Nathan wrote:
Yes, FCC (as it is now) has access rights to St Pancras station,
normally only used when the tunnels are shut.


FCC may have station rights but, i'm told, FCC drivers will not be
maintaining route knowledge into St.P so in a very short time all FCC
drivers will not be able to go in there. You do have to wonder where all the
trains will go when Moorgate is closed in 2008 and where they will go in the
meantime if anything closes central london. I know its not ideal but Kentish
Town is more than likely the answer as you can use Platforms 3 and 4 to
terminate in when there is through-london running and in the event of a
total london block you can use all four platforms to terminate in. This
would be more capacity than St. P as there is only 4 platforms to share with
MML who have amazingly long turn-around times.

Will the new St.P Thameslink station have the capacity to turn trains
round to/from the north? If this is so, presumably FCC believe this
will obviate the need to use St.P Midland.

Robin