Yet another new US route on the way

[Rich_S]

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it is the Rocky Mountain Division of the Milwaukee road between Harlowton, MT and Avery, ID. Bring on the Little Joe's and the Boxcabs In my opinion, nothing beats heavy motors hauling freight over St. Paul Pass under the wire and across spectacular bridges.

[fecrails]

From today's Engine Driver feature article: "Technical set-up has begun on a new US freight route which will feature the realistic braking physics featured in the Canadian Mountain Passes route."

http://www.engine-driver.com/article/sh ... cal-update

[JohnTrainHead]

An upcoming UK route was also mentioned on Engine Driver........... There is a good chance that that, along with the new German and US routes will make their way into TS15.....

[Haystack]

Can't wait to finally hear what it's going to be. The suspense is killing me!

[LGM118]

So at this point, our known information is as follows:

1. It's a US route (no, really?) Technically it could have been just "North America", but it is in the US.
2. It's not a BNSF, UP, or Amtrak route.
3. It is a "freight route" that "will feature the realistic braking physics featured in the Canadian Mountain Passes route."

What does that leave? As mentioned on Engine Driver, DTG doesn't play "fast and loose" with their permissions - they'll only build a route if they already have a serious partnership with the railroad they're modelling. This rules out Kansas City Southern and Canadian National, and it plays up the possibility that this will be a CSX route. It could also be Norfolk Southern, or (somewhat less likely) it could be a regional railroad or short line. DTG has stuck with the Class I's for the most part since they have wider appeal and better recognition.

That braking technology mention lends to the conclusion that the route features heavy grades where realistic braking would be a factor. Essentially, we're looking at hilly routes owned by CSX, NS, or CP. Things that come to mind include:
1. CSX Old Main Line, Metropolitan, Cumberland, Mountain, or Keystone Subdivisions (or some combination of these). The new partnership with CSX almost certainly means at some point we're likely to get a CSX route, and the Sand Patch grade is well-known by railfans. That "realistic braking physics" would be very relevant on these lines. Definitely a possibility.
2. NS Hagerstown District and/or Roanoke District.
3. In a similar vein, the NS Durham District, albeit it's not as hilly, it's basically coming from/going to the Appalachian foothills.

[JohnTrainHead]

So at this point, our known information is as follows:

1. It's a US route (no, really?) Technically it could have been just "North America", but it is in the US.
2. It's not a BNSF, UP, or Amtrak route.
3. It is a "freight route" that "will feature the realistic braking physics featured in the Canadian Mountain Passes route."

What does that leave? As mentioned on Engine Driver, DTG doesn't play "fast and loose" with their permissions - they'll only build a route if they already have a serious partnership with the railroad they're modelling. This rules out Kansas City Southern and Canadian National, and it plays up the possibility that this will be a CSX route. It could also be Norfolk Southern, or (somewhat less likely) it could be a regional railroad or short line. DTG has stuck with the Class I's for the most part since they have wider appeal and better recognition.

That braking technology mention lends to the conclusion that the route features heavy grades where realistic braking would be a factor. Essentially, we're looking at hilly routes owned by CSX, NS, or CP. Things that come to mind include:
1. CSX Old Main Line, Metropolitan, Cumberland, Mountain, or Keystone Subdivisions (or some combination of these). The new partnership with CSX almost certainly means at some point we're likely to get a CSX route, and the Sand Patch grade is well-known by railfans. That "realistic braking physics" would be very relevant on these lines. Definitely a possibility.
2. NS Hagerstown District and/or Roanoke District.
3. In a similar vein, the NS Durham District, albeit it's not as hilly, it's basically coming from/going to the Appalachian foothills.

If it were anything of what you just listed, I would definitely hope for the Metropolitan Subdivision or Keystone Sub..... And yes, I know the Connellsville to Baltimore route exists...........

[buzz456]

Then there is always a UP route of some kind.

[imphantum]

I'm calling for either NS: Saluda, Harrisburg, Pocahontas, or CSX River Line, or Keystone. Remember it doesn't necessarily have to be staged in our current time period.

[NSheritage]

What about the NS Piedmont Division. I live on it and it is a very hilly route. Most of the hills are in the North Georgia part and the part between Danville and Manassas.

[jonmorrie]

Do their Tweets mean anything?

[JohnTrainHead]

I'm calling for either NS: Saluda, Harrisburg, Pocahontas, or CSX River Line, or Keystone. Remember it doesn't necessarily have to be staged in our current time period.

Yes! Saluda!

Remember guys, we could also possibly see a Conrail route as well..........

[fecrails]

Do their Tweets mean anything?

Now that would be sweet!

[JohnTrainHead]

Do their Tweets mean anything?

Now that would be sweet!

I highly doubt that would refer to what RSC is currently making........ Plus we've already got someone now making the Folkston Funnel route.

[gtw5812]

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it is the Rocky Mountain Division of the Milwaukee road between Harlowton, MT and Avery, ID. Bring on the Little Joe's and the Boxcabs In my opinion, nothing beats heavy motors hauling freight over St. Paul Pass under the wire and across spectacular bridges.

Rich,

I got to admit, this was one of my favorite MSTS routes. Box cabs, Little Joes, and the big EP-3 "Quills" would be great! What a route, with plenty of mainline, and branch line action.... And above all....Cabooses!!

Best Regards,

Galen

[DrewG]

RSC said on they're Facebook some clue is coming today, I kinda want it to be a CN sub but I doubt it.