Creative Rail. Peterborough to York.

[Cat]

This route, Peterborough to York by Creative Rail as caught my eye. 116 miles of the ECML, set in the 1980s when there was plenty of interesting rail infrastucture around. Must say it does look quality which one would expect at the price of just under £40.

Does anyone have it? I and I'm sure others would be interested to hear opinions about it.

Looking forward to some first hand reviews.

[simonmd]

I have it yes, my interest in the HST and this era drew it to me a while ago. I'm not sure if I would say ANY route is worth £40, I got a discount fortunately but putting that asside, it does connect the north and the south and the scenery, etc is pretty well done. The best thing about this route is it makes it possible to drive the entire ECML from London right up to Dundee, allowing for driver's tea breaks of course (while you load the next route, ahem) but nevertheless it does fill a huge gap.

Downsides apart from the price are its pretty linear and of course, not Steam workshop compatible so scenarios are not abundant.

[Growler]

Simply not worth the price! It's been created pretty accurately (although Doncaster Works is for me a disappointment). But the main problematic issue, is that most of the route is as good as completely empty of traffic. Mile upon mile of quadruple main-line track with virtually no moving or even stationary AI for interest. And a distinct lack of entertaining scenarios; the provided collection IMHO really under utilise a large route where clearly a lot of effort has gone into producting it; and the provided scenarios do not seem to make the best of the route layout.

So it certainly has potential to be a good quality old BR era route, but currently I'd argue is rather disappointing; especially if you're unable to make your own scenarios for the route to make the most of the layout. Personally I'd hang onto my money (it's sadly one of least used routes in my game collection) and instead snap-up quite a few varied DLC in the next Steam Sale. Hope that insight is of some help. All the best.

[Cat]

Thanks Simon and Growler, must admit that to me the ECML is a rather flat, featureless racetrack. (Except Simons excellent BR era ECML South.) The price, lack of scenarios and AI has rather put me off and there are higher things on my wishlist.

Cheers.

[simonmd]

I think a wise choice, if you can get this cheap, it's worth adding just for the fact it connects the ECML properly, but Growler is right, theres MUCH better things to spend your cash on!

[h149bell]

bought it ran it 4 times and forgot it! but not the £40. it's a boring run. now if they had done WCML Birmingham/ Preston.Stuck on Man Piccadily made it you could make your own senarios and gave it a £50 price I would of been tempted.

[simonmd]

The thing that kills routes like this is the lack of Workshop intergration. If it was on Steam, i'd say it was still expensive but still worth a punt if you like that kind of thing, without Steam, it's usefulness is limited. Imagine how much better it would be if we could make 3 or 4 part scenarios all the way from Kings Cross to Newcastle?

[nexium]

It is a good route and very well made in my oppinion. There are a few scenarios around but not many and that's the only problem with it. I've made a couple myself but its not as much fun playing your own made scenarios as you know everything thats going to happen.
Keep an eye on the website as he does have the odd one day sales now and then.
Think I might go have a quick drive on it now. It's also good for driving from the Aberdeen Angus route right through to London, but don't half take some time.