The introduction for the Trent Valley route starts you off at Nuneaton station as a class 350/4 arrives. You'll be riding aboard a class 807, which departs in a minute or so 2 platforms over... Better get your skates on!
After learning a little about the history of the line (which I won't bother to repeat here), the surrounding areas and what the collectibles are for this route, I decided to do the Class 350/4 training tutorial–which is completely optional, held at the TSW Training Center. This was a simple refresher, but included coupling to another 350/4 to form an 8-car unit, taking it for a drive and then parting the two again. Built by Siemens, the Class 350/4 is an absolute dream to drive, with throttle/brakes (PBC–Power/Brake Controller) set to the right trigger and the 'RB' shoulder button.
Having completed (and enjoyed) the class 350/4 tutorial I thought I'd better refamiliarise myself with the sleek Class 807 as well. The 807 is built by HItachi Rail in Japan, and looks amazing in its Avanti West Coast livery. Just as instinctive to control as the 350/4, but considerably faster, which obviously needs to be taken into consideration when slowing for signals or stations. Both of these EMUs are easy to drive and set up, and both have impressively responsive braking systems.
If you don't feel like driving then you can of course take the role of conductor on most services, but this route is also my first experience of playing as a dispatcher, using the TDEU (Train Dispatch Enquiry Unit) activation panels by inserting your key when the train arrives, checking the platform is clear when the train's departure time is up, and pressing the TRTS (Train Ready To Start) 'Right Away' button when the doors are closed. It might not sound very glamorous, but it's a very different and immersive experience!
I was surprised and delighted to see a CrossCountry-liveried Class 220 express whistle by in the elevated but unconnected cross country line above Tamworth Station. You can see this by starting the "Rugby Transfer" scenario–in which, incidentally, the guide markers lead you up the wrong platform when changing trains!
There are new collectibles in the form of deflated rugby balls, Hornby-esque 00-gauge model 807s, baked spuds (rather like Spudman's) in styrofoam packaging and narrowboats in bottles! In addition to the usual 4 sets of collectibles there are also damaged Wheelsets scattered around, representing the historic Wolverton railway works north of Milton Keynes.
The major stations look suitably busy and there's some very pleasant scenery to be seen, including several canals and waterways, with wind turbines being a noticeable trackside feature.
One thing I think is worthy of criticism are the "voice" communications with the signaller, which may be regarding delays or mechanical problems. For some reason these display (they're not "vocal", they're purely written captions) at glacial speed, and cannot be advanced through at a speed fitting a normal reader. I understand Dovetail may feel the need to cater for people of all reading speeds but at times the rate at which these advance becomes positively soporific, and they display for 20 seconds regardless of how much text is displayed and cannot be skipped!
The Train Sim World 6 WCML–Trent Valley route from Milton Keynes to Crewe is 108 miles long, making it the longest point-to-point UK route featured in the game, and a must buy for UK railfans.
Many thanks to Dovetail Games, All Aboard Studios and Indigo Pearl