McAz wrote:jra wrote:McAz wrote:jra wrote:McAz wrote:I'm not troubled by Grayling's decision - I don't use public transport.
Then maybe you are part of the problem, not the solution.
I don't recognize the non-electrification of the Oxenholme to Windermere line as a problem.
In fact, I really don't care if Windermere slips into the lake - it's a dreadful place, overrun with gormless southerners.
It's a small branch, more a vanity project really. There are far more important electrification projects like Plymouth - Bristol - Birmingham, Reading - Newbury - Taunton - Plymouth and conversion from 3rd rail to 25 kv OLE of the lines south of the river. The last project in particular is going to be hugely expensive (up to £500 billion), so I cant see that happening anytime soon, but it will have to be done at some stage as 3rd rail is past it's sell by date for overground networks.
Chris Grayling is using bi-modal (diesel and electric in the same 'locomotive or carriage) as a get out clause for shelving certain projects, but they are a compromise, less environmentally friendly, noisier and heavier than standard electric trains. The UK has often taken the 3rd world approach to upgrading our railways saying it costs too much.
If you are ever up this way take the Cumbrian Coast Railway from, say, Millom to Workington - it passes through Sellafield which is worth the trip alone (you can play spot the missile silo).
Part of it runs along the cliff edge - in fact, some of it fell into the sea a few years back. And the whole damn railway depends on some old git being bothered to operate the level crossing near Millom.
Much fun, and hours of waiting, can be had by all.
I haven't been on that particular stretch of line (yet), but on similar like the Cambrian Coast Line and Dawlish Sea Wall. The latter is covered in Impossible Railways. Worth watching even if you're not into railways, for the engineering aspects alone.
Spoiler: show
ETA. I appreciate that railway services could be better up your way, but look at it this way. Along Dawlish Sea Wall, trains only go at 60-70 mph, but I like it that way. It allows one more time to digest the fantastic scenery. It amuses me a lot of people are still playing with their devices or reading while all this gorgeous scenery is going past. Look out the window FFS.
