Don,
You're very lucky to be living in the UK where the railfans put their money where their mouths are instead of reciting the litany of "We can't because.... " (excuses to follow).
With the exception of the Lyon and the Leviathan (which are privately funded, I understand) over on this side of the pond we are more interested in arguing about special interests. We get excellent leadership in the special interest category from our governments, national, state and local.
I congratulate you Brits and the Germans on actually rolling up your sleeves and getting something done.
It seems that this country's greatest export is now young people's lives and BS.
Rick