[John H-T]

Full coverage of the whole electrification programme in the latest edition of Rail. Good to see a full over view and how everything fits together, including the prospect of an electric spine from the South Coast to the Midlands.

I would agree that the South West is the loser. However there is also an article on the reopening of the "Withered Arm." For now just reopening to Tavistock from Bere Alston. However the gap to Oakhampton would only be 15.5 miles and most of the track bed is intact. Would this be a better route to electrify in the future? Would solve the problem of the Dawlish Sea Wall.

Finally there is an article on the design challenges of HS2. A look beyond the politics to the challenges of designing a transport facility for the 21st century.

This is an edition of Rail for those who want to be informed and gives a lot of food for thought.

Best wishes,

John H-T.