The maglev train might work nowadays: http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/five-failed-coventry-transport-plans-12798516

Other countries have made Maglev work. The problem was that we weren't prepared to put the effort in.

Maglev (or very similar) is the real future for high speed trains (as already proven in other countries) but I doubt the technology will be used for things like HS2 in this country, because too many stand to lose! HS2 is going to be very old, well past its sell by date, technology.

I've heard several commentators say that, and similar things about the 'new' nuclear power stations the Chinese have made us get because they're paying for them.