The West Coast Main Line (WCML) between Preston and Carlisle is a major railway route in the north of England, connecting the cities of Preston, Lancaster, Oxenholme, Penrith, and Carlisle. The total distance of this section of the WCML is approximately 90 miles (145 km). The line passes through a variety of landscapes, including rural farmland, industrial areas, and the picturesque Lake District National Park. The section of the line between Oxenholme and Penrith runs over the challenging terrain of the Shap Summit, which is the highest point on the line and reaches an altitude of 1,169 feet (356 meters) above sea level. The WCML between Preston and Carlisle is an important transport link for commuters, tourists, and businesses in the region. It is operated by several train companies, including Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, and Northern, and offers a range of services, from local and regional trains to long-distance express services connecting major cities in the north and Scotland, such as Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. Stations include: Preston: This station is located in the city center of Preston and is a major transport hub for the region, offering connections to other parts of Lancashire and beyond. Lancaster: This station serves the historic city of Lancaster and is located near Lancaster Castle and Lancaster University. Oxenholme Lake District: This station is the main gateway to the Lake District National Park and connects to several local and regional services. Penrith: This station serves the market town of Penrith and is the last stop before the challenging section of the line over the Shap Summit. Carlisle: This station is located in the center of Carlisle and is the northern terminus of this part of WCML, offering connections to other parts of Cumbria and Scotland. Trains to be operated on the line Class 390 Avanti The Class 390 is a type of electric multiple unit (EMU) train used on the West Coast Main Line (WCML) in the United Kingdom. The trains are also known as Pendolino trains due to their tilting mechanism, which allows them to tilt up to eight degrees in order to maintain higher speeds on curves and reduce journey times. The Class 390 trains were built by Alstom in the early 2000s and are currently operated by Avanti West Coast on the WCML. They are capable of operating at speeds of up to 125 mph (200 km/h) and are used on both local and express services between London Euston and cities in the north of England and Scotland, including Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. Class 397 Trans Pennine Express: The Class 397 is an electric multiple unit (EMU) train that operates on the West Coast Main Line (WCML) in the United Kingdom. The trains were built by Spanish train manufacturer CAF and are part of the Civity family of trains. The Class 397 trains are operated by TransPennine Express (TPE) and are designed for use on intercity services between major cities in the north of England and Scotland, including Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. The trains are capable of operating at speeds of up to 125 mph (200 km/h).
Why not backdate it to the 1980s for the class 87, 47, mk1 2 and 3 coaches which also allows for a load of freight cargo such as: fsa/fta wagons, Haa hoppers, oaa open wagons, pca tankers, pga hoppers and tta liquid tanks. Aswell as that the APT could be used as dlc.
Probably a bit on the long side but as it's mostly countryside with a handful of stations it might just be doable. It would be nice to have some freight services too, potentially with the introduction of a British AC electric locomotive such as the Class 86 or Class 90.
This should have been made as the first British route and if you want this to be the 1980s that is what the train simulator classic version was with APT Class 370 max speed 155 mph 250 kmh Schnellfahrstrecke Köln Aachen and Hannover Würzburg max speed depending on weather conditions
yep, routes like York- Peterborough and Preston to Carlisle are long, but not too built up with stations at a good distance from each other making them appropriate for TSW 3
As much as i like the idea of a modern north route, i am with others in saying that this would be nice if set in the 1980s
Correct and 112 mi 180 km for York Peterborough while WCML Over Shap is 90 miles. Remember in TSC Preston Carlisle has neutral sections working which means Tap changers Classes 83-90 must be wind down
I agree with you and for DTG they made the TSC version which is set in the 1970s DLC APT as seen in this PTG Rail Video For this route it needs to have a working Neutral section like TSC does.
I hope we get to a point where routes like this aren't seen as too long. This route would suit both periods, the TSC version was built as a modern day route with BR period rolling stock. It could be released as a modern route with a diesel legends style pack, or vice-versa.
Nice route suggestion. I would like to see some of these locos for this route. BR class 221 Super Voyager in Avanti West Coast livery. LMS Princess Coronation Class 6233 Duchess of Sutherland with MK I & II coaches. BR Class 87 with MK III coaches and MK III DVT in Intercity Swallow Livery. BR Class 90 in Intercity Swallow Livery with MK III coaches and MK III DVT in Intercity Swallow Livery. Dovetail Games needs licensed from the Locomotive Services Limited for the Intercity Railtours. Avanti West Coast Class 221 passing Stechford Station by Elliott Brown is under licensed by CC-BY-NC-SA 2.0. by railwayguy#7286 posted Oct 24, 2023 at 6:11 PM "6233 Duchess of Sutherland at Monk Fryston" by Foto43 is under licensed by CC BY 2.0. "87007 "City of Manchester" at Coventry in InterCity livery in 1987" by Tutenkhamun Sleeping is under licensed by CC BYB 2.0. "90007 "Lord Stamp" at Crewe on 29/07/00. Scanned from a Kodak Royal Gold 100 colour negative." by Tutenkhamun Sleeping is under licensed by CC BY 2.0. "A Pullman car at Nuneaton station - geograph.org.uk" by Stephen Craven is under licensed by CC BY-SA 2.0. "82109 - Shrewsbury" by Jim is under licensed by CC BY 2.0.
Or connect it to the spirit of steam by extending it form Preston to Crewe... sounds hard but it would create some interesting routes
