I tried this on the European forum but got no answer. Can someone tell me 1. the height of the floor above the rail of British coaching stock, 2. the maximum width of British outline rolling stock at floor height, 3. distance from the rail of British high level platforms and height above the rail of same, and 4. are the dimensions the same or similar for the continent? I have someone in the UK interested in a US manufactured railcar. Would appreciate your sending me the information at mahlkov@gtcom.net Many thanks. [ 19 July 2001: Message edited by: Gregg Mahlkov ]</p>
Hello Gregg, I think that even serving railwaymen will be very reluctant to answer this question. There are, no doubt, present day design specs covering these dimensions but much of the British infrastructure has been around for such a long time that the subject is very complex. It is not unknown for a train designed specifically for the U.K. to have clearance problems when testing commences. I would suggest you contact the infrastructure company Railtrack for their opinion Railtrack The situation in mainland Europe is potentially even more complicated as platform heights vary greatly even within the same country. There is also the big difference in loading gauge to be considered when comparing the railways of the U.K to those of the rest of Europe. The International Union of Railways are probably the best people to speak to regarding the situation in Europe.International Union of Railways Best wishes, John.
Sorry Gregg, I saw your question in the Europe forum, and meant to do some research, as I don't know the answer! But been very busy, and forgot Sorry. I think John's suggestion is the best course.
Alan and John, found what I was looking for at: http://www.btinternet.com/~joyce.whitchurch/gauges/carriage.gif This gives me the dimensions of a British standard. I wanted to know if the manufacturer could build a car within that gauge. He can. Thanks for the help.