to Lincoln Central via. Darnall, Woodhouse, Kiveton Bridge, Kiveton Park, Shireoaks, Worksop, Retford, Gainsborough Lea Road, Saxilby and Lincoln Central Route 2 runs from Lincoln Central to Doncaster via. Saxilby, Gainsborough Lea Road and Doncaster (sharing part of the route with the Sheffield to Lincoln line) Route 3 runs from Doncaster to Sheffield via. Conisbrough, Mexborough, Swinton, Rotherham Central, Meadowhall and Sheffield (with some services running on a faster line avoiding Rotherham Central station) On route 1 (Sheffield to Lincoln) there is an hourly service operated mostly by the Northern Rail Class 195 (but can also be operation by a Northern Rail Class 158 in this setting). On route 2 (Lincoln to Doncaster) there is an infrequent service operated by East Midlands Class 158, but there is a wide variety of Class 66 freight services that run this route throughout the day (often in excess of 35 freight movements in each direction, so 70 overall) On route 3 (Doncaster to Sheffield) there is a high frequency Northern Rail Service between Doncaster and Sheffield, with a mix of all-stopping and limited-stop services (which in this setting would be operated by Class 158 and Class 195 - i'm aware though that Class 170's are more commonly used) Finally there would be plenty of AI traffic, including Class 158 East Midlands Trains at Lincoln, and Class 158 Northern Rail Trains at both Sheffield and Doncaster Overall: This triangle of routes would create a large and unique network, with a mixture of local and semi-express passenger services alongside a significant number of freight operations. The overall mileage is around 85 miles across the 3 routes, which is a lot but I think justifiable due to the vast variety of options of services.
Great idea! Love the mix of locos from dmu to diesel! And it would add some potential for these locos listed!
Fantastic idea I’d buy it I’ve travelled a few times to Lincoln via Retford many times on a nodding donkey aka pacer round retfords right curves
I'd love to see this route. I've travelled along it many times and my great grandad used to take me down to Rotherham Masborough Station (pass it on the avoiding line) when I was a young boy. 100% yes from me.
