21st June 2021 · Construction of HS1

David Kelso gave a Zoom presentation entitled “Construction of HS1 – Channel Tunnel Link Rail Link – Phase 1”.

David’s presentation covered each contract throughout Kent individually from Fawkham Jct. to the Medway crossing on a line which required a great amount of earthworks because of the number of tunnels and flyovers required. He dealt with each of these in great detail as the route criss-crossed the existing ex-SER line running adjacent to HS1, especially south of Ashford.

Some notable shots included the following:-

  • Beechbrook Farm – the main construction hub – which David referred to as ‘the largest train set in the world’ because of its similarity to most model layouts.
  • The snow shed type ‘noise shed’ at Harrietsham village where the current noise levels are much lower than those on the adjacent M20. (The village happens to boast the highest residency of retired London legal brains in the UK).
  • The construction of the Medway viaduct.
  • The rebuilding of a 16th Century listed Kent Wealden farmhouse and the relocation of a 450 ton house on jacks.
  • A shot of where HS1 travels between the two levels of approach to the north side of the M25 Dartford crossing over the Thames.

Locomotives seen included Class 20s and an on-hire Class 14, and South Eastern units then in use in the area.

At first glance a two-hour showing of construction site shots might be thought to be not very inspiring but David gave us a well formulated, informative and interesting presentation coupled with superb photography. (See p.415 June RO – South Essex).