But i absolutely agree that spending huge sums of money on things like the third runway, and HS2, when we can't provide enough PPE for the NHS staff, ventilators for patients (both of which were flagged up after a pandemic 'exercise' a few years ago) and hoplessly inadequate testing facilities.

I think you're comparing bananas with elephants. HS2 and the new runway at LHR are long term infrastructure projects to relieve pinch points. The existing lines out of London were, pre covid full and Heathrow the same. It's likely that, by the time they're realised, the current set ups will be back at capacity.

There is also a strong argument on Keynsian grounds for big projects to help get the economy moving.

The Japanese are absolute machines when it comes to construction.

And the Chinese. I suggest googling how chinese build high speed railways to be amazed by their civil engineering ability. Their viaduct construction and track laying machines are truly awesome. Much of their HS rail is in a concrete trough viaduct which cuts down noise and has little impact on the farmland and roads below it. Can't understand why our HS is mainly at ground level with all the expense and inconvenience that entails in making it level and providing so many crossing points.

I agree that the Chinese can also rapidly construct railways (and, obviously, hospitals), but they have three things massively in their favour:

1. The government's human rights laws and procedures are extremely lax and any obstacles (literal; think current landowners) can be moved with minimum issue.

2. The average wage is much lower than most developed countries.

3. The regime in charge is authoritarian and therefore can bypass much of the bureaucracy that hampers most modern governments.

That said, the machine you were referring to (I am assuming you mean the beam carrying machine with 18 axles) is magnificent. I've always been in awe at the design and pure 'strength' of these vehicles.