Double-Deck trains in UK

[Bletchleyite]

Is the UIC number displayed? Do the French and Belgian railway authorities recognise the 373 and 374 designations which are displayed?

The domestic number is typically hidden within the EVN, though I think it's typically the vehicle number rather than the unit number. If displayed in the proper format (which I've only seen in the UK on Merseyrail 777s, the other ones you see in the UK are just a jumble of numbers) it's usually bolded or underlined to call it out.

 

[zwk500]

Is the UIC number displayed?

On 374s definitely. You can see them in light grey on the lower central bodyside in images on this page:

Class 374

4015+4016 on the 9O31 1313 Paris Nord to St Pancras International at Westwell Leacon on the 16th January 2016.

www.jamiesquibbs.com

Do the French and Belgian railway authorities recognise the 373 and 374 designations which are displayed?

I don't know, sorry.

 

[BR Traction]

Is there any chance that we may see a return of double-deck trains in this country again. ?. Similar to say the class 4DD that were built in the late 1940s.

 

[martin2345uk]

Unlikely on the main British network I reckon but could (should) see them in a few years on HS1.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Is there any chance that we may see a return of double-deck trains in this country again. ?. Similar to say the class 4DD that were built in the late 1940s.

No. The loading gauge and platform protrusion render it impractical (as proven by the 4DD itself which was widely considered a failure).

The only places it could happen are HS1 and HS2 captive services, which are to European loading gauge.

 

[zwk500]

No. And the 4DD was not a double-deck train, but rather had the upper seats awkwardly interleaved between lower passengers. You could not walk all they way through the upper deck.

The Classic UK loading gauge (up to W12) is not tall enough for modern double-deck stock, and our 900mm high platforms which project close to the rail means that the lower section would need to be very narrow to fit within gauge.

HS1 and HS2 are built to modern UIC-GB gauge or taller which will allow for double deck stock, and HS1 has platforms built to european standards so could run it (and one potential operator has suggested doing so).
HS2 is being built with platforms closer to UK standards so is unlikely to run double decker stock even for 'captive' sets.

For some comparison of the gauging difference, find a picture of a class 373 next to a class 374 at St pancras.

 

[Sorcerer]

Double-deck trains are most definitely not coming to mainline UK railways anytime soon. Restrictive loading gauge aside their extra capacity is only about 1.5x greater than a single-deck train which will be somewhat offset by longer dwell times, heavier rolling stock affecting acceleration and deceleration, and increased track-wear which will in turn lead to higher track-access charges. Only on HS1 might we see it actually happen with Eurostar.