17 October 2023
Time for an
ATTENTION TO DETAIL Development Update. As the title suggests this one covers some of the amazing attention to detail the Just Trains development team have given to the Preston-Ormskirk & Blackpool route. From atmospheric signal box interiors to detailed trackside equipment there’s a wealth of extra detail added throughout the route to breathe life into the areas that surround the tracks. Below are just a few instances of where we’ve taken time to add in extra visual features to provide a more detailed and immersive experience.
Signal Box Interiors: Three signal box interiors are featured in the route, including the impressive Blackpool North No.2 Signal Box. Blackpool North No.2 box was opened by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway in 1896 and featured 120 levers. In 1986 it was still providing a vital role in controlling not only the arrival and departure of service trains, but also shunt manoeuvres into the busy carriage sidings. This signal box would continue in use until November 2017 when the North line was electrified. Further signal box interiors are included at Salwick and St Annes (Closed). These boxes vary in both size and condition compared to Blackpool North No.2. Looking inside these boxes you will see not only the lever frames but the route map that the box controls plus signalling devices and even old comfy armchairs to help give you the “being there” feeling. These three signal boxes are great locations to pop into and watch the various services blast past.
Lineside equipment: We have spent a lot of time creating and placing a large variety of lineside equipment and railway specific objects in the Blackpool Branches route. Much like our Train Simulator Classic routes we believe that a detailed lineside improves immersion as you drive cross the route. We have created signal cables and point rodding, along with other key features such as loose sleepers, ballast piles, gas bottles and lineside cabinets, all of these provide a wealth of lineside furniture to keep the trackside looking busy, just as in real life.
Varied foliage: Throughout the route you will find that the foliage is extensive, vibrant and varied and importantly, true to life as we could get it as to how it was at each location during the 1980s. From grassy embankments to Rosebay Willow providing a breath of colour at Poulton, you’ll find we’ve taken great care in placing foliage along the entire route, and wherever possible matching it to actual period photographs. Now that’s being authentic!
Clutter: As there’s a general lack of 1980’s clutter available in Train Sim World we decided to go to town and create a whole raft of new custom-built era-specific assets to adorn the lines to Blackpool and Ormskirk. From British Rail posters to the furniture of the Travellers Fare coffee shop at Preston, you will constantly find a new variety of clutter across the route, including a set of brand-new period specific vehicles all placed throughout the route.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach: The Blackpool Pleasure Beach, as it was in 1986, proved a challenging but fun experience for the Just Trains Team to create. We have included the most noticeable rollercoasters as seen from the train, including The Big Dipper, The Grand National and Steeplechase, there’s also a few other items included that could be seen whilst riding along the line to Blackpool South. Whilst The Big One Roller coaster wasn’t built until 1994, you’ll still see be able to see the distinctive skyline made by the Pleasure Beach as you approach the area.
So, those are just a few examples of things to look out for along the route, you’ll find a lot more besides when you load up and take a trip to either Ormskirk or The Fylde Coast! We hope you've enjoyed this update. All the screenshots below represent the various sections listed in the text above.
