Hello everyone and big thanks also to Jim.
II want to repeat what I said earlier today, about this site/forum being fantastic - IT IS. And also again, I wish I found it earlier.
I always wanted a train set when I was a boy, but I ended up as a Signalman for a massive set called British Railways. But it did break down occasionally - just like a real model.
But seriously - I have always been mad on Railways; and I still say however bad it got here and there, I still say British Rail did the best job. It was a SERVICE - and not a Business.
"Once a Railwayman; always a Railwayman", as a nice old guy I trained with once said.
I have been messing with Train Simulators for a long time; and I expect to be doing so for a lot longer yet. I also spent countless hours on Flight Sims too, especially after my back flared up, and could no longer afford to finish my PPL training. It seems that Train Sims have filled a similar gap in my life as Flight Sims did. But The Railway side of things have overtaken in priority. And then last night, I Posted a short letter on the Train Simulator 2016 forum on Steam, asking if there were plans to publish a new route based on my own area covered as a Signalman between 1978 and 1988 - The Blackpool line, with its two branches to Blackpool Sth and Wyre Dock with Fleetwood. It appears that a project IS being worked on. and for that I would like to thank
Tomhas2 I ask you all to indulge me a little while I just add my original Post here to explain things more.
My appologies if I missed any relevent discussion or news on this topic, but can anyone tell me if there are plans to create the line between Blackpool North (& South), and Preston. (Possibly even including the old Wyre Dock branch to Fleetwood. Given the importance of this line for various historical and other reasons, I feel it would be a great project to undertake and would be popular, again for various reasons, to a range of player's interests.
Many may know of the historical use of Fleetwood, as part of the original London to Glasgow route. And the old connection between London Euston and the Nth Euston Hotel in Fleetwood; and the use of a steamer to Ardrossen to complete the original route.
I was a Relief Signalman on that area between 1978-1988, and I worked all of the Signalboxes and crossings, from Blackpool No 1, to Weeton. (There was more mice there than Signalmen and water had to come from the nearby churchyard, or dropped off by passing Locos). LOL.
My Rosters included the Wyre an Blackpool Sth branches.
I would be more than willing to share my knowledge and experience in producing such a Route Product. Finally- I kept a personal record of Locomotives that passed whichever Signalbox that I worked each day, especially between 1980 to 82. I can well remember recording the dear old 40-145 which I handled many times. I have many unusual yet true stories about those years and have often thought of writing a book.
Some Saturday nights, I never knew what time I would get away, because of the large number of Illuminations Specials, and related light engines.
PLEASE- can someone help with this subject?
Jack D. Harrison.
PS_ Whilst working Poulton No 3 Box, I was visited by various train crew and others, to watch the weekday Target Shunt 6L79. They told me they came to watch, as it was "...an interesting shunt"; usually made up of Caustic Soda tanks and coal for Blackpool Nth. As well as the regular Oil, paraffin Wax, and Chlorine trains.
Jack.Sorry to do it this way Tomhas2, but I would be more than happy to offer any help or information I that I have, to make your Blackpool-Preston Project succeed. It certainly deserves to do. I still live in Fleetwood, and hope we can meet to discuss it soon.
Sorry to be a pain in the tail light.. I look forward to chatting with all or most of you.
Jack.