Introducing: Just Trains and WCML ‘Over Shap’
Just Trains are one of our Programme Partner Developers who work on their own routes and locomotives for Train Sim World. Last year, Just Trains made their TSW debut with the release of the Blackpool Branches route Add-on, featuring the Class 142 Pacer DMU!
For their next release, they’ve continued to push the boundaries by developing the longest UK route in Train Sim World and introducing more sought-after rolling stock with the Class 87 locomotive and Mk 3a Coaches.
A full timetable of 1980s services features in the Add-on along with Conductor Mode functionality and plenty of layering for players that own other routes and locomotive Add-ons set in and around the same era.
There’s a lot to get into, so below find a summary of the rolling stock, route and gameplay elements that you can look forward to.
Rolling Stock:
BR Class 87/0 Electric Locomotive plus BR Mk 3a Coaches, FFA/FGA container flats and BBA steel wagons
New to Train Sim World is the Class 87 electric locomotive – the first electric locomotive to be added to the British fleet in game. This classic traction from the 1970s quickly became the star of the West Coast Main Line during the 1980s, when the nationalised British Rail branding was widespread across the entire UK rail network.
In-game, the Class 87 will provide a totally unique driving experience in Train Sim World. An advanced style of operation offers a real challenge to players familiar with more modern electric units and diesel locomotives and is equally distinct from the large roster of electric locomotives seen in German Add-ons.
In Just Trains’ own words: “This loco takes you back to the much more interesting time when you drove a bit more by the seat of your pants and had to think and plan a lot more.”
At the centre of this is tap changer operation. This phrase will be familiar to players of some of the older German locomotives in TSW, like the BR 103 and 111. With this comes a degree of jeopardy, with the potential to fail if not operated correctly. The Main Circuit Breaker (MCB) will trip cutting power to the drive motors if you try and demand higher power than the train can supply.
In addition to this, the Class 87 has a number of notable and unique features:
- Authentic Neutral section operation, unique in Train Sim World.
- Fully accessible loco ‘corridor’ (machine room) including operating controls. You can walk fully between the cab ends.
- Fully authentic sound set, supplied by Armstrong Powerhouse.
- A unique and large number of locomotive name plates included.
- Includes two liveries.
- Locomotive operating tutorials.
- Ability to start from a totally dead state.
- Realistic Simugraph train dynamics based on real world data
Just Trains have also employed the use of a real-world Class 87 engineer to insure the authenticity of the in-game driving experience.
Using Train Sim World 5's new Photo Mode improvements can make for some excellent prototypical shots of the era, such as this taken by Product Marketing Coordinator James
Though today they have since been replaced by more modern EMUs, a single main line certified example of the Class 87 still sees rail tour action along the West Coast Main Line much to the delight of enthusiasts. Players with Train Sim World 5’s core West Coast Main Line route (London Euston – Milton Keynes) will be able to use Free Roam to run rail tour services in a modern setting.
Players of Deluxe Edition may also wish to operate the Class 390 on Just Trains’ stretch of the WCML in Free Roam, albeit during an era from before these trains were introduced.
You can read more about the development of the Class 87 in a future Just Trains In Development Blog.
Also new to Train Sim World are the eagerly-awaited Mk 3a passenger coaches which were permitted to achieve a slightly higher speed (110 mph) over the Mk 2 variants (100 mph).
BR Class 101 DMU
Running alongside the high-speed express services are local trains served by the Class 101 DMU, as previously seen in the Northern Trans-Pennine and Tees Valley Line route Add-ons.
These classic first-generation DMUs from the 1950s ran through until 2003 and saw action across a large number of main and branch lines, including the northwest.
For the West Coast Main Line: Preston – Carlisle release, the Class 101 has been worked on to provide a number of improvements on previous releases. These include:
- Addition of Suspension physics.
- Enhanced audio.
- Updated interior textures.
- Updated destination blinds.
- Exhaust smoke effects.
The Class 101 DMU is included in the West Coast Main Line: Preston - Carlisle route Add-on. Players do not need to own previously released content to access these cars.
BR Class 08 Shunter
Offering up shunting gameplay is the dependable Class 08 shunter. This ubiquitous legend has seen action across eight decades, from its original use in depots and yards frequented by steam locomotives, through to use in the preservation movement and continued use on main line yards into the 21st century.
Class 08 services will occupy the yards and stations at Preston and Carlisle, providing a shorter more engaging style of gameplay that involves moving stock between roads and getting trains ready for haulage by other locomotives.
The Class 08 shunter is included in the West Coast Main Line: Preston - Carlisle route Add-on. Players do not need to own previously released content to access these cars.
BR Class 47/4 Diesel Locomotive
For players wanting a familiar locomotive to operate between Preston and Carlisle, the Class 47/4 returns, having been seen in multiple Train Sim World route Add-ons in various guises, including Blackpool Branches.
The difference in operation between this and the Class 87 will offer two distinct experiences for players along the length of the route and a way for players to learn the route prior to taking on the challenge of the Class 87.
Like the Blackpool Branches variants, these locomotives feature nameplate and livery variation as well as some smoke effect improvements and visual differences over some of the older versions from previous TSW Add-ons, including Suspension physics.
The Class 47/4 diesel locomotive is included in the West Coast Main Line: Preston - Carlisle route Add-on. Players do not need to own previously released content to access these cars.
The Route: Preston – Carlisle (+ Morecambe Branch)
With almost 100 miles of track included, West Coast Main Line: Preston – Carlisle is the longest UK route in Train Sim World. This dramatic and high-speed stretch of line forms part of the much longer real-world WCML extending from London Euston, through to Scotland.
Preston will be familiar to players of Just Trains’ previous route Add-on Blackpool Branches, who’ll be able to make use of Train Sim World 5’s new Route Hopping feature to port between the two Add-ons. From here, the WCML continues to extend north facilitating gameplay down to the next station on the line: Lancaster.
This northern city, whose name links to the famous House of Lancaster and the wider county of Lancashire is also where a branch line splits off for some additional short form gameplay to the seaside town of Morecambe, via Bare Lane.
Train will pass through Carnforth Station where, during this era, the Steamtown museum was located. Oxenholme further north then provides the real-world jumping off point for passengers keen to explore the Lake District.
On this stretch the famous Shap Summit will provide a challenge for those driving any kind of traction, climbing up to the highest point on the West Coast Main Line!
After a call at Penrith towards the northern end of the Lake District, players will reach the city of Carlisle which not only features the station but also the nearby Kingmoor depot.
You can read more about the real-world history of some of the stations and locations in Just Trains’ In Development Blog.
Timetable, Service Layers and Gameplay
The timetable for this portion of the West Coast Main Line will depict a full 24-hour weekday based on the Working Timetable from the era and a trip notice booklet for the region. This will use the available rolling stock to feature high-speed express trains running from Preston through to Carlisle as well as local, main and freight services, including the Morecambe branch line.
Also featured is up to 6 hours of shunting gameplay at Carlisle using the Class 08 in multiple trip workings.
Additional Service Layers
In addition, the timetable will be further filled with services and substitutions from other Train Sim World Add-ons.
Players with other Add-ons in their collection will be able to see and operate the following services on WCML Preston - Carlisle:
- Blackpool Branches: for the Class 142 DMU and TEA wagons.
- West Cornwall Local: for the Seacow and Turbot Wagons.
- Tees Valley Line: for the HEA Wagons.
- Northern TransPennine: for the Class 45 Diesel locomotive.
- Spirit of Steam: for the LMS Jubilee steam locomotive, Mk1 Coaches, 16t Mineral Wagon and 20t Brake Van.
- BR Heavy Freight Pack: for the Class 40 Diesel locomotive.
- BR Class 31 Loco Add-On: for the Class 31 and PCA Wagons.
- BR Class 20 Loco Add-On: for the Class 20 and PGA Wagons.
- LNER Class A3 60103 Flying Scotsman
Due to the technical limitations of 8th Generation consoles, the level of some of the available features is reduced and a separate, reduced timetable will be available to players on those consoles.
Scenarios
There are 5 Scenarios in WCML: Preston - Carlisle:
Broken Down
Class 47/4
An express train has failed at Penrith and requires rescuing. Starting at Kingmoor Depot, you will be briefed by a member of staff before finding your rescue locomotive. A cold start will be performed before meeting the failed Class 87.
Tap Changer
Class 87/0
Haul a passenger service between Preston and Carlisle on a wintery day. No doubt a few snow flurries will occur along the way so be extra vigilant with the braking as you call at Lancaster, Oxenholme and Penrith before the final stop of Carlisle.
Currock Collection
Class 08
Currock is located to the southwest of Carlisle Station. It has a dedicated wagon works shed which oversees many repairs to rolling stock on a regular basis to ensure they are fit for service.
Your task is to convey a mixed rake of BBA Steel Wagons along with FFA/FGA Container Flats to the works at Kingmoor. On arrival you find a fresh set of wagons waiting to be returned back to Kingmoor.
Southbound Liner
Class 87/0
Haul a heavy container train from Carlisle North Yard south to Preston. You will be looped at several places along the way. The weather is booked to be sun with patchy cloud along the way.
First Generation Stopper
Class 101 (3 car) Diesel Multiple Unit
Join a Class 101 at Carnforth Station working the last leg of the service from Leeds to Morecambe via Lancaster during the evening rush hour. You will run back in service again in the reverse direction as far as Carnforth.
Collectibles
There’ll also be those Collectibles to hunt down, including: Parcels trolleys, Miniature Castles, Route maps, Mint Cake (which nearby Kendal is famous for) and Railtour posters. Some of these will be located in explorable buildings and locations, including fully modelled signal boxes at selected places on this route.
Finding it tricky to get to all the locations during your session? You can of course cheat (sort of) by using Train Sim World 5’s new Fast Travel feature to immediately go back to locations where you may have missed a collectible.
Mastery Challenges
Mastery Challenges require you to perform certain tasks on a route, like completing certain Scenarios or travelling a certain number of miles in a specific locomotive. Tier 1 Challenges unlock Decals for use in Livery Designer. Tier 2 Challenges unlock toggleable Scenery Tiles.
Train Sim World 5: West Coast Main Line: Preston - Carlisle route Add-on will release on 21st November for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Epic Games Store, and Steam for £32.99/€39.99/$44.99
Keep an eye out for further articles, videos and previews between now and release both here on Dovetail Live and on the Just Trains In Development Blog.
You’ll be able to join the Railfan TV team on YouTube and Twitch on 14th November for a preview of West Coast Main Line: Preston – Carlisle, featuring a member of the Just Trains team.