gwr4090 wrote:

Er, what happens to the other 6 tph going west?

Reading? (he asks, knowingly in vain)

A few months ago, they were planned to terminate at Paddington! I guess
that this is still the case.

When I asked about this, I was told that the Western destination of the
missing 6tph was still under consideration, but that it probably wouldn't
be Paddington. My betting is still on Slough (replacing existing local
services). Electrification from Airport Junction to Slough would be pretty
straightforward to implement and there is room for turnback sidings at
Slough (if they are needed).

Is Crossrail going to include provision for 6-tracking of the GWML? I
seem to remember that this was suggested as far as either Airport
Junction or Reading.

Also has anyone thought of the performance pollution issues from the
south-western (Kingston) and south-eastern (Ebbsfleet) branches? If
everything goes tits up between Twickenham and Richmond this may affect
the whole of Crossrail.

Angus

Angus Bryant wrote:
gwr4090 wrote:
When I asked about this, I was told that the Western destination of the
missing 6tph was still under consideration, but that it probably wouldn't
be Paddington. My betting is still on Slough (replacing existing local
services). Electrification from Airport Junction to Slough would be pretty
straightforward to implement and there is room for turnback sidings at
Slough (if they are needed).

Is Crossrail going to include provision for 6-tracking of the GWML? I
seem to remember that this was suggested as far as either Airport
Junction or Reading.

I get the feeling they're doing everything possible to avoid 6-tracking
the GWML. They're probably frightened of Ealing Broadway and a third
Wharncliffe Viaduct - I think the rest is relatively easy. I wouldn't
have thought a tunnel from Acton Wells to Turnham Green would be much
cheaper, though.

Slough has to be the most logical destination. A poor second (also
requiring extra electrification) would be Greenford (either route) and
on to South Ruislip.

Colin McKenzie