Train Simulator: West Coast Main Line North Route Add-On DLC

Despite this route being a decade old, I was pleasantly surprised at how beautiful it was. The scenery is wonderful and its managed to hold up pretty well. For 14 dollars, its a good deal! Though it does show its age specifically when it comes to the track. There is literally no super elevation along this route which makes going through the curves very scary because it feels like the train could jump the tracks at any moment. I dont have enough evidence to prove this yet, but I have a feeling its why I failed one of the 90 minute standard sessions with the class 86. Straight up nearly did everything right (apart from speeding 2 times) and at the end of scenario, the game gave me a "f**k you try again :)" message window (not literally except for the smiley face). I will have to play another (probably much shorter) scenario to test this theory but I'll allow comments on this review in case anyone has more experience than me. Speaking of the class 86, if you are going to be driving in that, just letting you know it does not operate like a majority of electric and diesel locomotives, and it doesn't tell you how it works with the included manual. You'll have to either look up videos online or buy the class 87 for $5 which actually gives you a tutorial since both engines operate the same. Aside from rough riding track, and lack of instruction on how to operate the electric locos, I cant be too harsh on this route because of its scenery and affordability. Its probably why this one has so many positive reviews :) Update: Played another Standard Scenario and despite the message window at the end congratulating me, it still listed it as scenario incomplete and siting passenger discomfort as one of the reasons, even though I was traveling at speed. This might confirm that my hunch was right and that lack of super elevation makes completing scenarios impossible....

The included Class 86 isn't actually included. You can use it on some of the scenarios, but it isn't selectable in any other modes. Plus at least one of the 3 scenarios is broken, I'm nearly a minute late for every stop, despite pushing the train to the absolute limit. Is there a hidden nitro button somewhere?

I'll save you from having to fish info out of my review and break it out into points: PROS: +cheap (super cheap on sale) +long +includes a vast network of extra railways near Glasgow (kinda like the UKTS North East Rails) +includes some short branch lines +class 86 is well made and very interesting to drive +good variety of scenarios, not only for class 86 but also for other "EU asset packs" locos +the scenarios are really fun, with heavy and rich AI traffic CONS: -very dated visuals -some of the wagons in scenarios are german (I guess to compensate for the lack of british equivalents back in the dawn era of TS) -no quickdrive AI NOTES: >it seems that this route is a suitable home for BR blue, large logo, sectors and intercity liveries all together >when you buy this route, you also get the classic Railworks era asset packs, so it's better to get them this way than buy them separately >the route offers great freeroam possibilities, I think it's actually one of the best ways to play it >I didn't check the career scenarios, only the classic ones so they may be different to what I wrote here- it's because I prefer to avoid career scenarios in such old routes in fear of failure >Class 86 requires you to regulate the power by "notching", which means it's best to drive it using the keyboard. Once you get the engine running, you have to keep the power handle in the middle position and only poke either A or D so it goes back to the middle every time while adding a bit more or a bit less of power. >there is no default quickdrive consist for Class 86, you'll have to assemble it yourself I Highly recommend this DLC. It's made by Keith Ross and as all of his content, it's really well made. The price-quality relation makes it a very satisfying buy. It's also very interesting to watch the exit from Carlisle all the way to the Ministry of Defence if you own the Western lines of Scotland and comparing how it looks in relation to back then.

Great and really long route! Lots of stuff to explore, lots of stations for running passenger service! 10/10 (would recommend buying it with the EWS class 66 because the 66 is good for freight!)

Amazing route- more than 100 miles, one of the few routes where you can have an hour or more of the Class 390 at 125mph (or thereabouts, some bits are more like 90!). Nice scenery, looks quite old now aroung Glasgow, but it is still very enjoyable and I like the little extras like the moterway signage- it makes it that bit more realistic. The class 86 is OK, few features in the cab, but I like the tap changer power handle, it is certinatly challenging to drive! I reccomend also getting the 390 for this- I got it in a sale for £2.99, and it comes with several scenarios for this route. However, what really sets this route apart, is a large chunk of Glasgow's commuter rail system is included, the Argyle line, everything around Motherwell, the line to Larkenhall and the Lanark branch. All of this is extra to the main line- and with one or two scenarios in the Class 86. This is almost an entire route by itself, probably the size of the South London Network (with fewer lines though), and all with scenery (A lesson for DTG!!!). It is a shame the neutral sections don't work, but they are signed, with all the lineside equipment simulated. I would definitly recommend this route, one of the best availible in TS and the best value of all!

This is a great route. I drove over this route as a Driver Manager in the days of Class 87 Locomotives. so i know this route well. Travelling North from Carlisle to Glasgow has two major problems i wish could be fixed in Driver Mode. We are signalled in to Lockerbie Loop, WHY ?. then signalled into Carstairs passenger loop, WHY ?. Overall the route is great, It would be great to to travel from Carlisle to Glasgow central Non stop with slowing down into this loops. Glasgow to Carlisle route no problems. Nice use of LED signals and the Class 87 is a great driver with the notching Up etc. The APT add on is great on his route.

Keith Ross is an amazing man. Just look at this masterpiece. It is not at all like the WCML Trent Valley becuase it is more like a network than a linear route. My favorite thing to do is drive the 86 out of Carstairs at 19:00 while the sun sets. 10/10 just a total masterpiece.

This route is one of my favorite British/Scottish routes currently available for TS! This is a very well put together route, even on the lowest graphics settings, it still looks quite nice! Also, the track has lots of detail as well, such as check rails on certain bridges. Signalling seems to work well, no problems enountered by me! The cantenary is nice, it even has extra transformers every once and a while on the poles! THere are only a few points on the tracks that are bad, such as one place where there is a concrete slab in the middle of the tracks. Also, the thing that is usually wrong with tracks, is the complete lack of banking on tight corners. Still, this can easily be overlooked, except when you take a tight turn at 100:) The engine included, the Class 86, is a real nightmare to drive, but in a good way! It includes an advanced system of throttling, with tap changer very well modelled! It is really fun to start this up on a grade, because you have to keep the RPM's in the green/yellow zone, and not let it get into the red for wheelslip. What is really difficult is cutting power to the engine from full throttle, but that justs adds to the challenge!! The only downside to this loco is the horn. It is the same horn as the Woodhead Class 76/77, but that can be easily ignored/looked past with the other good points! The scenarios are fun to play, not boring in the least! Also, there is a WIDE variety of DLC for this route, and they are fun :) Would I recommend this route? Yes, I would definitly recommend this, hands down. This is a great route, and you would be a fool not to pick it up!

Great line, use this regular, running services from Glagow down WCML, to carlisle, then on through SHAP (Please note, SHAP has to be bought seperatly) This is great one for the collection if you like OHL trains (Overhead Lines, ie Electric) You get use the loco's at full power for some time between Carstairs and Lockerbie. Plenty of things to do and see. Please note * Check your game settings before playing this levels, as not all the stations appear on the lowest graphics settings* People seem to think the stations are not there, when they are. Great level esp if you want to run from Glasgow to Preston, using the Shap add on, That can be really good fun.. Esp with the Class 86 and Class 87 add on's also Class 395 and the new free Class 801...

Originally released in late 2010, this route was one of the first major DLC addon routes for Railworks, TS 2015's early predecessor, and is, in my opinion, the route to which all others have been judged since. So massive in scale was the route at the time, I would say only 2 have surpassed it since, Western Lines of Scotland and WCML over Shap, and both of those were created by the same man, Keith Ross. Don't expect many of the enhancements that have graced Dovetail Games' flagship simulator since, it was released long before them, but do expect not only a route, but a network, especially north of Carstairs where you not only have passage to Glasgow Central Station through Motherwell with express passenger services but also natural termination of frieght services from the south at Mossend and Coatbridge, amongst others, plus many local services and lines are well catered for aswell. The route is well built and, at the time of release in 2010, was heavily detailed and therefore tested an average PC. The creator, to his credit, edited the route to lessen the load without any detrimental effects on quality. The detail and quality of this addon is the mainstay of routes released today and the natural upgrade of PC's to run the modern simulator negates any worries of being able to run it. If you are torn between what route to buy and are put off by the relative age of this route compared to others, don't be, as I said before, this route still stands tall. Rating 8.5/10