This route suggestion is inspired by the old Doncaster works route in TSC and I think would be an interesting route because it primarily focuses on shunting as oppose to almost every other route in the game which either focus on commuter, high speed, or heavy freight operations. I would like this route to be set in 1960 because that was one of the last years of workings for the iconic LBSCR E2 class shunters, the basis for TTTE. The main focus of this route would of course be the docks and shunting of trains there but the point of the line going up to Eastleigh is due to the home of the large shed and works for mainline locos and rolling stock. The point of the line down to Totton is just to provide a bigger station to end the western coverage of the route than Redbridge. The South Western mainline route coverage would be just 7 miles but, again, mainline services aren't the point of this route. Motive power: Motive power for this route should be the ex LBCSR E2 class tank engines, of which, 4 were allocated to the docks (No. 32101, 32102, 32103, 32104) while 3 were allocated to Eastleigh with extended side tanks but would sometimes work at the docks (No. 32105, 32108, 32109). The other three worked at Stewarts Lane for the rest of their years (No. 32100, 32106, 32107). /\ Note the different side tanks The other loco shunter should be included is the S100 USA tanks to which were made to replace the E2s due to the S100's shorter wheelbase, therefore being able to negotiate tighter curves. They were numbered from 30061 to 30074. For mainline services, and some services at the docks, the Lord Nelson class 4-6-0 loco should be included. Rolling stock: For rolling stock, passenger services could be made up of either Southern railway Mk1 coaches or some Bulleid built stock that were still being used by 1960. To be seen in passenger and freight consists should be a typical ex southern railway luggage van. And for wagons, wagons from SoS and Peak Forest could be reused, as they could be seen in video footage on YT. Add-on: An add-on for this route, primarily for boat trains and for mainline Ai traffic could be the Bulleid pacific 'Battle of Britain' class and could come with the Southern railway 'pullman' coaching stock. This route would be a first if it came to TSW, a route primarily focused on shunting at one of the busiest ports in the UK, of course, with the option of mainline work as well, and being set in the steam era. I'm fully aware that DTG aren't looking to make anything steam related in future but I don't think that's a very smart move considering the almost infinite options for steam era DLC in TSC, and certainly not just in the UK. Note: I'm away for the next week so won't be able to look at feedback, if I get any feedback ._.
Even though I'm not an expert on UK railways or routes, I think this is an interesting suggestion. I'd like to see more steam-era content in TSW, and I think having a route with a mix of passenger, freight, and shunting services would add some nice variety. The shunting operations around the docks especially sound like they could be a fun change of pace compared to the routes we already have. The 1960 setting also seems like a good choice, as it represents the final years of regular steam operations in Britain before diesel and electric traction completely took over. I also like that the proposal isn't just about one type of service, but includes a mix of passenger, freight, and shunting operations. I think that variety could appeal to a wider range of players, since there would be something for people who enjoy passenger, freight, or shunting operations. Overall, I'd be happy to see DTG try something like this . It's a different concept from most of the current routes, and having more variety in both the types of trains and the services available is always a good thing.
