Loading gauge of the Metropolitan and East London Lines

[Merle Haggard]

Iirc the ballast level was lowered as well as the tunnel floor during electrification , and even with all that it was still a tight fit.

I think I remember correctly that it was a pioneer use of slab track to improve (= reduce) tolerance but possibly I'm getting confused with another section of line nearby.

 

[Man of Kent]

I think I remember correctly that it was a pioneer use of slab track to improve (= reduce) tolerance but possibly I'm getting confused with another section of line nearby.

I thought the same, and there are pictures/videos to confirm it was certainly the case that there was slab track through Kings Cross Thameslink.

 

[Gonzoiku]

I thought the same, and there are pictures/videos to confirm it was certainly the case that there was slab track through Kings Cross Thameslink.

And my personal recollection of standing in the platform I recollect seeing the proof that the "do not flush when at a station" rule was not observed by all passengers. But no video you will be relieved (sic!) to hear.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 21 Jun 2026 ==

Happy to be corrected, but I think the sectional Appendix has a restriction on MK1 and MK2 stock that it is only cleared to operate as part of the test train fleet.
I have no idea whether the test train vehicles have a different profile due to modifications but it would be unusual for that restriction to be put in if standard Mk1s and Mk2s would be fine.

The unique design of the 317s suggests that profile is not the only consideration - vehicle length can be an issue too, which explains the chatacteristic chamfered carriage ends on the 317. I suspect that was to allow for the curve under St Pancras, no longer an issue.

 

[35B]

The unique design of the 317s suggests that profile is not the only consideration - vehicle length can be an issue too, which explains the chatacteristic chamfered carriage ends on the 317. I suspect that was to allow for the curve under St Pancras, no longer an issue.

I don’t remember them being any more chamfered than the other MK3 derived designs?

 

[Recessio]

I don’t remember them being any more chamfered than the other MK3 derived designs?

I remember on Southwestern 455s there were two "shapes" of carriages, with one seeming a bit smaller than the others - were both Mk3, or only one?

Edit: actually three I guess if you count the 456s?

 

[35B]

I remember on Southwestern 455s there were two "shapes" of carriages, with one seeming a bit smaller than the others - were both Mk3, or only one?

Edit: actually three I guess if you count the 456s?

Only one. The others were class 508 trailers inserted into units to make up the 4 cars in what became class 455/7.

 

[Gonzoiku]

Deleted

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 21 Jun 2026 ==

I don’t remember them being any more chamfered than the other MK3 derived designs?

Must have been a trick of the light!

 

[frankmoh]

Although the 508s were PEP stock, and the original 313 was designed to fit into a slightly out of gauge tunnel!