On Feb 16, 3:20*am, wrote:
When you've got signalling equipment dating back to the 1920's operating on
the SSL, plugging in new kit to interface with that isn't likely to be a

There was old equipment on the northern and piccadilly too but they managed
to get them working on there so where theres a will...

The point is, the Northern and the Piccadilly weren't scheduled for
major signalling upgrades until long after the SSL upgrade was
supposed to take place.

Two scenarios:
a) you buy a dilapidated house, move in, then start applying for
planning permission, organising builders, etc, to have it knocked down
and completely rebuilt. You're planning to start building work in six
months or so, and get the new house done within 18 months.

b) you buy a dilapidated house, move in, and although you'd like to
have it knocked down and rebuilt at some point, you won't be able to
afford to do so for at least five years.

In case a, you're probably not going to install a new kitchen or
bathroom, have the house rewired, or do anything other than basic
repairs that make it just about habitable. In case b, you'll probably
make some changes, because although they're temporary and you don't
want to spend too much on them, they'll make the next five years much
more bearable.

Of course, if you're aiming for scenario A, but your builder goes
bankrupt and you end up spending several years suing each other, then
you'll probably regret not installing the new shower and cooker that
you'd have put in if you knew you were going to be stuck there for
years. But that's the benefit, and the problem, of hindsight...

--
John Band
john at johnband dot org
www.johnband.org