I talked about this in other threads but I decided to summarise everything up and put it on here. As per title, this would be a core update and should allow us to start any timetable service with any train. Why not use the scenario designer? I don't want to rant about the scenario designer, but I will add a "Scenario vs Timetable" section at the end. In a few words, scenarios should NOT be slightly different timetable services but should be more "diverse" and interesting, and do things that we can't do on timetable (I.e. Landslide -ECW, Broken Door - ECW, Drag Line - GWE) How could it work? The best way to implement this, in my opinion, would be to first select what service you want, followed by the train, and as you have to choose the train you could press a button which would enable a sort of "Off the rail mode", maybe it could have two levels, one for the trains that could technically work in that line (correct gauge and electrification), and then push that button again to be able to use every train you own. If it can get too confusing to select the service you want you could have to select (for example) between Freight and Passenger, and then be able to select the specific service and then the train, so, for example: TSW2 > Main Spessart Bahn > Explore > Timetable > Passenger > 0844 Gemünden-Lohr Banhof - All stops > BR146 For loco hauled stock it would be fair enough if you wouldn't be able to change the whole consist but just change the loco (like in substitution between various locos), or change the whole train if you choose an EMU (for example a BR425 instead of the DoStos + 146) If changing the whole consist would be possible then you could choose the consist using either another sub menu like: ...BR146 > BR146 + DoSto x5 Or add another button to be able to change consists like we now change liveries, maybe you can press X to choose between different liveries and Y to choose between different consists. Keep in mind that if you just want to start a service and you don't press that "off the rail" button you will only have access to the "correct" rolling stock. Why do I think this would be an important addition to the game? As our train and route collection continues to grow, more and more possibilities open up, and I understand it would not make sense for every new train to go and substitute everything on older routes, I'll give some examples below: BR 425 is used on MSB as a replacement from the Twindexx from time to time. New BR182 could substitute the old 182 on RT (if properly repainted with the livery editor) New BR182 could substitute the BR101 if properly repainted. New BR112 could substitute the BR143 and 146 BR423 on SKA (instead of 422) BR420 on RRO and HRR (instead of 422) Talent 2, If repainted on RRO (instead of 422) BR363 on MSB (instead of 204) Those were just some examples, and as I said, as more and more trains will get added the possibilities will grow. Also this would allow people like me, that enjoy more variety in spite of slightly unrealistic services to be happy, while not disturbing the people that want everything to be 100% accurate to real life. Another example, I hope the 313 will substitute the 377 entirely on ECW, at least be able to substitute all services on the Seaford Branch Line, but as pointed out it wouldn't be very realistic, same for the upcoming Class 465 on SE HS, if it would be able to only run on a shorter stretch of track, in my opinion it would be a shame, but it would be accurate to real life, since no 465 run all the way to Stratford. Thanks to anyone that managed to read the whole wall of text, just a some final thoughts, I don't expect this change to come overnight (or to come at all TBH), it would be a huge update, and I am not sure it would be possible with the current memory problems limiting the number of layers (but I guess this should be more similar to a substitution). Anyway I hope something like this is considered for the long term future of TSW, it would increase a bit the value for money on loco DLCs since we would have the possibility to use that loco everywhere we want, same for route DLCs, which can be used with every loco you want, but I think as more and more DLCs come to TSW it will become almost necessary, especially because DTG is focusing on expanding the same train networks, especially the german and US "ecosystem" would benefit a lot. ---Scenarios vs Timetable--- /!\ Warning, this is my personal opinion (rant more than anything) and not "facts": As said before, scenarios should be something different, whether it would be running on the illegal track for a bit (snow and ICE - SKA, Evening Engineering - LGV), or out of the ordinary events (Broken Door - ECW), or even better more complex things such as Drag Line on GWE, where you have to install the "adapter" to couple to the HST with the Class 66 or Landslide on ECW. Just wanting to use another train for the usual timetable service Would not be different enough for me to consider it a "good scenario" Does not award you the medal, you don't have to follow any timetable Look, in and of itself the scenario designer is a cool addition, for example a good use for the Scenario Designer (IMO) would be to run a Thalys with a repainted Duplex on SKA, or run an Euroduplex with the Duplex on HMA. Also I'm definitely not one of those "gamerz" that wants to get all the achievements, get 100% completion, get all the collectables, etc... but even if the main reason to play is the experience, having just a bit of progression in getting the little gold medal and having "completed" the service is quite rewarding, but your own scenarios just sit there, doing nothing, but with this system you would still need to follow the timetable, get the medals, and feeling like you are progressing through the game.
