Mod Note: Posts #1 - #27 originally in this thread.
Because the track isn't fit for conventional stock to run at 125? Through some minor realignments and such like you might get 115, perhaps a short section of 120 if you push the limits but the only way to get 125 is wholesale reconstruction.I do not understand why there has to be great expense to allow non-tilt 125mph running on the Northern WCML! For example, take the long section from Lockerbie to Beattock (ex-station not summit), the track, signalling and OHLE are aready engineered for 125mph running from the Pendo's and 221. It is a very straight section [for the WCML] and safe for non-tilting trains to run at 125mph too, they are just not allowed to do so. The only expense is a new sign reading '125' rather than maintaining the two existing signs of '110' and 'EPS 125'!