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November 2025 Newsletter

HST (VP185) Pack Released!

The third and final installment in our series of HST packs was released this month. The HST (VP185) Pack.

First fitted in 1994 on the Western Region, these engines became synonymous with Midland Mainline operations where they lasted until withdrawal in 2020. Their distinctive engine sound has been simulated in high detail along with the usual liveries and cab variants; plus much, much more.

To find out more, please click here to head on over to the product page.

The Workbench

After hinting at it in our last newsletter, and the trailer for our HST (VP185) Pack, we are very pleased to announce that we are extending our MML: London to Bedford Enhancement Pack. Running from Bedford to Corby, stopping at Wellingborough and Kettering on the way, this extension offers 30 miles along a fascinating piece of railway with its split-level slow and fast lines. One minute the fasts are higher than the slows, and the next, vice versa!

Set in the same era as the London to Bedford section, 2011 to 2019, this characterful route is captured before the arrival of the overheard wires. All of those lovely old Midland Railway bridges are still in place and the views of the charming English countryside are uninterrupted. The perfect stomping ground for our recently released HST packs. Also, apart from the adding of a single slow line between Wellingborough & Kettering in 2009, the route had remained largely unchanged since resignalling in 1987, which gives plenty of scope for scenarios in different eras.

A bonus 5 miles are also included from Bedford St Johns to Stewartby on the Bedford to Bletchley line. As well as offering a short stretch of class 150 action, this also provides interesting freight opportunities to Forders sidings, which for many years received binliner trains from Cricklewood and engineers traffic.

The main scenery is largely finished apart from Corby station which remains to be modelled. It will then be a case of making sure the signalling is up to scratch, adding authentic ambient audio, placing wonky mileposts, and generally ensuring everything is up to scratch.

We leave you with some screenshots.

On the climb to Sharnbrook summit at Souldrop, between Bedford and Wellingborough. This 1 in 119 climb on the fast lines has historically been a stiff test for locomotives. The distinctive split-level slow and fast lines are in evidence here, with the slow climbing at a more manageable 1 in 200 before diverging for 2 miles on a separate alignment via Sharnbrook Tunnel.

A sneak peek at Wellingborough station.

Harrowden Junction. Just north of Wellingborough, this is where the single slow line to Kettering was reinstated in 2009.

Blast From The Past