Train Simulator - Route Learning: Barrow-in-Furness to Preston (Class 185) // 1440p

In this episode of the route learning series, we take a look at the freeware Cumbrian Coast route by On Track Simulation and available on the Alan Thomson Simulation website, along with the Class 180 by Imbue Studios and Alan Thomson Simulation. Set a few years ago during the time when Northern hired Transpennine Class 185s to run the service between Barrow-in-Furness and Manchester Airport, we follow the timetable of train 1Y60, the 11:53 Northern Rail service from Barrow-in-Furness to Manchester Airport. Stops along the way will include Roose, Dalton, Ulverston, Cark & Cartmel, Kents Bank, Grange-over-Sands, Arnside, Silverdale, Carnforth, Lancster, and Preston - which is as far as the route is simulated in Train Simulator.
You can download the On Track Simulation Cumbrian Coast route from the Alan Thomson Simulation website here:
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You can purchase the Class 185 from Alan Thomson Simulation here:
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[@jameswingrove7421]

My Dad drives these in real life. They’re rather quick by train standards. He also goes to Manchester airport from Sheffield. I’ve got my final rules tomorrow to pass out to drive the Class 66. Very railway family and very proud of it. Nice video. To answer your question on the signal number when registering the GSM-R, if it’s a 4 digit signal you’d just enter the last 3. Or, what you can do is use the regional GSM-R code, as an example 998.

[@TheCatOfWarCSGO]

The TS 185 accelerates slower than a real one at full throttle, but the developers decided not to up the acceleration further as it already feels slightly ridiculous in game!

[@mikelahey1220]

I used to travel the loco hauled trains regularly for Uni to Preston. The loco Hauled trains ran from 2016 to 2019 Monday to Saturday and supplemented the 156 / 142 / 153 units between Barrow and Carlisle and the 156 / 153 / 185 units between Barrow-in-Furness and Lancaster. Quite often a 153 would be paired with a 156 to make up a 3 car unit between Barrow and Lancaster. They started out with 2 x Mk2F TSO, a Mk2F BSO and top and tail 2x 37/4s hired from DRS (37s usually in large logo livery). The Mk2s droplights were fitted with bars to prevent people sticking their heads out the window, as there are some tight bridge clearances around the Maryport area. When Anglia finished with the Mk2 DBSOs, they were redeployed on the Cumbrian coast, so the formation was changed to a single class 37/4 , 3 Mk2F TSOs and a DBSO, with the DBSO on the south bound end of the train. Unfortunately there were reliability issues with the DBSOs and the 37s, with failures on southbound trains being an all too common an occurrence, which led to DRS replacing the 37s with top and tail class 68s towards the end of the loco hauled period. The formation being Class 68, 2 x Mk2F TSO, a DBSO (standing in for a Mk2 BSO) and another class 68 on the southbound end. They were phased out in 2019 and replaced with 158 units, which worked the Furness line from Preston to Barrow, until the 3 car 195 units were ready for service. The Cumbrian coast units were supplemented with 156s cascaded down from Scotrail, some still bearing the Scotrail livery and continue to be used on the Cumbrian coast this day, although they all now have blue / white Northern paint jobs. These days 195 and 156 units are used between Barrow and Preston / Lancaster, with journeys between Preston / Lancaster / Barrow and Carlisle being served by 156 units. 195s / 158 aren't cleared for the Cumbrian coast section due to loading gauge issues in the Maryport area so you won't see them north of Millom.

[@Robbo_13]

I remember all to well the loco hauled 08:00 off Barrow (05:15 off Carlisle). Many times it was an hour late, cancelled or was replaced at Barrow with a 153/156. One time I remember well was waiting at Roose station and a single 153 came round the corner and didn't stop, leaving about 100 of us on the platform and then late for school. It was a shame to see the 37s go, as much as they and the DBSOs had issues, it was good to have loco hauled services up the coast. Also 195s are clear up the coast now. At least 2 have made it.

[@dieselpower7075]

This is amazing. Hoping you will do a pacer scrapping video if theres on avalible. That would be a great video you taking pacers from heaten to i think kingsbury not sure either that or worksop

[@Mattg17]

Nice video, there's a reason why I call the 185 a Rocket whenever I drive it in TS, and I can see I'm not the only one to call it that either!

[@jordancheetham4932]

@20:18 The 185 is supposed to have a Holding brake that releases as you take power to prevent rollback, as is the same with every other member of the desiro family yet for whatever reason, ATS seem to have omitted this from the pack, Strange as the train serves hilly routes so it's kind of needs it to be honest, ECO mode is also not featured in the pack although I don't recall the reason why

[@jordancheetham4932]

Spectacular video though PTG well done

[@droge192]

ATS did not forget the hill start button. Press Numpad+ to activate it while taking power.

[@jordancheetham4932]

@@droge192 There is no hill start or holding brake period, not mentioned in the manual nor does what you say work.

[@class170enthusiast]

Cool video, congrats on 22k.

[@PTGRail]

Thank you! I'm happy to get to 22k; 25k is the next goal!

[@davestransportvideos]

Nice video. The Class 37s definitely worked with Mk2s and operated in push pull with DBSOs. We also had the odd workings by top and tailed Class 68s when the 37s weren't playing ball. The loco workings were withdrawn at the end of 2018 and were replaced by 156s.

[@PTGRail]

I definitely sense a 37 video coming on this route in the future!

[@damianc.0.681]

YaaY 185 time!!! Also I think I saw you on the underground a few days ago 👀. He just sounded a lot similar to you but I dunno.

[@PTGRail]

You might have done! What line was it on and when? :)

[@damianc.0.681]

@@PTGRail I can’t remember wether it was the jubilee or the metropolitan line. It was 2 days ago

[@PTGRail]

@@damianc.0.681 definitely wasn’t me then, not been on either of those lines recently.

[@damianc.0.681]

@@PTGRail ahh on then it was a guy that sounded exactly like you then. Seriously I think I may have found your double

[@concofps]

59:55 - I have seen dual 221s (10 coaches) run on Euston - Edinburgh via Birmingham services quite often actually, which seems ridiculous when the entire route is electrified... I can only assume that they assign Pendos to Glasgow, Liverpool and Manchester as a priority - Birmingham is ok for voyagers as the distance is shorter, and maybe Edinburgh is ok because most passengers are not travelling end-to-end because the ECML exists.

[@sambrookes4497]

For a 4 digit signal, you type the last 3 digits of the signal into the GSM-R. You might find this GSM-R tutorial useful. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmbYeqJmp95qqqs

[@PTGRail]

Thanks for this, it will help me out in the future

[@christopherfox7650]

I love barrow in furness because I was a thomas the tank engine fan

[@Trainman10715]

That acceleration probably is quite accurate, remember the class 185 has a massive 2250 HP when all 3 engines are running. For reference, a 3 car class 377 has only 1100 HP, less than half that of a 185. 2250 HP for just 3 coaches is an enourmous amount of power

[@kinkisharyocoasters]

at the crossing before kents bank, i believe the st. george cross sign means there's a level crossing at a reduced speed in the distance and the st andrew cross (saltire) closer up

[@lauriecooper8194]

Superb video as normal, thanks very much. It's a wonderful piece of kit. Probably very unauthentic but I had a nice run up the Welsh Marches route in it the other day, flattened Llanfihangel bank.👍

[@EastMidlandsRailwayFan]

When doing a Hill start maybe use the DRA, that should prevent a roll back

[@droge192]

There's a hill start button on the side of the throttle (the little red button) that is for exactly that reason. It applies Stage 1 breaks and can be held when taking power, then releasing. In TS you activate it with the Numpad+ button.

[@PTGRail]

On this train, the hill start button doesn't work. If using the DRA, it would prevent you from drawing any power.

[@lukethomas.125]

Nice Video. I love the thumbnail and the 185.

[@Transport_with_Georgiee]

Hello , what are the requirements for the Cumbrian coast on Alan Thompson website?

[@montyburnsgaming3609]

Hi just a quick request could you do a route learning video of the riveria line in a pacer. Also Id love to see a video of the class 222 or 220 voyager and class 153. Both avilable from just trains.

[@Psmith-ek5hq]

The main downside of being a train driver is when someone tops themselves. Not a pretty sight.

[@daniellewisaberdein1998]

Nice Video I Like the 185s

[@EastMidlandsRailwayFan]

Last 3 digits so for example Nottingham going towards derby would be signal 497

[@PTGRail]

Thanks for the info :)

[@emeraldzebra9360]

These are my local units and the TS model looks way out of proportion... Like badly. They do however accelerate rapidly. Many come into my local section of track in the valley or local station, in the Eco mode towards Manchester, or going the other way, are just starting up the 3rd Engine prior to departing towards Leeds, you can usually hear it revving to warm up prior to actual service use as it runs up valley

[@kinkisharyocoasters]

26:40 is that a calling-on semaphore?

[@audigex]

The TPE 185s operated from Barrow under TPE for a long time too, not just under sub-lease to Northern. The routes were operated by TPE for about 20 years (initially operating Class 175s) and then transferred to Northern, who borrowed the 185s until Northern's 195s were delivered. And you do get the occasional 221 Voyagers north of Lancaster, although not huge numbers (most only make it about as far as Crewe and North Wales, these days) You nailed the pronunciation of the stations, apart from "Carnforth" is more like "Carnf'th" for locals, with a soft "fth", rather than a hard "fourth" (similar to how we say Edinbruh vs Edin-borough) This scenery pack is astonishingly good for freeware, though, incredibly impressive work - in most places it was near perfect, and only varied in pretty minor ways that I could see

[@droge192]

One of the reasons the ATS 185 seems so (too) fast is actually the odd zoom level they have used in the cab (130%!). This makes 30mph look more like 60mph to the eyes. Eg. at 10:45 in your video you are doing 40mph, but look out of the window - 40 mph does not look like that to the human eye!! No idea why they did this. I have changed the zoom level to 90% using TS Tools, which, to me, makes speed perception is TS spot on, as per reality.

[@GreyDawgh]

OK, so how do you do that in TS Tools?

[@PTGRail]

I noticed they chose to zoom a long way back. I had to put the FOV forward about 25% to put myself at what felt like the right place in the cab. Even then, the zoom level made it feel like I was travelling much faster than I actually was!

[@emperor9209]

I realy liked the passenger station departure cam. Please do it more often. Awesome video.

[@PTGRail]

I'm planning to integrate the passenger view departure into the majority of my future TS videos, where a passenger view is available. In TSW, that's a different story and far more complicated, so it's unlikely to appear!

[@karl19871]

Class 37s was stopped on the route before coving. The train of choice is now a 152

[@andybray9791]

156 you mean

[@gwyneddboom2579]

Irl the hill start is the red button on the power controller (same on the Networkers and Electrostars), but I don’t know how they would simulate that.

[@droge192]

Numpad+ on your keyboard. It's in the manual for the 185.

[@PTGRail]

It's not in the manual for the Class 185 - I went over it several times to be sure.

[@coolpro-pw3gw]

For 4 digit signals I believe you have to type in the last 3 digits or the first 3 digits I cannot recall

[@daniellittle7846]

On the GSMR if its a 4 didet signal you onput the last 3 didgets

[@xendiac7725]

Can you do Kyle of Lochalsh line next?

[@droge192]

Hmm, 3 hour video! :o)

[@PTGRail]

The length doesn't bother me too much, if I've got the time to do it. But that route really needs remaking as the quality isn't so good!

[@xendiac7725]

@@PTGRail That is right. The route sucks at the moment.

[@jayt5661]

the codeis 00if one number and then if more then 3 numbers then its the last 3 numbers when setting up radio

[@PTGRail]

Thanks for the info! :)

[@hazel7256]

The 185 is so well made in tsc its brill

[@joshlake1501]

Nice video, Noticed you said the route is On ATS. It is also on On Track Simulation own website. In regards to the rusty rails if you use the actual JT Gu track there is no rusty rails. This is the Track mod causing the rails to show as rusty. Also the tunnel issue is not a route bug its a TS core Bug that's been around for a long time.

[@PTGRail]

Thanks! I didn’t realise OTS have a website but I’ll bear that in mind for the future. I thought the rusty rails might have something to do with the track mod I’m using but wasn’t sure. As for the tunnel issue, my comment wasn’t a criticism of the route or the builders - I know it’s a core TS bug. Just haven’t seen it for a while! Maybe I didn’t word it quite right. :)

[@PaddyWV]

Aww! You should have treated us with a dramatic sweep over the Arnside Viaduct as you went over! 🙂 It's a bit iconic, you know

[@PTGRail]

I would if I didn’t have to worry about slowing down and braking. That often dictates if I’ll record an external shot at a certain point or not :)

[@PaddyWV]

@@PTGRail I understand! 🙂

[@andybray9791]

Bet the curve from the Furness/Cumbrian coastline to the bentham line will never be reinstated

[@Robbo_13]

As much as it would be good if it did, I doubt it will happen anytime soon.

[@alanshelly7068]

Awesome video buddy I like the look of the 185s buddy from Alan in Lowestoft

[@PTGRail]

Thanks Alan! The 185s are nice units :)

[@stephenmacaulay5624]

Do you the train just using the keyboard or is the power through a joystick?

[@PTGRail]

I just use the keyboard for driving in TS. A TS controller might be helpful, but the keyboard is (mostly) good enough :)

[@jasongoulden2938]

Is this the old route available from the workshop looks updated ?

[@Robbo_13]

Yes and no. From Carnforth to Dalton (the tunnel just before after Dalton in this video) is pjt from the the Steam workshop. He very kindly allowed them to use his route for that part of the line and they then updated it. Dalton-Barrow-Millom is all OTS. It was originally just going to be Barrow-Millom at first, however with the pjt allowing use of his route, it was decided to extend it down to Preston.

[@hjancliffegaming]

If there any update on midland mainline route are you doing nottingham to London route

[@PTGRail]

If the section between Leicester and Bedford ever gets made, then yes I will cover it in the future! :)

[@cam43002]

Should do a 68/37 with a rake of coaches with the dbso on the back from Lancaster to barrow

[@PTGRail]

I'd prefer to do a 37 all the way from Preston/Lancaster to Carlisle when the full route eventually gets made!

[@cam43002]

@@PTGRail ah yes that would be nice would be a very long video though I remember doing a full run a few times very enjoyable being on that line

[@rohantheboss342]

Epic video!👍

[@MorganTheTimeLord]

Amazing

[@jakemason7194]

Gsmr watch dad rail tutorial