HS1 Loading Gauge Change

[Legolash2o]

Does anyone know the mileage or location on a map where the loading gauge on HS1 changes from GC to GB?

I've looked on various published documents.

Thanks

 

[pdeaves]

I don't understand. What gauge? I am unaware of any structure gauge change and there certainly isn't a track gauge change.

What is 'GC'?

Could you elaborate please?

 

[Legolash2o]

The loading gauge is a envelope to ensure freight traffic don't hit bridges, tunnels, line-side equipment or any other obstacles; with the highest standard in the UK being W12.

HS1 was built to GC Gauge up until a certain point (near Barking?), which then continues to be GB or GB+ to London.

 

[civ-eng-jim]

Where have you read that part of HS1 is GC? I thought it was GB+. GC is massive. Is the channel tunnel not GC? (Or bigger)

 

[Legolash2o]

Various places on Wikipedia and similar sites. FOI requests previously submitted.

https://www.getlinkgroup.com/upload...ailways/Eurotunnel-network-statement-2019.pdf
https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/24986/response/79568/attach/3/HS1 Section 2 Register of Infrastructure.pdf

All UIC loading gauges are accepted in the Channel Fixed Link, including gauges UIC GC and GB+.

However, the loading gauge for cross-Channel services is generally constrained by limits in adjacent networks. In particular, for freight trains bound for the classic Network Rail network, which has a more restrictive loading gauge (W9 or W6) beyond the Dollands Moor freight yard, only wagons respecting the relevant gauge can be accepted (NB: please note that wagon marking with “C.T.” initials is not required for operation in the Channel Fixed Link). Gauges UIC GC and GB+ are accepted on certain sections of the HS1 network.

 

[jon0844]

Where have you read that part of HS1 is GC? I thought it was GB+. GC is massive. Is the channel tunnel not GC? (Or bigger)

Big enough to have a helicopter flying above if I recall correctly.

 

[Legolash2o]

Big enough to have a helicopter flying above if I recall correctly.

I think that's from the Mission Impossible film. Been a while since I've seen that!

 

[EAD]

I think your answers are here https://highspeed1.co.uk/media/282478/hs1-network-statement-2019-published.pdf
On UIC GC - that is a static height of 4.650m, while the channel tunnel itself is up higher as stock is I believe up at 5.6m - the tunnel is essentially an island at its own gauge.

 

[Legolash2o]

I think your answers are here https://highspeed1.co.uk/media/282478/hs1-network-statement-2019-published.pdf
On UIC GC - that is a static height of 4.650m, while the channel tunnel itself is up higher as stock is I believe up at 5.6m - the tunnel is essentially an island at its own gauge.

Thanks, I think I've read that before. Section 3.3.2.1 indicates the entire thing (excluding connecting lines) are GC, which matches the documents I linked earlier. However, it can different when it comes to platforms.

 

[civ-eng-jim]

What does GC allow that GB and GB+ don't?

 

[Legolash2o]

What does GC allow that GB and GB+ don't?

GB+ loading gauge needed for unaccompanied piggyback or the GC gauge required for tractor-and-trailer piggyback

Source: http://www.crowsnest.co.uk/gauge.htm

 

[AM9]

Big enough to have a helicopter flying above if I recall correctly.

Only before they put OLE in it.

 

[NotATrainspott]

The Temple Mills connection line is GB or GB+ only rather than GC.

A crucial aspect of the Berne gauge is that the platforms can be at pretty much any height as there's no change in available width. That's why it's not uncommon for vastly different platform heights to exist for different purposes - e.g. airport or metro trains with complete level boarding sharing tracks with trains which need people to step down to the platform.

 

[Ginaro]

Does anyone know the mileage or location on a map where the loading gauge on HS1 changes from GC to GB?

I've looked on various published documents.

Thanks

According to OpenStreetMap it changes between Dagenham Dock and Rainham https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/385980366/ (west of this is GB+)

 

[Legolash2o]

According to OpenStreetMap it changes between Dagenham Dock and Rainham https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/385980366/ (west of this is GB+)

Thanks, I used to use OSM quite a lot for rail but realised it has too many mistakes in it to use.

I think I will stick with what is said in official publications; which seem to agree that the main line is entirely GC, with the exception of Ashford, Temple Mills Deport and Network Rail connecting lines.

 

[Roast Veg]

Thanks, I used to use OSM quite a lot for rail but realised it has too many mistakes in it to use.

Like all open data sources (such as Wikipedia) I'd heartily encourage you to make changes to improve its accuracy - that way in the future it can become more reliable.

 

[Legolash2o]

Like all open data sources (such as Wikipedia) I'd heartily encourage you to make changes to improve its accuracy - that way in the future it can become more reliable.

Agreed! I did for several months but then the mods complained about too much editing lol.

 

[grumpyoldman01]

Apologies if I use the wrong terminology, but wasn't a dispensation (or derogation) given to use smaller clearances in the London Tunnels?

To illustrate what I mean, if the normal clearance between the side of a train and a vertical face is 1m, in the London Tunnels wasn't a dispensation granted to permit this to be reduced by 25%?

I'm only using the figures in the preceding paragraph to illustrate the point, but I'm sure that I've read somewhere that some sort of dispensation on clearances was granted; could this be the answer, because the change in clearances - if any dispensations or derogations were granted - would be in the Barking area (where the London Tunnels end)?