TheOneKEA wrote:
Mark wrote:

The other main thing is what they do with North Pole depot? A purpose built
HST2 depot is an interesting idea but the problem is connecting it with the
GWML without comprimising capacity on that route. Hopefully they dont go
with a quick and easy solution of selling off all the land to non rail use.

The most sensible option would be a flyover somewhere near either end
of the depot - a flyover across the GWML, meeting the Acton chord as it
curves away from the main line, might be feasible.

Personally though, seeing as how North Pole is optimised for electric
traction, it could find use as the primary Crossrail depot in London.

Not only optimised for electric traction, it is forbidden to do
servicing work on diesel traction at North Pole. It has not got the
necessary environmental protection in case of diesel spillage.
Obviously this is not insurmountable, but considering the opposition in
the east over the depot at Barking, a ready made solution for Crossrail
now exists. Indeed it could also be used for North London line and
Watford line emu's thereby avoiding all those paths taken up with them
running to the depot at Bletchley, soon to be Northampton.