Good point. Ireland (the whole island) uses 1600mm, while England, Scotland, and Wales use 1435mm (also used by France, and lots of other countries all around the world).
UK-EU relations and Northern Ireland
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Re: UK-EU relations and Northern Ireland
Re: UK-EU relations and Northern Ireland
These big projects have to start somewhere. No idea how feasible it is but someone ought to be at least thinking about it.Woodchopper wrote: ↑Sun Mar 07, 2021 10:07 amIt looks like Johnson’s plan is to build a tunnel from Scotland to Northern Ireland. It’s a nice symbol of the union and would cut travel times.
Or at least talk about it and do feasibility studies for years until it’s someone else’s problem.
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Re: UK-EU relations and Northern Ireland
Of course. Its just that Johnson has a history of talking about exciting projects that never happen. Perhaps one day someone could land at the international airport on Boris Island, then go on a tour of Britain which involved crossing the verdant Garden Bridge over the Thames, visiting the rebuilt Crystal Palace and going under the Irish Sea via the tunnel. Though it never being built may be a better fate than the cable care from Greenwich over the Thames. Which was built but had no regular users.plodder wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 10:25 amThese big projects have to start somewhere. No idea how feasible it is but someone ought to be at least thinking about it.Woodchopper wrote: ↑Sun Mar 07, 2021 10:07 amIt looks like Johnson’s plan is to build a tunnel from Scotland to Northern Ireland. It’s a nice symbol of the union and would cut travel times.
Or at least talk about it and do feasibility studies for years until it’s someone else’s problem.
Re: UK-EU relations and Northern Ireland
Johnson's plan (as much as he can be said to have one) is to get people talking about that rather than things which actually are happening.Woodchopper wrote: ↑Sun Mar 07, 2021 10:07 amIt looks like Johnson’s plan is to build a tunnel from Scotland to Northern Ireland. It’s a nice symbol of the union and would cut travel times.
Or at least talk about it and do feasibility studies for years until it’s someone else’s problem.
Every one of you are wasting precious seconds of your life discussing how to get the angels onto the head of the pin so hat they can dance a merry brexit jig.
Re: UK-EU relations and Northern Ireland
You mean this one: Secrets of the Cable CarWoodchopper wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 10:46 amThough it never being built may be a better fate than the cable care from Greenwich over the Thames. Which was built but had no regular users.
"My interest is in the future, because I'm going to spend the rest of my life there"
Re: UK-EU relations and Northern Ireland
not entirely sure about that. there's a lot of infrastructure money about at the moment which will help drag us into the 21st Ctom p wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 11:22 amJohnson's plan (as much as he can be said to have one) is to get people talking about that rather than things which actually are happening.Woodchopper wrote: ↑Sun Mar 07, 2021 10:07 amIt looks like Johnson’s plan is to build a tunnel from Scotland to Northern Ireland. It’s a nice symbol of the union and would cut travel times.
Or at least talk about it and do feasibility studies for years until it’s someone else’s problem.
Every one of you are wasting precious seconds of your life discussing how to get the angels onto the head of the pin so hat they can dance a merry brexit jig.
Re: UK-EU relations and Northern Ireland
FTFYplodder wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 2:36 pmnot entirely sure about that. there's a lot of infrastructure money about at the moment which will help drag us into the 21st C go into his friends pockets.tom p wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 11:22 amJohnson's plan (as much as he can be said to have one) is to get people talking about that rather than things which actually are happening.Woodchopper wrote: ↑Sun Mar 07, 2021 10:07 amIt looks like Johnson’s plan is to build a tunnel from Scotland to Northern Ireland. It’s a nice symbol of the union and would cut travel times.
Or at least talk about it and do feasibility studies for years until it’s someone else’s problem.
Every one of you are wasting precious seconds of your life discussing how to get the angels onto the head of the pin so hat they can dance a merry brexit jig.
Some people call me strange.
I prefer unconventional.
But I'm willing to compromise and accept eccentric.
I prefer unconventional.
But I'm willing to compromise and accept eccentric.
Re: UK-EU relations and Northern Ireland
Before I posted, I initially wrote "idiots" rather than "people".plodder wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 2:36 pmnot entirely sure about that. there's a lot of infrastructure money about at the moment which will help drag us into the 21st Ctom p wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 11:22 amJohnson's plan (as much as he can be said to have one) is to get people talking about that rather than things which actually are happening.Woodchopper wrote: ↑Sun Mar 07, 2021 10:07 amIt looks like Johnson’s plan is to build a tunnel from Scotland to Northern Ireland. It’s a nice symbol of the union and would cut travel times.
Or at least talk about it and do feasibility studies for years until it’s someone else’s problem.
Every one of you are wasting precious seconds of your life discussing how to get the angels onto the head of the pin so hat they can dance a merry brexit jig.
I thought to myself, 'now that's a bit harsh on chops'.
And it would have been harsh on him
Re: UK-EU relations and Northern Ireland
Not really. Chops mentioned a silly johnson idea, acknowledging he has form, loads of people pile on saying what an impossible idea it is to build a tunnel under the sea, I point out it's probably feasible and someone ought to look at it regardless of who's in charge, you tear off your shirt and beat your chest loudly proclaiming that johnson johnson johnson anyone who talks about johnson johnson johnson complete idiots etc did I mention johnson.
There is lots of infrastructure money floating about at the moment and it's not going to johnson's "mates". some of it's paying my mortgage, for example.
There is lots of infrastructure money floating about at the moment and it's not going to johnson's "mates". some of it's paying my mortgage, for example.
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Re: UK-EU relations and Northern Ireland
plodder revealed as one of Johnson's mates
We have the right to a clean, healthy, sustainable environment.
Re: UK-EU relations and Northern Ireland
Infrastructure money isn't going to build a space elevator from Wolverhampton to Jupiter. If something is impossible with current technology, it's impossible.
Wait till autonomous tunnelling machines can be set running deep below the surface.
Wait till autonomous tunnelling machines can be set running deep below the surface.
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Re: UK-EU relations and Northern Ireland
This particular idea does sound a bit odd from what I can find in the press, eg https://www.irishpost.com/news/boris-jo ... -uk-204343
There are places with three-way tunnels like that, eg in the Faeroes, but I don't think they had to cross a huge crevasse full of bombs. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eysturoyartunnilin
Equally there are bridges and tunnels and things linking Denmark to Sweden without it doing much to promote a unified national identity.
Has anyone seen a proposal that makes it sound not-stupid?
There are places with three-way tunnels like that, eg in the Faeroes, but I don't think they had to cross a huge crevasse full of bombs. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eysturoyartunnilin
Equally there are bridges and tunnels and things linking Denmark to Sweden without it doing much to promote a unified national identity.
Has anyone seen a proposal that makes it sound not-stupid?
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Re: UK-EU relations and Northern Ireland
Some more analysis here https://sluggerotoole.com/2021/02/19/bo ... -than-one/
It's longer and deeper than the channel tunnel, by way of comparison. With a bunch of bombs in the middle.
Also some issues connecting up the train networks, apparently.
But I guess the proposed feasibility study will look into all that stuff.
It's longer and deeper than the channel tunnel, by way of comparison. With a bunch of bombs in the middle.
Also some issues connecting up the train networks, apparently.
But I guess the proposed feasibility study will look into all that stuff.
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Re: UK-EU relations and Northern Ireland
The particular issue (per EPD) is that the rails are different widths apart in Ireland (5' 3") and Scotland (4' 8.5"), so you need to completely rebuild the rails for the entire rail system you want to connect to the tunnel on one side or the other. And all the track clearances. And replace all the rolling stock.Bird on a Fire wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 5:06 pmAlso some issues connecting up the train networks, apparently.
(ETA: practically that probably means doing all the work on the Irish side, as I'd guess that the tracks clearances are likely to be larger on the side with the wider gauge)
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Re: UK-EU relations and Northern Ireland
Well, either that or you just run the trains into a terminal at Belfast where everyone has to change. You can't take a Eurostar beyond London either.dyqik wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 7:20 pmThe particular issue (per EPD) is that the rails are different widths apart in Ireland (5' 3") and Scotland (4' 8.5"), so you need to completely rebuild the rails for the entire rail system you want to connect to the tunnel on one side or the other. And all the track clearances. And replace all the rolling stock.Bird on a Fire wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 5:06 pmAlso some issues connecting up the train networks, apparently.
(ETA: practically that probably means doing all the work on the Irish side, as I'd guess that the tracks clearances are likely to be larger on the side with the wider gauge)
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Re: UK-EU relations and Northern Ireland
Is carrying people the main point of this tunnel? Or carrying goods?Bird on a Fire wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 7:57 pmWell, either that or you just run the trains into a terminal at Belfast where everyone has to change. You can't take a Eurostar beyond London either.dyqik wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 7:20 pmThe particular issue (per EPD) is that the rails are different widths apart in Ireland (5' 3") and Scotland (4' 8.5"), so you need to completely rebuild the rails for the entire rail system you want to connect to the tunnel on one side or the other. And all the track clearances. And replace all the rolling stock.Bird on a Fire wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 5:06 pmAlso some issues connecting up the train networks, apparently.
(ETA: practically that probably means doing all the work on the Irish side, as I'd guess that the tracks clearances are likely to be larger on the side with the wider gauge)
Re: UK-EU relations and Northern Ireland
Adding for both options: You can't get the Euro Tunnel past Folkstone.dyqik wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 8:12 pmIs carrying people the main point of this tunnel? Or carrying goods?Bird on a Fire wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 7:57 pmWell, either that or you just run the trains into a terminal at Belfast where everyone has to change. You can't take a Eurostar beyond London either.dyqik wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 7:20 pm
The particular issue (per EPD) is that the rails are different widths apart in Ireland (5' 3") and Scotland (4' 8.5"), so you need to completely rebuild the rails for the entire rail system you want to connect to the tunnel on one side or the other. And all the track clearances. And replace all the rolling stock.
(ETA: practically that probably means doing all the work on the Irish side, as I'd guess that the tracks clearances are likely to be larger on the side with the wider gauge)
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Re: UK-EU relations and Northern Ireland
No idea. But generally speaking if it's intended to be a PR move to emphasise the connectedness of the United Kingdom I'd expect they're hoping for a lot of passengers. Nobody's that excited by how freight moves around, as long as it does so unimpeded by border checkpoints, customs and paperwork.dyqik wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 8:12 pmIs carrying people the main point of this tunnel? Or carrying goods?Bird on a Fire wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 7:57 pmWell, either that or you just run the trains into a terminal at Belfast where everyone has to change. You can't take a Eurostar beyond London either.dyqik wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 7:20 pm
The particular issue (per EPD) is that the rails are different widths apart in Ireland (5' 3") and Scotland (4' 8.5"), so you need to completely rebuild the rails for the entire rail system you want to connect to the tunnel on one side or the other. And all the track clearances. And replace all the rolling stock.
(ETA: practically that probably means doing all the work on the Irish side, as I'd guess that the tracks clearances are likely to be larger on the side with the wider gauge)
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Re: UK-EU relations and Northern Ireland
Hmm, so a 300 mile train journey from here, East Mids to Belfast? 5 or so hours? 1h 10 by plane and £60..
Lets face it, it's a crackpot idea. It's possible, of course it is, nobody could rule out the ingenuity of the human. It's twice as deep and twice as long as the channel tunnel, through much harder rock with little or no infrastructure existing at both ends and to what end? As things stand it would still need customs checks either end.
Just so the ERG and blukip loons can say they're doing something about the entirely avoidable catastrofuck they're got us into.
Lets face it, it's a crackpot idea. It's possible, of course it is, nobody could rule out the ingenuity of the human. It's twice as deep and twice as long as the channel tunnel, through much harder rock with little or no infrastructure existing at both ends and to what end? As things stand it would still need customs checks either end.
Just so the ERG and blukip loons can say they're doing something about the entirely avoidable catastrofuck they're got us into.
Re: UK-EU relations and Northern Ireland
Not to suggest that the tunnel plan makes any kind of sense whatever, but dual variable gauge rolling stock is completely a thing - jfgi. The Spanish definitely use it and IIRC the Russians too, among others.
Last edited by nekomatic on Mon Mar 08, 2021 10:18 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: UK-EU relations and Northern Ireland
yes, either that or tom is a moron.
Re: UK-EU relations and Northern Ireland
I know it exists. But gauge is only one element of compatibility between systems, and all the rolling stock that you want to transfer between systems has to be of that type, which brings us back to what I was saying about having to make a large investment in rolling stock.
Re: UK-EU relations and Northern Ireland
Isn't that what BRexit was all about?dyqik wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 10:46 pmI know it exists. But gauge is only one element of compatibility between systems, and all the rolling stock that you want to transfer between systems has to be of that type, which brings us back to what I was saying about having to make a large investment in rolling stock.
My avatar was a scientific result that was later found to be 'mistaken' - I rarely claim to be 100% correct
ETA 5/8/20: I've been advised that the result was correct, it was the initial interpretation that needed to be withdrawn
Meta? I'd say so!
ETA 5/8/20: I've been advised that the result was correct, it was the initial interpretation that needed to be withdrawn
Meta? I'd say so!
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Re: UK-EU relations and Northern Ireland
We could always invest in high speed ferries, research environmentally friendly power systems, better port infrastructure closer to existing, useful transport points. But no, it's got to be a f.cking pie in the sky tunnel that will cost billions and never, ever be built in my daughters lifetime.
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Re: UK-EU relations and Northern Ireland
Ya, but its fun to talk about.veravista wrote: ↑Tue Mar 09, 2021 12:18 amWe could always invest in high speed ferries, research environmentally friendly power systems, better port infrastructure closer to existing, useful transport points. But no, it's got to be a f.cking pie in the sky tunnel that will cost billions and never, ever be built in my daughters lifetime.
Masking forever
Putin is a monster.
Russian socialism will rise again
Putin is a monster.
Russian socialism will rise again