Modalohr piggyback wagons approved for Channel Tunnel

[andyfrommk]

EUROPE: The Inter-Governmental Commission which regulates safety in the Channel Tunnel has approved the use of Modalohr piggyback wagons, Eurotunnel announced on November 21.

Corporate Video
A Modalohr train being unloaded

How likely are we to see this system in the UK bearing in mind they need special terminals?

There are videos on youtube showing it carrying the tractor units as well and a passenger carriage in the rake so I wonder if they can start up a service that came a bit further inland than Le Shuttle currently does and start an 'international motorail' (demand permitting of-course)

 

[jopsuk]

presumably they can only operate on HS1 (there are now freight loops to allow fright along it I think?) and any guage-cleared spurs/connected yards. Services to Dagenham?

 

[mbonwick]

They sound like a more modern version of the FHA wagon, which we know weren't very sucessful...

 

[jopsuk]

I've seen something similar being touted, except that rather than the custome terminal, was able to use any bit of track with wide tarmac aprons either side.

 

[LouJ]

They sound like a more modern version of the FHA wagon, which we know weren't very sucessful...

These wagons (or a similiar version) are in use all over Europe. Go to any European station with decent levels of freight and 1 in 3 trains is composed of this type of piggyback operation. On some routes the percentage of piggyback operation is even higher! Obviously very unsuccessful!

 

[mbonwick]

All very well saying their sucessful in Europe (which is true), but the question was about their use in the UK.

I was merely pointing out that previous projects in a similar vein haven't worked here.

 

[Nym]

Yes, but the Intermodal we can fit in here is sucsessful, ie. Containerised freight, if these where provided as RORO for freight between North and South (it would need slow lines on HS2 to be able to do it) then I can see it working, especially if it undercuts the cost of diesel, and your drivers' breaks count while the vehicle is stationary...

 

[jopsuk]

Were the FHA wagons capable of taking any given standard artic trailer, or only specificly designed ones?

 

[andyfrommk]

I've seen something similar being touted, except that rather than the custome terminal, was able to use any bit of track with wide tarmac aprons either side.

You're thinking of Megaswing, Seems a bit too labour intesive to me.

Forgot to link a page on comparing intermodal methods.
MegaSwing is featured there but they have removed the Megaswing jpg

 

[LE Greys]

Dagenham sounds like a reasonable spot, with possible access to the M25 to allow lorries to arrive and depart easily (when it isn't a linear car park). Once again, it's regrettable we don't have the Great Central any more, Annesley would have made a good loading point. Still, is it impossible to get these things to fit through W10 loading gauge?

 

[jopsuk]

I'd think the "off-the-shelf" product would be tricky- it appears much of the structure is along the side of the wagon. I think (from what I can find) the FHAs were, with the trailer on them, as wide as can be?