tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807967329010536074.post8647879460665668342..comments2023-07-09T16:11:35.984+01:00Comments on No to High Speed 2: The GWR main line to BirminghamPhysiocrathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13682019625346594568noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807967329010536074.post-58852897215299742902010-03-17T20:53:51.948+00:002010-03-17T20:53:51.948+00:00The four track section at Banbury didn't reach...The four track section at Banbury didn't reach very far beyond Banbury north junction where the connection to the Great Central came in. Apart from the odd loop such as at Fenny Compton and the through lines at Leamington Spa, the only other exception to the double track formation south of Lapworth was a short stretch of slow line (in the down direction only) on the climb up Hatton bank. Most of this slow line still exists.<br /><br />Although the line is generally well laid out and capable of good speeds, there are a few places where restrictions are necessary, such as the reverse curves through High Wycombe, a legacy of the line's origins as a 19th century branch.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13332934679125466766noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807967329010536074.post-44731208455105115822010-03-17T18:20:57.787+00:002010-03-17T18:20:57.787+00:00I recall extensive stretches of four-track north o...I recall extensive stretches of four-track north of Banbury in 1961. If you check Google Earth, long stretches of the formation appears much wider than is occupied by the present two tracks. Which means there is scope for widening.<br /><br />Of course if you have checked on plans or aerial photographs, this would get rid of any doubt. Many routes were four-tracked during World War 2 and then reduced to two in the late 1960s so you would need to check track plans or aerial photographs made between 1950 and 1965.Physiocrathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13682019625346594568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807967329010536074.post-81914644580212233582010-03-17T18:03:01.157+00:002010-03-17T18:03:01.157+00:00This line was never four tracks north of Aynho. Th...This line was never four tracks north of Aynho. The four track section started a lot further north at Lapworth, south of Dorridge on the outskirts of Birmingham.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13332934679125466766noreply@blogger.com