I’d like to propose the WCML Over Shap route, which runs from Preston to Carlisle through the stunning backdrop of the Lake District. The reason why I have chosen BR era over modern, is because not only would we get BR electric loco choices, but obtaining licenses for modern TOCs could also be an issue. Era: British Rail - anywhere between 1975-1985 Stations: Preston, Lancaster, Oxenholme, Penrith North Lakes & Carlisle (5 stations) End to end mileage: - 90 miles Rolling stock potential: - Class 43 HST Valenta - Class 47 - Class 40 - Class 37 - Class 31 - Class 86 - Class 87 - NTP, NTP heavy freight and JT’s Blackpool route DLCs rolling stock could also be utilised in the appropriate places, to add to the variety of traffic including AI only stuff. Pictures:
Fantastic route. Would much rather have the 390 for it but I do think the next BR era route should include BR electric locomotives.
Interesting suggestion, although personally I would prefer modern day (Mainly to get the Pendolino in the game) and I think driving loco hauled trains for 90 miles could get boring after a while. But WCML has ought to come to the game at some point.
Brilliant suggestion mate, as said above this is my favourite era so would certainly be a purchase from me, unlike if it was set post privatisation. As you may have inferred, the only WCML route I will buy is one without Pendolinos as I can't stand them one bit. Certainly is!
Good suggestion. Good era. While the Pendies might be more noisy than the Azumas (and there’s certainly traction noise in the front coach), they are no substitute for a tap changer classic AC electric in BR Blue, with some nice Mk2 aircon coaches and a RBR restaurant car to go with it.
Excellent idea overall and speaking of this one That rolling stock never ran here because WCML North and Shap was electrified from the years 1970-1975. Instead of that one time to bring TSC APT into TSW4
I believe they did run there on some old XC diagrams. I certainly saw them through Carlisle once, and they weren't on diversion.
Unfortunately with modern stuff, it all requires having the appropriate license, as well as creating several new EMUs, which take considerable more time and resources compared to a loco. Plus, we’ve already got quite a comprehensive BR library already thanks to DTG and JT.
Yes! I've been wanting this route for TSW for a while, it's one of my favourites in TS Classic. The class 86/87 and their tap changer controls will add something new to British traction in TSW. If we go with DLC release trends, an 87 could be a new loco and then they could do a large logo variant of the 47 as the reworked loco. We need a WCML route set in the 80's as it's also the only possible chance to get the BR Class 370 "APT-P" in the game too... ...which would be so much more hype than the Pendolino for sure! It's definitely the best choice of era for this section of the WCML. They could make a different section of the WCML in the modern era such as London - Birmingham New Street, which can take advantage of Bakerloo line and Birmingham Cross City for layers.
wasn't the APT allowed to go slightly faster than 125mph? or am I wrong? either way it would be great to have in the game
It was capable of doing 155mph and had a unique safety system called C-APT to enable this. Though I think during it's limited time in service, it still ran at 125mph rather than 155mph.
The good thing also would be at Preston, you would have the change of locos between Electric and Diesel. and for collectables, maybe maxpak cups, as they seemed to be everywhere. The only other thing I could think of is inside the carriages. You need to have some full of smoke. As I used to have to sit in them with my parents smoking.
Good point but WCML over Shap and North 193 miles was electrified on 6 May 1974 with it starting from Crewe. Let me guess electric to diesel loco change are for services beyond Glasgow Central
I was thinking about Preston, with the Blackpool Inter City services. Not sure if there was IC services that went via Manchester before the Windsor Rail link near Salford. Of course there was the Carstairs splits. when you had half of a train going Glasgow and the other half getting the diesel to get to Edinburgh, before the electrification.
I'd bite your hand off to have this route set in the BR Blue era! Those pictures in the OP bring back great memories, proper trains!!
As well as the main route be good to see Lancaster - Morecambe- Heysham branch included as well as Oxenholme-Windermere branches too. Not just the main line. Details of Shap Hardendale Quarry (GBRF) / Harrison Siding Quarry (GBRF) Upperby Bridge Kingmoor Yard ( DRS) Heysham Nuclear traffic ( Morecambe North Curve Jcn) Carnforth - Engineering Sidings and West Coast Railway Depot Preston Docks - Petroleum Trains Royal Mail Platform at Preston Oxheys Loop Barton/Broughton Loop Oubeck Goods Loop Grayrigg Loop Tebay Shap Summit
