Relive the iconic era of the electric locomotive on the west coast mainline between Preston and Carlisle, and experience the picturesque west coast mainline in Train Sim Worlds’s fidelity. Route Information: The West Coast mainline is a 400 mile mixed traffic mainline that runs from the heart of the capital, through Britain’s 6 biggest cities. It was built in the 1800s and amalgamated into one mainline in the “Big Four” grouping of the early 1900s. It was then subsequently nationalised and ran under British Rail. The route was the first major railway to be electrified at 25kv AC Overhead electrification. View attachment upload_2023-11-2_4-6-14.jpeg The section of the West Coast Mainline i am suggesting today is the Preston - Carlisle branch of the west coast, Which would be a good way to revisit Preston station and to revisit the BR blue 1970s era. The Preston - Carlisle section of the west coast mainline is 91 miles long, along with the Windermere branch which should be included in the route being 10 miles and the Morecambe branch which is 4 miles, bringing the general route mileage up to 106 miles, which would make it the longest route in the game. The route has 11 stations. Key Signalling systems include: C-APT for 155mph running and classic 4 aspect BR signals for other trains Features of the route: -Picturesque scenery - Two branch lines - two new British Electric locomotive - 11 highly detailed iconic stations - 91 miles of mainline running - 155mph functionality on the APT - tap changers on BR electrics - a well fleshed out timetable with 300 services - the challenging shap summit - Railtours - 1980s Britain with a theme and vibe to fit the setting of the route - Class 370 manual Example of the route in Train Sim Classic: Trains on the line Class 86: The BR Class 86, also known as the AL6, holds a significant place in the history of the West Coast Main Line (WCML) in the UK. Introduced in 1965 as part of British Rail's electrification efforts, these electric locomotives became workhorses on the WCML, connecting major cities like London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Glasgow. Clad in the iconic BR blue livery, the Class 86s served both express passenger and freight services with distinction. Over the years, they underwent modifications and renumbering into subclasses, namely 86/0, 86/1, and 86/2. With a 25kV AC overhead electric supply system, a Bo-Bo wheel arrangement, and a maximum power output of around 3,800 horsepower, they were well-equipped to handle the demands of the WCML, capable of speeds up to 100 mph (160 km/h). Their reliability and robust design ensured a lasting legacy in the annals of electric traction on the WCML, demonstrating their vital role in the modernization of UK rail services. Class 87s The Class 87 is another notable electric locomotive that operated on the West Coast Main Line (WCML) in the United Kingdom. These locomotives were introduced in the 1970s, designed to handle both passenger and freight services. History: - The Class 87 locomotives were built between 1973 and 1975 by BREL at Crewe Works. - They were specifically designed for the WCML, which was electrified with a 25kV AC overhead supply system. - These locomotives were used for a variety of services on the WCML, including passenger trains between London and Glasgow, as well as freight services. Technical Specifications: - Class 87 locomotives had a Bo-Bo wheel arrangement, meaning four axles with two traction motors, which provided good traction and stability. - They had a power output of around 5,000 horsepower, making them powerful locomotives capable of hauling heavy trains. - The top speed of the Class 87s was approximately 110 mph (177 km/h). - They featured a distinctive "Electric Blue" livery, which set them apart from other locomotives on the WCML. The Class 87s were an important part of the electric traction fleet on the WCML, contributing to the efficiency and reliability of rail services along this crucial route. While they were primarily associated with passenger services, they also handled freight duties, showcasing their versatility and performance on one of the UK's most important railway lines. Class 370 APT The Class 370, also known as the APT (Advanced Passenger Train), was a groundbreaking and innovative train project in the UK. Here's some information about the Class 370 APT: History: - The APT project was initiated in the 1970s as an attempt to revolutionize rail travel by introducing a high-speed tilting train for British Rail. - The Class 370 APT was designed to provide faster and more comfortable service on the West Coast Main Line, reducing journey times between major cities like London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Glasgow. Technical Specifications and Features: - The APT was notable for its ability to tilt into curves, allowing it to maintain higher speeds on curved tracks, which reduced journey times and increased passenger comfort. - It was powered by gas turbine engines and later electric motors, depending on the version. - The APT was capable of reaching speeds of up to 155 mph (250 km/h), making it one of the fastest trains in the world at the time. - The design of the APT included features to reduce noise and vibrations, providing a smoother and quieter ride for passengers. - Despite its advanced technology and promising features, the APT project faced numerous technical challenges and was plagued by reliability issues during its early testing phases. Ultimately, while the APT project was technologically advanced and showed great promise, it faced operational and financial difficulties, and it was never widely adopted for commercial service. However, the innovations and lessons learned from the APT project contributed to the development of subsequent high-speed and tilting train technologies in the UK and around the world. BR Mk2D-F coaching stock for the 86 and 87 Class 47 (layer) Class 37(layer) Pacers (Layer) Class 109 DMU (layer) Stations on the route Preston (Lancs): Preston is a city located about 200 miles away from London. It is a major railway junction on the west coast mainline, with lines coming from London, Manchester, Liverpool, Wales and beyond. It is where the lines off to Blackpool diverge off the west coast mainline as well. It was frequently served by Intercity West Coast, Cross Country and Regional services. Lancaster: Lancaster is another station located north of Preston. Lancaster is 20 miles north of Preston and is also a junction station, here the lines to morecambe turn off to form a 4 mile branch. We head northward towards the Great Lakes. Oxenholme: Oxenholme is the second stop on the route, it is also where the windmere branch is located, Oxenholme is semi frequently served by faster intercity services. Oxenholme is 40 miles north of Preston and is the halfway station on the mainline, it is also the beginning of the scenic part of the mainline. The shap summit (which would be a good challenge for locomotive hauled services) is also halfway inbetween Penrith and Oxenholme. Penrith North Lakes: Penrith North Lakes is 72 miles north of Preston and 19 miles south of Carlisle. It is a very popular holiday station for people who want to see the Great Lakes. It is served frequently by intercity services. Carlisle (Citadel): Carlisle is the penultimate station on the mainline. It is 91 miles north of Preston and is the final English station on the west coast mainline. It is a very big station, and is served by Intercity and Regional services. It also should include Kingsmoor Yard for freight movements with the class 37 (Branch Lines) Morecambe: Morecambe is 25 miles north of Preston and is a small coastal town. The route should be served by 101 and 142s and should have a more limited service. Windmere: Windermere station is a railway station located in the town of Windermere in Cumbria, England. It is an important holiday station in the Lake District region. It is served by regional railways and should have a less frequent service.
Best suggestion yet, especially Carlisle with its insanely frequent shunts both around the Yard, its neighbouring Sidings and the station itself.
Yep kingsmoor yard is a very big freight yard and there should be a lot of shunting with both electric and diesel traction around the station
Would love to see this in TSW4. Once I get a rig set up and fiddled out the editor, I hope to make my own route sometime....(and maybe a few locos who knows?) But a fantastic suggestion in my books.
Question though, would it be viable for DTG to add Longtown M.O.D? I mean it would be cool for that few extra trains that go there but I'd understand if it's not possible either way
It would be good to see some of the br electrics Was doing a bit of my own research as well (and I could be wrong) but we also could also have what is listed below Electric EMUs British rail class 501 British rail class 310 Electric locomotives British Rail Class 81 British Rail Class 82 British Rail Class 83 British Rail Class 84 British Rail Class 85 Diesel locos British Rail Class 08 British Rail Class 24 British Rail Class 25
