Welcome To Warrington PSB!
It's a Summer weekday in 2003 and a unique time in the North west's railway history.

PLEASE READ DESCRIPTION THERE ARE THINGS THAT ARE USEFUL TO READ BEFORE PLAYING

Issues:
One issue I have found is the layout on the Arpley - Fiddlers Ferry route reflects that of the 2016 re-signalling, where it was made into 1 long TCB section, when in reality in 2003, it was worked under AB and by 4 boxes (some less than 200m apart!!), and at certain times it was really rather busy so the modern layout doesn't quite work! So i'd watch out as the linespeed is 10mph so make sure you keep everything in the right order

5A92 (Detached from 1S96), this train works sometimes but not others, it couples correctly and starts moving but gets stuck complaining 'Stopped at Line Closure' and seems unresponsive, Despite vigorous testing, there isn't an alternative other than brute force! If your really stuck, then delete the train and hit F4, and find "BKUP-90" or - "BKUP-86" and enter a time within the next few mins, this is an annoying fix but hopefully it still makes it playable!

The Operator's were about to undergo a MAJOR Re-shuffle, FNW services to Barrow/Windermere Via Bolton and services via Victoria to Leeds & York were to transfer to a new "Trans-Pennine" Franchise (the same operator we use today!) in Feb 2004, The NWC route to Chester, Llandudno & Holyhead would transfer to "Wales and Borders" in Sep 2003, and all local routes would be combined with Arriva Trains Northern to form a new "Northern Rail" Franchine in July 2004 (which is also an ancestor of the current "Nothern")
Making this Timetable the last one where FNW operated a full service throughout the North West

Virgin trains (VT) who were still mostly using loco hauled stock with classes 86, 87 & 90 + Mk2/3 stock, with a few HSTs and Class 47 Haulage for the North Wales Coast,. Though the Class 390 'Pendilinos' are starting to be introduced on London - Preston relief and 'runs as required' services while they accumulate mileage in preperation for introduction in late 2003, and the class 86s are entering their last period on the WCML giving way to the 390s by May 2004, and all transferring over to Anglia.

Wales and Borders (WB) who operated almost solely within wales though did run the odd service to Manchester or Liverpool but make no appearances in this timetable.

First North Western (NW) operate over most of the northwest and in the Warrington Area operates all local services to Manchester and the North Wales Coast, as well as the local routes to Liverpool & Wigan.
They had a number of Units available, mainly of the DMU Variety in the form of classes 142, 150, 153, 156 & 158, with 175s on the longer distance runs (due to their 100mph capability). Although FNW did own Electric Units, we do not see them on this sim due to the fact Manchester is disconnected electrically (and would remain so until 2017, when the Chat Moss route was electrified)

Other Notes/Extra's
Warrington Arpley was a HUGE base for EWS/FL operations and see (almost constant) traffic from loco's, empty wagons & trip workings to the many coal trains serving Fiddlers Ferry P.S. so VERY CAREFUL planning is required, and as I have found when testing, don't be afraid to wait a second as setting routes early can have painful consequences, especially at Arpley Jn!

Warrington RMT
In 2003 the RMT Was also still seeing lots of traffic both EMU & Loco Hauled, There are a few complex joins, splits and run-rounds so keep an eye on the TT!

Lastly, Enjoy! I thought this would a breeze in comparison to Crewe, but oh how I was mistaken, the coal traffic alone with all the run-rounds (and associated rules) have taken A LONG TIME.

Updated 15/09/2024 to V1.3 following rolling stock/workings overhaul