Date: 27/10/2013

Critics of the HS2 rail project have put forward an alternative route using a train line which was closed in the 1960s. The rival scheme would see the reopening of the former Great Central line, which ran from London to Nottingham, with links to Leeds and Manchester. Supporters of the proposal claim it would cost around £6billion, instead of the £42.6 billion which the HS2 project is set to cost.

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Railway line shut by Beeching 'can save us £36bn'

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The rival scheme would see the reopening of the Great Central line, which ran from London to Nottingham, and was closed by Dr Richard Beeching, pictured.

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J39 0-6-0 no 64747 in a siding alongside Woodford Halse shed in October 1963. A village in rural Northants with a population of around 1,500, Woodford Halse was transformed with the arrival of the GCR London extension. This resulted in construction of a large locomotive shed and goods yard, with housing and other facilities for railway workers. How times change. The station, shed and yards were closed in the mid 1960s and the village has now returned to its former quiet rural state with little sign that the railway was ever there.
Location: Woodford Halse
Company: London Extension (Great Central Railway)
20/10/1963 David Pesterfield

An unusual scene on the ex-Great Central route at Sudbury and Harrow Road in the London suburbs in 1963. Maroon WR Warship D844 Spartan heads north with the Saturday 13.25 London - Birmingham service operating, on this occasion, from Marylebone as opposed to the normal Paddington. [Thanks to all respondents - with a special thank you to Martin Smith, Robert Heron and Dave Winter of the Great Western Society for their help in finally nailing this one.]
Location: Sudbury and Harrow Road
Company: Northolt to Neasden Line (Great Central Railway)
25/05/1963 Robin Barbour Collection (Courtesy Bruce McCartney)

A special from Southampton at Nottingham Victoria on a dismal Saturday 30 March 1963, having brought fans north for the FA Cup quarter final against Forest. West Country Pacific no 34102 Lapford was one of a number of specials to arrive in Nottingham that day. [The result was a 1-1 draw, with Southampton eventually going through 5-0 following a second replay.] [See image 30764]
Location: Nottingham Victoria
Company: Nottingham Victoria (Great Central Railway and Great Northern Railway Joint)
30/03/1963 K A Gray

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