"TheOneKEA" wrote

Not necessarily. The cheap option would be to build a connection
between the WLL and the GWML, allowing trains to reverse onto the WLL,
run forward and reverse again onto the GWML formation, where they can
access the Crossrail turnback sidings. A flyover would be more
sensible, but space in that part of the formation is limited.

There's no connection between the WLL and the north side of the GWML
formation, and it would be difficult and expensive to put one in (though it
would be reasonably straightforward to reinstate the NP Junction to OOC E
Junction spur). Apart from crossing the GW Main Lines on the level, the only
cheap possibilities seem pretty unattractive - either leave NP at the east
end, reverse over the flyover into OOC, and reverse again to reach
Westbourne Park and Paddington on the north side of the formation, or exit
on to the WLL, reverse and run via Willesden SW sidings, Acton Wells, and
Acton Yard, reversing again there. Even this would involve electrifying
tracks at Willesden SW sidings, and the Acton Wells to Acton Yard spur.

Peter

Another possibility is not any main line stock but future LU trains.

I am thinking here of Bombardier and the huge Metronet BCV and Surface
line stock (1300 cars or whatever it is) - and that the Central and
District are not that far away at Ealing Broadway.

*Obviously* I am not thinking here of a running depot for day to day
operations as it is not even on the present LU netwrok - never mind the
no direct access from GWML issue - but a heavy repair facility.

New rail building, could be of interest if Bombardier were contracted
to do heavy long term maintenance and wanted a new start set-up, away
from existing facilities, reducing them to day to day running and
cleaning only.

At the moment BCV is three different basic types of tube stock and
three surface stock, but there will be much much greater commonality -
one tube and one surface train, and probably lot of standard parts. I'd
want to do heavy servicing in a single place.


--
Nick

D7666 wrote:

Even so, might it not be a possible Crossrail depot (I can't think now
what plans there are depot wise for that).

IIRC the south side of the GE main line, west of Romford, is the site
designated for the Crossrail depot - Modern Railways had a feature a
few months ago.

North Pole would certainly seem a sensible location though, should
Crossrail ever get built. BBC London news was reporting yesterday that
the estimated cost of the Crossrail project has increased from £10bn
to £15bn.

"Peter Masson" wrote in message
...

It hints at it, and specifically mentions the possibility of the East
London Line Extension developing into a circular route Clapham Jn, SLL,
ELL,
NLL, WLL nack to Clapham Junction, for which North Pole would be a very
suitable depot.

Known as 'OrbiRail' by TfL, certain officers of which are very keen on it
happening. Time will tell, but don't hold your breath!