Crossrail tunneling

[LE Greys]

Sydney-style DD units could be worth considering. The distinctive thing compared to DD units from Europe or the USA is that Australian railways use high-level platforms like Britain. The amount of infrastructure changes needed might not be that huge, the new H set is only 620mm (About 2 ft) taller than an Electrostar.

Maximum height is only 1 ft 4 taller than the tallest coach ever to run in Britain, a GWR Dreadnought. Nevertheless, that's still taller than W11 loading gauge (which a Dreadnought would just fit through). By raising the wires, it could probably get to Heathrow on Crossrail, but not beyond Stockley Bridge, just west of the flyover, although that might have to be demolished to get the wires under it anyway.

 

[RichmondCommu]

Sydney-style DD units could be worth considering. The distinctive thing compared to DD units from Europe or the USA is that Australian railways use high-level platforms like Britain. The amount of infrastructure changes needed might not be that huge, the new H set is only 620mm (About 2 ft) taller than an Electrostar.

The flip style seats are pretty cool too. I lived in Sydney many years a go and the commute from the North Shore to Town Hall was an absolute pleasure! I've been back several times since and while its not the best network in the world its certainly cheap! If only they could improve journey times between Sydney and Newcastle. The link to Mascot was certainly long over due. Happy days!

 

[GRALISTAIR]

OMG - I remember getting Rail - or Rail Enthusiast Magazine as it was then and getting updates on the TBM progress under the Channel for the Chunnel.