
2F38 Blackpool N – Liverpool Lime St – Class 37/4 – Summer 1992
22nd January 2025Sometimes you want a long drive. Sometimes you want something short.
Here is a quick 20 minute scenario featuring the AP Class 37 and ATS WCML Missing Link, driving between Preston and Wigan.
The Summer 1992 timetable saw an increase in loco-hauled Regional Railways workings in the North West.
Initially these trains were operated with hired-in Class 37/4s from RfD, but later in the season were replaced by RRNW’s own fleet of 31/4 locos, often working in pairs. With just a few weeks to go before the changeover to Class 31s in July, take 37417 from Preston to Wigan.
There’s been reports of thundery showers further South in the Manchester Area too.
Believe it or not, very short drives like this weren’t (and still aren’t) unusual on these local services, as Wigan has a sizeable traincrew depot.
This scenario will give you an appreciation for the stiff gradient heading out of the Ribble Valley, how much these are tamed by electric traction, and the variable performance each time you load up the AP 37.
Hope you enjoy this quick thrash Up the WCML.
To Install
Having unzipped this file, just copy the “Content” folder into your Railworks folder. The .zip file contains the correct directory structure.
This will install the scenario.
This is a “Standard” scenario, and will show up easily if you filter on “2F38”, or look under “AP Class 37”.
Usual disclaimers apply – this scenario is user generated content, it is provided with no warranty and the author accepts no responsibility or liability. It has been tested to the best of my ability.
Requirements
Routes:
- WCML Midlands and Northwest “Missing Link” (and dependencies) – ATS
Enhancement Packs:
- AP Signal Enhancement Pack – Armstrong Powerhouse
- AP Sky & Weather Enhancement Pack 2.0 – Armstrong Powerhouse
- AP Cloud Enhancement Pack – Armstrong Powerhouse (not required, but specific clouds are configured in the scenarios)
Rolling Stock:
- Class 37 Vol 1 – Armstrong Powerhouse
- Class 142 v2 – Armstrong Powerhouse
- Class 150/2 – Armstrong Powerhouse
- Class 150/1 Enhancement Pack (and dependencies) – Armstrong Powerhouse
- Class 156 – Armstrong Powerhouse
- Class 86 Enhancement Pack (and dependencies) – Armstrong Powerhouse
- Mk1 Coach Pack – Armstrong Powerhouse
- Mk2abc Coach Pack – Armstrong Powerhouse
- Mk2def Coach Pack – Armstrong Powerhouse
- Class 31 Enhancement Pack (and dependencies) – Armstrong Powerhouse
- Departmental Hoppers Pack – Steam Sounds Supreme
- Departmental Wagon Pack – Steam Sounds Supreme
- Salmon Bogie Flats – Steam Sounds Supreme
- ICA-D Wagon Pack – Armstrong Powerhouse
I also had the same problem as dave evans. I noticed in the 2D map that the (P) loco cab was facing backwards, so I cloned the scenario, went into the editor and clicked on the (P) loco, and clicked on the yellow thingy which made the loco face forwards. Saved and the signals and scenario ran perfectly.
Ah, so that’s an interesting “feature”. The loco is being driven from the No 2 end intentionally, and the starting save (aka “rolling start” – but with no movement, so it’s just saving the train/cab state) ought to drop you in the No 2 end cab leading and the cab opened up, pretty much ready to go.
1) It was actually facing that way round on the day in question.
2) It’s actually quite nice to drive the AP Class 37 from the No 2 end, you get to hear the separate specific sound set for that cab, which is quite a rarity as most scenarios drive from the default No 1 end.
Thanks for the report anyway.
When you start up TSC, what version number is it reporting at the bottom?
the signal at preston dosnt change to green stays on red
Unfortunately, I am unable to reproduce this problem, and I’m aware several other people have had trouble free runs.
I have a yellow signal with a “US” theatre indication on PN107 which is the P2 up starter, which is what is anticipated.
Do you have all the requirements?
Scenario starts to load up.but screen freezes.so have to power down.looks good though
sorted now.thx
Good to hear, thanks!
Scenario starts to load up.but screen freezes.so have to power down.looks good though
Very enjoyable, Thank you.
Good to hear you liked the run – it’s knowing your braking points for Leyland and Wigan that seem to be a big part of keeping time on this one, especially with the variable performance factors in the AP 37, and the variability of when and if you get the stormy weather by the time you get to Wigan. During my testing it was never quite the same drive twice.