tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27589444.post7150887417287046753..comments2023-08-22T16:18:38.393+01:00Comments on Rail Thing - Friends of the S&D: midsomer norton then and nowUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27589444.post-67587618256758341902011-08-30T08:30:42.886+01:002011-08-30T08:30:42.886+01:00You may lose the will to live, but here two "...You may lose the will to live, but here two "Mister Magoo" politics news items from Auntie:<br /><br />Competition to supply new London Crossrail trains is being delayed.<br /> <br />Transport Secretary announced review of guidelines after trains supply contract for Thameslink went to German Siemens instead of Derby-based Bombardier in June.<br /><br />Will now go to tender late 2012 after review aimed at ensuring UK companies don't lose out to European rivals. <br /><br />Tender documents 60 new trains for £16bn Crossrail scheme were due late 2011. Will connect Heathrow & Maidenhead in west with Abbey Wood & Shenfield in east.<br /><br />Thameslink estimated £1.4bn deal had been regarded crucial for UK's last remaining train factory. Bombardier plans to cut half 3,000-strong Derby workforce. Full text:<br /><br />http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-14712211<br /><br />Councillors wobbly on Edinburgh tram funding dither.<br /><br />Alex Salmond warns, Scottish govt might withhold almost £60m, balance of its £500m investment, which could undermine economic case for Haymarket option. Councillors rejected plans to borrow extra £230m to take tramline into St Andrews Square. Backed Labour amendment to end line at Haymarket. Provoked furious reaction but decision can't be revisited for 12 months unless material change in circumstances eg first minister's intervention. Lib Dem council group may press colleagues to back taking trams on to St A.Squ.<br /><br />"Wheels within wheels", its like wading through treacle just reading about it:<br /><br />http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-14713476Brianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00346120168038544874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27589444.post-16509274398260421192011-08-29T22:49:46.074+01:002011-08-29T22:49:46.074+01:00Thanks for the pointer to Nick Howes photo set, th...Thanks for the pointer to Nick Howes photo set, that is just the sort of thing I had in mind as really shows the transformation which has been achieved, indeed still ongoing. I do hope others will take some time for a good look through those, its rewarding and thought provoking stuff viewed from where we are now at.<br /><br />The first picture of this sort I encountered was one taken by a then schoolpal Jim Arnold on a bicycle mission to explore some abandoned S&D. It showed the little wooden shelter and a signal post which was swathed in weeds (creepers?) growing all the way up. That made a lasting impression which remains with me after about 36 years of "water under the bridge".Brianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00346120168038544874noreply@blogger.com