Seattle, WA has lots of train action. UP, BNSF, Amtrak (long-distance and Cascades trains), and Sounder Commuter run in and out of Seattle. The James J. Hill Lines: SP&S, GN, and NP, operated in the Seattle area until the 1970s when Burlington Northern was created. The routes are scenic, with the big city, seaside runs, and towering mountains in the Pacific Northwest. -Seattle-Area Route Idea #1: Sounder Commuter: Everett-Lakewood, WA: Sounder Commuter Rail runs 81.8 miles between Everett and Lakewood, WA, stopping at Seattle's King Street Station. The line also hosts Amtrak Cascades and Amtrak's Empire Builder and Coast Starlight long-distance passenger trains. BNSF owns the tracks and they operate freight services on this route, too. Basically, this route has a bit of everything, so its a perfect route for TSW5. -Possible locos to include: -BNSF SD75M/I: these are commonly used for heavy manifest freights and trash trains in the Seattle area -BNSF GP60/M-3/B: for yard and switching duties, plus local freights -BNSF GP50: same duties as the GP60s -BNSF ET44C4: for heavy freights -BNSF SD60M-3: for heavy locals and yard duties -BNSF C44-9W: for heavy freights -BNSF SD70MAC: for heavy coal and coke trains -Amtrak Cascades SC44 Charger -Amtrak P42DC or ALC-42 Charger: for Empire Builder and Coast Starlight trains -Sounder MP40PH-3C: my preferred Sounder loco -Sounder F59PHI: DLC, not included with base route -BN or GN power could also be included as DLCs -Patched ex-BN units (GP50, SD60M-3, SD70MAC, etc.) could be included -Maybe the BNSF #9647 Vomit Bonnet SD70MAC could be included? -Seattle-Area Route Idea #2: BNSF Bellingham Sub: The BNSF Bellingham Sub runs 119 miles between Everett and Blaine, WA. The line sees some coal and coke trains, four Cascades trains, and some other freights. The locos for this line would be the same as the Everett-Lakewood line.
I have to admire your courage to suggest the US route again and again on the DTG forums. I really wonder if they will ever read it? Or will their forum administrators record your suggestion and nothing will happen.
