Digging the Tunnel

[Alan]

Came across these photos whilst looking for something else, and thought I would share them here.

Before the Channel Tunnel was opened, we visited the Exhibition Centre. Outside was this cutting head off one of the boring machines. On the side it said "For Sale - One careful owner" smile.gif
http://www.holidaypics.0catch.com/chunnel1.jpg

Inside the centre was a model of the boring machine, complete with all the conveyors, and narrow gauge trains which took away the spoil.
http://www.holidaypics.0catch.com/chunnel2.jpg

Also a working model railway depicting both ends of the tunnel, and trains. This is the french end, I think.
http://www.holidaypics.0catch.com/chunnel3.jpg

[ 23 December 2001: Message edited by: Alan ]

[John Whitby]

Just think how many illegal immigrants could get through the hole that thing makes !!
Seriously though Alan...Does the Exhibition Centre still exist ?
Best wishes,
John

[Alan]

I think it closed down sometime after the tunnel became operational. Pity, as it was a very interesting place. There was a tower you could climb up to get a bird's eye view of the loading terminal and associated tracks. I took a couple of pics. will have to post them as well.

[fitz]

Alan, I remember seeing photos of those "cutters" in the past. That was a truly awesome project. Certainly beats swimming the Channel for a pastime. :cool:

[watash]

Alan, if you add this to your layout, your trains will come out down the street at your neighbor's house! Just think of all the operation one could have during a tunnel dig! :D

[fitz]

Watash, that reminds me of a book that I used to check out of our hometown library as a kid. You, me and Telegrapher are probably the only ones who would remember it. I think it was called the "Runaway Train", but it was a Lionel runaway, and whovever the author was did a great job at photographing a toy train in outdoor locations. It was pretty cool for a kid back in those days. :cool:

[Telegrapher]

yea. I remember reading that book. Don't remember very much about the story. I do remember that I loved it and read it several times. :D