An extension of the Gatwick Service is almost what I was promoting - but to get to Gatwick or Tonbridge not only requires a reversal at Redhill, but potentially the crossing of two up and two downlines. If this were on the cards, there would need to be reversal at Redhill and a crossover to the down line to Gatwick (where capacity is so tight, that
FGW▸ trains have proceed down the line to sidings in between current return journeys) then reversal back up to Redhill, where another reversal would be required, and a crossing of 4 lines! Hence, in my original proposal, I decided this would be practically impossible!
Also:
Ashford International currently gets 3 services a day to/from Paris and 1 to/from Brussels, two of those Ashford departures are before 0730 leaving only two continent bound trains for this fantasy service of yours to realistically connect with.
This is a bit chicken and egg scenario - with more services connecting at Ashford International, there may be more possibilities of Eurostar services. I agree that Oxf - Padd+ Tube may be quicker, but lugging suitcases across the underground isn't much fun.
Finally,
Capacity issues between Reading and Wokingham.
. I fully understand this. But surely when more Crosscountry services used to terminate at Redhill / Three Bridges / Brighton (via Redhill not West London line) there were enough paths?
Still, perhaps this what happens when an enthusiast gets an idea but does fully understand the industry restrictions which sometimes suppress creative thinking.
And finally - please can someone explain to an ignoramous like me what the reference
That would be an ORCATS▸ raid and a half
means? Thank you.
And if the Adelantes are no go, perhaps a 6 coach 158 could be used or even a
HST▸ set
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