Page is locked
West Hampstead
Start Up Options
Scenarios
Easy Mode
No delays or trackside equipment failures.
Normal Mode
Some delays, and a low probability of equipment failures.
Hard Mode
High chance of both delays and equipment failures.
Eras
1980s
The earliest available era for this simulation covers the time period after electrification but prior to the start of Thameslink services running through the Snow Hill tunnels to Blackfriars and the south. Therefore, the old layout at St. Pancras is present, along with King's Cross Thameslink station, and the line to Moorgate - but not to Blackfriars. Additionally, the line from Kentish Town to Farringdon has a lower capacity (less signal sections) than future eras. As the Thameslink 'brand' has yet to be created, West Hampstead and King's Cross stations are suffixed 'Thameslink', rather than 'Midland'.
Further north, the goods-only Dunstable branch survives, heading north through the town of Luton and south towards Luton Hoo. Originally the line went all the way to Welwyn Garden City on the East Coast Main Line but we only see a short section here.
1990s
This era includes the now re-opened Snow Hill tunnels to Blackfriars.
2005
St. Pancras has been completely remodelled to make way for international Eurostar services to the continent. This means only four platforms are available for the Midland Main Line. In addition, St. Pancras (Low Level) station has been built underneath the main line station, allowing an easier connection to the upper level than with the former King's Cross Thameslink station which closed at the same time as the new station opened. However, for simulation purposes it has been retained to allow for timetables either side of the transition date.
A number of small sidings have been taken out of use, as compared to the previous eras:
- The Down Carriage Loop at West Hampstead.
- Mill Hill and St Albans Ground Frames
Up at Luton, the Dunstable branch has gone, but Luton Airport Parkway has been built, providing a bus link to the nearby Luton Airport.
At Bedford, Cauldwell Depot has opened, replacing the old Ballast Pit Sidings. The depot serves the Thameslink fleet. Also, Platform 4 has opened on the Down Fast, allowing Down Midland Mainline trains to call at Bedford without blocking the Up Fast or conflicting with Thameslink traffic.
2009
In a strange twist of fate, the previous survivor of earlier rationalisation is now the victim of future expansion. The Moorgate branch is now closed, with all services running through Farringdon to south of the River Thames.
The Down Moorgate is now bi-directional between Clerkenwell No.2 tunnel and Dock Jn.
The Bellsize Tunnel bottelneck has been eased slightly, with an additional signal provided midway through the tunnel on each line.
Other Options
Set main routes into auto mode: If ticked, most 'main line' routes are set and in auto mode. Note that, depending on the timetable, this may result in trains complaining of a wrong route at the start of the game.
TORR: Tick to enable Train Operated Route Release . The real panel was not provided with TORR, but enabling it will make the simulation easier, and is strongly recommended for single players.
Last edited by Steamer on 20/12/2020 at 13:05