On Mar 1, 12:14*am, "Graham Harrison"
wrote:
"1501" wrote in message

...
On 1 Mar, 03:01, E27002 wrote:





On Feb 28, 6:39 pm, "Graham Harrison"

wrote:
"Chafford" wrote in message

....

Following last month's announcement on Evergreen 3, Chiltern Chairman
Adrian Shooter is asking Modern Railways readers what Evergreen 4
should provide. Captain Deltic likes the idea of a 4 track 125mph
electrified railway but reckons that this will have to wait for
Evergreen 5 (and a potential franchise extension to 2026, according to
the article!)

Comments to Captain Deltic at:

I know new platforms have been added but how much spare capacity does
Marylebone and the approaches have?

Marylebone was designed with, and land purchased for ten platforms.
It was built with tunnels for seven approach tracks and large goods
yards. Most of the spare land has been sold including the never
utilized platform space.

Although eye-wateringly expensive to do; some of that land could
always be repurchased.

================

All of which suggests the answer to my question of how much spare capacity
does Marylebone actually have is "not a lot".

Broadly speaking yes, the extra tunnels are still there, AFIK,
although IIRC leased to another party. There is some space up by
Rossmore Rd Bridge, there is no, space undeveloped for non-rail use,
by the concourse.

In the context of this thread, does it matter? Marylebone may not be
the best choice of terminal for an improved service to Birmingham.
With the coming of Crossrail there will be spare capacity at
Paddington. Paddington is, and will be, much better served with
onward connections.

Moreover, it would not be especially difficult to link the route to
Euston by way of a new cord in the Old Oak Common area. Euston offers
a more central location, better terminal services, and better onward
connections.

If we view the entire formation through Northolt, including the TfL
Central Line I believe there is space for an outer pair from OOC.
These tracks could carry a High Speed (135 mph) service, first stop
High Wycombe.

A middle pair (tracks 2 & 5) from Marylebone could carry a service
calling at West Ruislip then all stations to Birmingham and Aylesbury.

The innermost pair would take the Central Line, all stations to West
Rusislip Service, possible taking over the Greenford Loop.

Thus a railway backwater becomes an integrated efficient local and
express service.