If part of the old GC is to be re-used then Edward Watkin must be laughing in his grave. After over 120 years the country has finally realise he was right to have a high speed mainline to Europe!!

They intend to dig down approx 5 ft into a semi cutting because that shields most of the noise made by the motors and the wheels, etc. all you see is a window gliding silently by with the occasional spark from above to remind you how quick its going. So there is very limited environmental impact the wires and canteenery (I cant spell the other one) being practically invisible from 2 miles and it takes seconds to go by - so whats the problem??

It would seem that about 12 miles of the old G.C.R. trackbed will be re-used to some extent, the new route does vary from the old one to ease the curves!:eek:

See Eccles71B's links above, maps 12 and 13.

Regards, 62440.:D