hospitalised Blog No 2

 Cross Channel Competition

The above headline popped into fbb's 'device' yesterday. It heralded a lengthy article about forthcoming competition for Eurostar.

Now Eurostar is part of the Thalys group and the UK has sold it's share out to Europe. And, of course we are all truly thrilled to be part of Europe but not part of Europe. Or we might become more part of Europe but not really part of Europe.

Anyway it is all very clear and straightforward!!!

Then, do we remember when a Deutsch Bahn ICE train arrived majestically at St Pancras ...

... as a harbinger of a new competitive service. The  had been hauled through the Channel by a freight loco and pushed ignominiously into Barlow's train shed by a shunter!

But the promised service did not H

harbinge?

Although the service would remain an 'aspirations', the time was not yet right.

In fact DB decided that the cost of the multi voltage, multi control systems trains was too great.

Next Dickie was pictured in positive pose on the steps leading up to the Eurostar platforms at St P.

But, wisely. Branson the Bearded dis not waste his money propelling a train for a photo shoot.

it was a fake!

It would probAbly take fbb five years to set up his competitive service from London to Paris, assuming he could find idiots investors with astronomically deep pockets to pay the astronomical bills.

So the idea of competition becoming "heated" is mayhap still in la la land!

But, hold fast brave Brits bursting to cross La Manche at cheapo fares in a highly competitive market!

Tricky Dickie has ordered his trains.

Well, perhaps not "ordered" but might be going to order!

Then Italian State railways stands in eager anticipation. The company has aspirations to compete with SNCF and is planning a mega new depot in Paris.

If it happens the Italians would beat blue blood (? perhaps not blue!) Brit Branon to to potentially crowded platforms at St P.

But hasn't Sir Richard said he will be running from Old Oak Common or Stratford or Ealing Broadway? Wherever he terminates he will need to get the Customs people to set up massive security.

Because we are not part of Europe and probably never will be event if we claim we are.

And, anyway. the Italians have already been turned down once by the Office if Rail Regulation!

Quite what the UK ORR's part in this fun and games is unclear as very little of it, if any, will soil the UK's tracks!

But never mind, eh, because ...

... French/Belgian Eurostar is ready to defend this Sceptred Isle against Johnny foreigner; and while they are at it. poke the bearded wonder in the eye at the same time.

"We will fight them on the beaches!" as some grumpy bloke with a big cigar once said!

===================

Medical Report

Nothing much happened on Sunday or yesterday. IF the blood dribble has stopped or does stop naturally, there will be no need for further "intervention"; from either end!

GROSS!

Much routine "obs" revealing "stable numbers". Numbers of what is not entirely clear!

But a few more days "inside" seem likely.

Tomorrow a full and frank expose of hospital food in addition to a Public Transport snippet. You may be surprised!!