If the GWML is ever electrified...

[route:oxford]

Is it likely that the DfT will permit the ordering of units that take full advantage of the GWMLs more generous gauge?

It's often been suggested that the Thames Turbos were ordered with this benefit (or limitation) in order that they couldn't be swiped by other regions...

 

[Zoe]

Is it likely that the DfT will permit the ordering of units that take full advantage of the GWMLs more generous gauge?

I doubt it, the turbos are not cleared on the GWML west of Bristol.

 

[Old Timer]

Is it likely that the DfT will permit the ordering of units that take full advantage of the GWMLs more generous gauge?

It's often been suggested that the Thames Turbos were ordered with this benefit (or limitation) in order that they couldn't be swiped by other regions...

The GW "generous gauge" is I am afraid now historic.

The quadruplication of the route from Reading resulted in the existing broad gauge being utilised to contain the four tracks.

Nowadays there are a whole host of clearance problems along the route which have resulted in the line being restricted to standard passenger rolling stock gauge - actually there is no thing as such technically but consider it to be C3/C4 gauge for laymens purposes.

 

[The Planner]

Cant be that generous as Im sure there have been various works to make it W10 gauge for freight.

 

[route:oxford]

Ok... Assumming that for once Wiki is accurate.

A Class 150 is 2.80m wide by 19.50m long
A Class 156 is 2.76m wide by 23.03m long
A Mark 4 Coach is 2.73 wide by 23.00m long

and

A Class 165 is 2.81m wide by 22.91m long

So in essence the 165 is about as wide as a 150 and about as long as a Mark 4 - it's just that these units have both length and width.

 

[tbtc]

Its only the 165/166s that were built like this, isn't it?

 

[Old Timer]

Cant be that generous as Im sure there have been various works to make it W10 gauge for freight.

New track renewals schemes now aim for W10.

In the case of the GW various track lowerings have been carried out at certain bridges.

I know one case where the Network Rail maintainer actually REDUCED an overbridge clearance through tamping and it was eventually noticed when Driver reported smoke as a F/Liner passed through the bridge. It tuned out to be brick dust from the arch.

The line was examined and a 20 tsr put on freightliners and the issues was passed into the hierarchy.

The maintainer then returned again with tamper and reduced the clearance even further, resulting in the line being blocked to all but passenger, and an emergency track lowering was carried out overnight with a resultant massive overrun because the ballast trtains were late and possession was late and the management of the HOBC was crap.

 

[Mojo]

I don't know if the widths quoted are including the metal step plates by the doors. I know that when they've been taken out of area before they have them removed, but not sure if that's always required. Chiltern's Turbos used to regularly go to Ilford before enhanced facilities were provided at Aylesbury depot, and IIRC they were refurbished there too.

 

[Old Timer]

I don't know if the widths quoted are including the metal step plates by the doors. I know that when they've been taken out of area before they have them removed, but not sure if that's always required. Chiltern's Turbos used to regularly go to Ilford before enhanced facilities were provided at Aylesbury depot, and IIRC they were refurbished there too.

Without checking I would say that is the standard body width of 9' 0&3/4", which is the maximum width across the door handles .

Step boards are allowed to extend over the platform edge, but you would need to refer to a diagram to see the real profile.