Blackpool Branches: Preston - Blackpool & Ormskirk

Blackpool Branches: Preston – Blackpool & Ormskirk gives you a unique opportunity to experience this classic route from Blackpool North in the West to Preston on the West Coast Main Line in the East and down to Ormskirk during what was the line’s most interesting period with numerous diverse operations.

You can choose between a wide variety of locomotive diagrams, including Express, Local and Regional Passenger, alongside extensive true-to-life freight workings, in locations ranging from suburban and industrial areas to picturesque countryside. Enjoy stunning views of the holiday destination Blackpool, with its popular Pleasure Beach and the dazzling lights of the Blackpool Tower, during the 1986 summer holiday season, although the year-long timetable includes Summer and Illumination Specials and Railtours for you to experience.

The total track length of the route is 48 miles and also included is the secondary single line to Blackpool South from Kirkham & Wesham and the Burn Naze freight branch (formerly known as the Fleetwood line) which runs from Poulton-le-Fylde to Thornton power station.

Developed with period route maps and accurate elevation data, the route boasts a wide variety of iconic signal box designs and an interesting mix of conventional UK colour light and upper-quadrant semaphore signalling in conjunction with single-line and dual-line operations.

The route includes 19 detailed stations. These include Preston, which features the old Mail Bridge connection, and Blackpool North with its eight platforms and a large array of semaphore signals which provide a stark contrast to the run-down Blackpool South. Due south is Ormskirk station, where the end of the line is marked by a train stop as the track literally comes to an end. To the south of the train stop is the northern end of the electrified third-rail track which originates from Liverpool. Also featured are the disused stations at Burn Naze and Thornton for Cleveleys which are available for you to explore. All the stations have a plethora of period-correct clutter and signage to provide the correct mid-1980s atmosphere.

A great variety of route-specific custom assets such as bridges, buildings and track-side features provide a highly immersive environment and ensure that the route is fully recognisable to those who are familiar with it.

The included Class 142 DMU, Class 47/4 diesel locomotive, Class 08 diesel shunter, passenger coaches and TEA tank wagons provide diverse driving experiences via the extensive and complete real-world 24-hour seasonal timetable; this features over 250 authentic drivable services which range from local, express and freight workings to summer extras, shunting operations and numerous AI workings.

The Blackpool North No.2, Salwick and the disused St. Annes signal boxes have accurately modelled interiors from which you can watch the various services drive past.

Also included with the route are tutorials which cover the basic operations of the Class 142, Class 08 and Class 47/4, five scenarios, five types of Collectable in 100 locations for you to find, two Mastery challenges, three Achievements to gain and 24 hours of Journeys to drive. You can also include in the route other compatible add-ons that you own (see the list in the Detailed Description below), making Blackpool Branches a unique driving experience and a true visual treat.

The PDF manual is included with the software but if you'd like to take a look, you can download it here.


KEY FEATURES

• 48-mile route from the holiday town of Blackpool in the West over to Preston on the West Coast Main Line in the East and down to Ormskirk in the South
• Based in 1986
• 19 highly detailed stations
• Class 142 ‘Pacer’ DMU in three liveries
• Class 47/4 diesel locomotive in three liveries
• Class 08 ‘Gronk’ shunter in two liveries
• Mk. 1 BG coaches in four liveries
• Mk. 2a FK and TSO coaches in Blue & Grey livery
• TEA 100T bogie tank wagons
• Training modules covering basic operations for the Class 142, Class 08 and Class 47/4
• Five varied scenarios
• Five types of Collectable in 100 locations for you to find
• Two Mastery challenges
• Three Achievements to earn
• Route has the ability for you to use other compatible add-ons that you own
• 24 hours of Journeys
• Many unique landmarks and buildings along the route, including the illuminated Blackpool Tower
• Signal boxes at Blackpool North No. 2, Salwick and the disused St Annes have modelled interiors you can enter
• Extensive, true-to-life, real-world 24-hour summer timetable with over 250 drivable services and numerous AI workings
• A mix of conventional UK colour light and upper-quadrant semaphore signalling in conjunction with single-line and dual-line operations
• Powered by Dovetail Games’ proprietary SimuGraph vehicle dynamics engine and Unreal Engine 4 technology