The MUST HAVE steam route ?

Drebbel · Post by **Drebbel** » Sat Jan 01, 2005 11:17 pm

Hi all,

Just got myself MSTS and still busy with all the included routes and the Michigan Iron Ore add-on

Was wondering what THE steam route is for MSTS. What is the best steam route add-on around, free-ware, as well as pay-ware ?

Of course I mean a route including trains and activities.

So tell me which one is a must have

Tnx

Drebbel

BR7MT · Post by **BR7MT** » Sat Jan 01, 2005 11:25 pm

The best commercial route from a steam point of view is probably Severn Valley Railway. The Cambrian route is a good companion for SVR as you can use the engines on it. If you want a large UK mainline route go for London South Eastern, the DMU's and EMU's plus 33's and freight stock are also excellent with this.

Freeware, my personal choice would be Thames-Mersey, but there are a lot of excellent routes available. Thaxted, Woodhead, GWML and MidEast v2 spring to mind.

Have fun!

regards

Dan

wookey · Post by **wookey** » Sun Jan 02, 2005 12:46 am

Dont forget Bala hub, and skipton, IMO the best two freeware steam routes going, if not the best steam routes going fullstop.

Post by **NeutronIC** » Sun Jan 02, 2005 12:55 am

Yes I have to say Bala Hub and Skipton and I really couldn't choose between them, both fantastic routes with great activities and rolling stock on the CD's.

Matt.

rwaceyw · Post by **rwaceyw** » Sun Jan 02, 2005 1:32 am

Theres also ELR, which has a great bunch of steam locos with fantastic cabviews and soundsets, along with route, diesels and more

. Also, all the money raised goes towards the restoration of the only surviving class 28 cobo

http://www.brdw.co.uk/trainsim

David

Lad491 · Post by **Lad491** » Sun Jan 02, 2005 8:23 am

Skipton to Carlisle 1920 would still be at the top of my list

bigvern · Post by **bigvern** » Sun Jan 02, 2005 8:31 am

My SMJ (quick plug) classic early 1950's UK Heartlands steam route, can be downloaded here or via my CD compilation (see WWW link below).

stephenholmes · Post by **stephenholmes** » Sun Jan 02, 2005 11:03 am

I would recommend Severn Valley it's brilliant also East Lancashire Railway
Regards and best wishes Stephen

JonathonAG · Post by **JonathonAG** » Sun Jan 02, 2005 11:16 am

Yeh, I would go with the SVR add-on, but if you like to run on a long line, for a long journey, the Cambrian Coast would be recommended for that.................and is great for running SVR stock on

saddletank · Post by **saddletank** » Sun Jan 02, 2005 11:22 am

For your 'must have' steam route you'd need to tell us what sort of steam operations appeal to you. If you like fast long runs then Skipton 1920s is the one to get. If you like secondary routes with stopping passenger and pick up freights then go for Bala Hub. If you like a small sleepy branchline atmosphere then try the Thaxted Branch. I think these 3 are the top of their league in each type.

JonathonAG · Post by **JonathonAG** » Sun Jan 02, 2005 11:23 am

yeh, and if you wait a while longer, there will be Highworth

johndibben · Post by **johndibben** » Sun Jan 02, 2005 12:17 pm

NeutronIC wrote:Yes I have to say Bala Hub and Skipton and I really couldn't choose between them ....

As one's God's Wonderful, I could

Don't have Skipton but it's a commonly held belief it's one of the best steam routes and wouldn't wish to argue with that

.

jimmyladd · Post by **jimmyladd** » Sun Jan 02, 2005 12:42 pm

For the LMS fans there Cannock Chase, and the forthcomming Burton, Derby and District routes, and for LNER John Kendricks forthcomming Yorkshire Coast route looks like it will be a cracker

TOMMO79 · Post by **TOMMO79** » Sun Jan 02, 2005 12:46 pm

In no particular order, Bala Hub 4, Skipton - Carlisle or the soon to be released Yorkshire coast route. Bala is good for shunting activities, It's mainly low speed branches but you might find yourself struggling to get past walking pace on some of the gradients with no chance of a speeding fine anyway

Skipton is excellent for a fast passenger run with a Black 5 or A3 or dragging a long freight with an 8F, The combination of route sounds such as the signalman working away when you pass the box and all the correct buildings and bridges make this route very atmospheric, It's part route and part historical document, Well worth the money. As for YCR you'll have to wait and see, It's not quite finished but the NYMR and Whitby - Scarborough sections are both a challenge to drive and great to look at. I'd say get all 3 of these routes, Then buy SVR even if it's only for the loco's and a few Bluearrow rolling stock packs. London and South East by Making tracks is excellent too, It doesn't come with any steam loco's but has the right setting for late BR steam. All good stuff and it's kept me entertained for the last year so it can't be bad.

Christopher125 · Post by **Christopher125** » Sun Jan 02, 2005 1:33 pm

Hi

The Swanage route is absolutely superb - great locos, scenery, rolling stock; all in all a 'must have'. (the M7 & bulleids are great

)

ww.3dtrainstuff.com

Chris