If an upgrade were to take place on a phased basis, what sections would make the biggest difference to journey times? If the current route is upgraded to 125mph capable track without realigning, would it allow speeds to increase on sections that couldn't achieve 125mph?
I agree the 2010 deadline is nonsense, but the track needs to be relaid anyway, so it would be short sighted to go through another round of maintaining the status quo. If power cars are put out to tender now, the track upgrade would be well underway by the time they arrive.
In relation to power cars, is there really noone who can supply a 125mph power car now? Is it not just a matter of finding a suitable locomotive and giving it a pointy nose? Even if the tendering and supply process took 5 years, would it not be reasonable to expect to have power cars by 2012, by which time the track upgrade should be 33%-50% complete?
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