Cividale, the way it works here is you do some actual work in researching issues and then share the information with the board. Only dullards and bashers only ask, ask, and ask again -- I will assume you are neither, just lazy.

While the information might not be easy to find on China Railway projects, it is available. Here are just a few snippets to get you started. Now get online and get to work.

Yes, dirt is being dug. Hugo inspected a 128km segment of the project in Spring 2010, which he announced in his May 23, 2010 Sunday Alo Presidente show (I think it was Alo #358, you can review Hugo's website and video clips for details). referenced at http://www.vheadline.com/readnews.asp?id=92313

Here is a blog that discusses the railroad project with quite a bit of detail: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?s=8433f27c002932a84cb5ca760690e1a4&t=719806&page=8 The project is HUGE, ultimately over 13,000km and over $150 billion.

In November 2009, China Railway announced that it had purchased all the equipment for the project: http://www.sourcejuice.com/1278740/2009/11/24/China-Railway-Construction-Venezuela-first-railway-project-completed-purchase/