Introduction Yes, yes, yes, this is ANOTHER Southeastern line with the infamous Electrostar 375... but isn't it time we had a slam door Class 421 to run with it? In the early 2000s, the Southeastern (Connex at the time) line between Hastings and London Charing Cross saw a unique period where trains from 2 different eras operated at the same time. The slam-door class 421 and the Electrostar 375 would frequently pass one another as the former was being gradually phased out in favour of the modern latter rolling stock. I bore witness to this when I was in high school near West St Leonards station, and at the young age of 11 or 12, it was quite an interesting period. Although, my teachers weren't too impressed when I would look out the window rather than listen to them. Rolling Stock The British Rail Class 421 started its life in the late 1960s and would run until 2005 when it was phased out for the modern Electrostar 375 in its white and yellow livery. The most iconic element of the 421 was the slam of its doors, hence the nickname and passengers would frequently open these doors whilst the train was still moving as it entered the platform. These doors did not lock as they do now on Electrostar's, and I remember a time when a passenger ran alongside a 421 that was departing St Leonards Warrior Square, opened the door, and jumped onto the train. The station staff chased down the train and got it to stop, and that passenger was kicked off. Class 421 According to a comment, this train is a 423, but from what I remember, it looks pretty similar. Class 421 in Network SouthEast livery A video dedicated to the 421's sounds from inside The Cab of a Class 421 Built: 1964 - 1972 Service: 1964 - 2005 Power: 750V DC third rail Length: 80.988 m Width: 2.82 m Height: 3.893 m Weight: 150 long tonnes Livery: Connex/ Network South East NOTE: (I did have an image but I have exceeded the image count of 20 to make this post, but I am sure you all know what the 375 looks like) Electrostar Class 375 Built: 1999 - 2005 Service: 2000 - Present Power: 750V third rail Length: 20.39 m Width: 2.80 m Height: 3.78 m Weight: 131 long tonnes Livery: Connex white and yellow Electrostar 375 Passing by The Route The route I will suggest is the entire Hastings to London Charing Cross line that does not terminate at Tonbridge for AI to take over. Yes, it takes as long as 1 hour and 43 minutes according to information on the National Rail Enquiries website to travel the 62-mile route, but I would like to see a longer route in the game and not another East Coastway partial route. Scenario Ideas "Good morning driver..." - "1066 Line" Drive a Class 421 from Hastings to Tonbridge - "The Battle of Hastings" There are higher passenger numbers than usual owing to Battle Abbey's reenactment of the Battle of Hastings on the 14th and 15th of October. - "Hastings Diversion" A nod to the scenario in Train Simulator Classic where you will drive to Redhill and East Croydon but only as far as Tonbridge. Like the original, you will face speed restrictions of 25 mph and further delays owing to late trains ahead of you. - "London Commuter" Drive a commuter service from Hastings to London Charing Cross. However, to add a random scenario system to the game, you may face delays owing to disruptions at any time on your journey such as broken down trains, sudden adverse weather, or signalling faults. Calling Points - Hastings: during the period my route is set, Hastings Station had a different building that was demolished and rebuilt in 2004 to what it is today. - St Leonards Warrior Square - West St Leonards - Crowhurst - Battle - Robertsbridge - Etchingham - Stonegate - Wadhurst - Frant - Tunbridge Wells - Highbrooms - Tonbridge - Sevenoaks - Orpington - London Bridge - London Waterloo East - London Charing Cross
I'd love a modern version of this route. I know, I know - more 375, but the route itself is really nice.
Great suggestion, it's nice to see a little twist to the 1066 Line but I'd prefer to either have it modern day (which won't go well with the community) or backdated (with slam-door stock) which I think the community would prefer personally This suggestion does suggest it in a best of both worlds environment though
Don't get me wrong, I love the 375 and would have no problem with it being in another route. The community as a whole, however, would likely not be too happy with yet another electrostar route in game.
I am actually bored of the modern-day on TSW as it feels all the same to me. Several of my previous suggestions have been set way into the past such as a London Underground route set anytime between 1863 - 1910 ( https://forums.dovetailgames.com/threads/london-underground-be-daring.61337/ ) or Ashford International to Dover Priory set during the time of the Golden Arrow ( https://forums.dovetailgames.com/threads/2022-route-suggestions.50852/ )
Yeah, a lot of people are bored of modern day SE routes so it would be great for a backdated route or two before we go back to anything modern
If this includes the suburban lines from Tonbridge up to London Charing Cross, it might as well feature the short Bromley North branch as well as Lewisham and London Cannon Street, therefore allowing us to do the Orpington and Sevenoaks metro services properly. Only problem is the scope of the route along with the timetable would be becoming more complex than BML, so doing the full route all the way to Hastings in one go seems unlikely unfortunately.
The only period the Hastings Line should be set in is when it was operated by the iconic Class 201 - 203 Hastings DEMU's. They forever epitomise this line for me.
Excellent idea and here's the thing with the 375 the white one comes in from Class 37/7 DLC. If I were you make it as CEP CIG and if 37/7 DLC is owned the 375 white colour is layered here. DLC 6B 3H DEMUs
I like that idea too. I have seen videos of those trains on the Hastings - London Charing Cross line before. In fact, I believe these trains might have worked along side steam?? Not sure as they were phased out the same year the diesels were introduced.
There's already a 1980s version for TS Classic. Personally I'd prefer it modern day with the Electrostars, but it would be a good route done as a whole, not an unsatisfying chunk like ECML.
Tbh I'd prefer modena day and it should also probs go from Ore to Ashford and Hastings to Eastbourne to complete that section of the East coastway
Any era would work Could do late 1980s when the jaffa cake livery was about with the 4Ceps Or modern day with a twist. Around 2021 Hastings Demu's did a Saturday railtour starting and finishing at Eastbourne but with 4 return trips Hastings - Tonbridge calling at various points. So have the 375's and add the Hastings Demu (1001) to make a great addition
