To answer my own question. ECML (King’s Cross to Peterborough) is probably my most desired route/section of the ECML that I would like to see.
ECML (not only is it the closest train line to me, we've also gotten so much wcml in tsw compared to ecml)
We'll soon have 4 WCML routes and 1 ECML route, so it's pretty obvious which direction this poll will go in.
I'd say the WCML - considering most devs tend to stick to modern timetables I feel the WCML provides a more interesting experience to drive on. However, turn back the clock on the ECML to exclude the IETs and include the HSTs, 365s, 317s and 313s and I'd be able to overlook the driving experience. My problem is driving trains like the IET where the performance is almost instantaneous (I.e. come off the brakes and the brakes are off in under a second) it just doesn't feel engaging to drive. I end up only driving 20 minutes and I quit out of boredom lol. Compare that to the likes of a HST where you have a slower build-up of power and brakes taking longer to release, meaning you have to plan ahead - I've found this particularly fun on the Riviera Line.
It's an age old argument and if you are UK based, it's the one that you have tended to travel on throughout your life (So West Coast Main Line for me), all I ask for though (which has largely not been the case in TSW development), is jointed up routes, so it makes sense to finish off the missing gaps in the WCML, but also Kings Cross to Peterborough would be a lot more interesting than Peterborough to Doncaster - add to that and the fact that there are numerous routes out of London not even started yet, the Great Eastern Main Line and the South Western Main line, to name but two and there are plenty of opportunities for developers to dig into. Just Trains have I think the right concept, build, year on year, what they have started. It impossible to please everyone, even then, as then there is the discussion over why set it in the present day or why is a developer building it set in the 1980's, but at least we have plenty to be interested in (even then there are moans over "why so soon!").
Definitely ECML. It feels like a WCML route comes out every 6 months, and we've only had one ECML route. The ECML route also happens to be the most dull and boring section of the route. IMO any other stretch would've been better.
Newcastle-York in the early 80s with a Deltic-HST crossover, plenty of 40s, 46s and 37s running freight, and dare I suggest a new shunter - the 03? Big ask, I know But before all that, Cumbrian Coast line and the Windermere branch to finish off WCMLoS
If the poll is going to swing to the east coast I'll say the London end of it circa 1958--1965, that would give a lovely mix of steam and early diesel traction types.....
ECML but something around Newcastle and set in an earlier era to the current route - preferably with Deltics and Valenta HST's. The WCML is going to be tricky anyway as we will shortly have two unlinked modern sections and two conjoined BR Classic era sections. But with JT at least publicly stating they won't do Carlisle to Glasgow and AABS coming up to Crewe from the south we are left with some odd gaps if duplication is to be avoided.
They are both amazing lines and I’d love to see both of them get fully done in parts like what Just Trains have currently done with WCML which is absolutely fantastic by the way. Building it up in parts is obviously the best we will get in TSW. But I do think ECML should be next. Time to build it past Doncaster or even a different part of the route further north would be nice. Hell we still don’t even have Kings Cross in TSW yet so we could even go further south to London…. So much potential man . I’m still super chuffed we can Do the WCML from Blackpool all the way up to Carlisle. I really hope we get the Glasgow section one day to finish it off from the top part of the WCML.
Problem with going north on the ECML is that Doncaster to York and on to Darlington at least are incredibly dull stretches of railway. Going south to Kings Cross from Peterborough is pushing the length for a DTG route/extension that includes complex locations and large conurbations to model.
I’d also like to see the Scottish part of ECML. Edinburgh - Dundee. We do have it up to Markinch currently. I’m not sure if they would extend Fife Circle or just build it from scratch…
ECML but only if set in an earlier era. Currently although there are a number of operators, most fast services are the IET. It could be quite interesting if such a route included the original route via Selby, perhaps Doncaster to Darlington? The stretch north of York may be miles of straight and level, but could be good fun opening the taps on a Deltic or Valenta HST, with a sufficiently busy timetable. I'd love to see the ECML in the early 70s as seen in the opening to 'Get Carter'.
We don 't want any of that ECML or WCML rubbish. Let's have Liverpool Street in the 70's with Diesels, Electrics and the fabulous CL309s. (Vern would even get a griddle car with one of those). Come on. You know it makes sense
As much as I love WCML content, I feel it's been pretty much covered for now. Not to say it shouldn't be revisited at some point. The AAS Crewe to Birmingham will be the icing on the cake for now! I think Newcastle to York or Edinburgh to Newcastle would be a really nice bit of DLC. Probably set around 2019/2020 when Class 91s still made it that far north too. The game is crying out for a Class 91 & Mk4 set, along with a DVT...
Technically we do, on the Mildway Line. You can spawn a train and drive into a semi build King’s Cross station which is missing a lot of detail, but the foundation is built at least. Is King’s Cross on DTG’s radar or maybe Johannes?
Need to finish WCML, I think - at least finish it to Liverpool or Manchester, since we will most likely not reach Glasgow
As I mentioned earlier in the thread, JT have apparently stated Carlisle to Glasgow is in the too difficult basket , with sadly no way to really split and do in two sub sections.
I'd personally would want an extension for WCMLS to Birmingham with the Northampton loop just provide that great extensive gameplay and options for super long runs in the 390. I believe everyone loves the WCMLS but with ending at Milton Keynes it was disappointing. Adding the Hertford Loop is so important to me to the ECML Peterborough - King’s Cross comes out because it isn’t just more track if Devs are reading, it gives proper network gameplay. It allows diversions, service variety, and non-linear running, which makes it way more engaging for players. For devs who are reading, it shows off realistic operations future DLC potential, instead of being just another straight mainline. Plus with more tracks to explore this can be easily beaten a smart investment for DTG so they can just keep the route at full price rather than low-sales immediately after release. The more tracks that are available to players explore provides more people to be get into the hobby and purchase a DLC in my opinion
TSW5 has two WCML routes. TSW6 has two WCML routes. That's not taking into account the Liverpool branch (with SoS) and half of the Manchester branch, nor the fact the two TSW5 WCML routes are available in TSW6. Four WCML routes in one year. The last ECML route was the core UK route for TSW4. Let's have more ECML. I don't care whether it goes north to Edinburgh or south to London, but the WCML has had too much coverage so I'd say it deserves a break.
Set in the 70's/80's then yes but modern times, nah. Back in the 70's/80's you had lots of freight, marshalling yards, sheds and power plants etc. Also had lots of different traction types Nowadays, boring.
