Modern narrow gauge in UK

[kylemore]

With most re-openings, particularly in England just "pie in the sky" is there any scope for line re-openings using narrow gauge, say metre gauge, using modern swiss equipment off the peg?
There may be a million reasons why this could'nt happen in the UK, there usually are!
Would it in reality be cheaper?
I know the biggest disadvantage would be the inability to run through trains but there must be lots of lines where this would not matter except when running enthusiast specials!
Any experts care to give their views?

 

[MCR247]

The main reason is why? What's the point? It would just make cascading stock etc awkward. Imagine the whole network overcrowded, and there is 20 odd units sitting there waiting to be sold because they're narrow gauge and aren't needed on that line anymore? You'd be a bit annoyed wouldn't you?

 

[jopsuk]

but there must be lots of lines where this would not matter except when running enthusiast specials!

Engineering trains? The current equipment used network wide would be unable to use such a line. It would almost certainly be useless for freight as well.

 

[gordonthemoron]

there's no reason why you couldn't have narrow gauge tram networks though, Augsburg's got one as has Nordhausen

 

[Mvann]

As with all things, it depends on the line. If you are going to lay track on a disused trackbed, it probably isn't any cheaper. If it's a line that has part of the trackbed built on or needs major engineering works, it maybe cheaper.

 

[MCR247]

As with all things, it depends on the line. If you are going to lay track on a disused trackbed, it probably isn't any cheaper. If it's a line that has part of the trackbed built on or needs major engineering works, it maybe cheaper.

But would it overall? Having to order special stock, engineering stock as said above etc.

As I said before, I can't find any benefits?

 

[j0hn0]

there's no reason why you couldn't have narrow gauge tram networks though, Augsburg's got one as has Nordhausen

I often wondered this. With all problems associated with the UK towns having useless transport networks, I thought that surely a narrower gauge mass transit could save a lot of costs.

It was debunked at the time though

 

[Mvann]

There are only a couple of lines that could be viable for narrow gauge, but only because they would be seen as an extension to what's already there.

 

[WatcherZero]

I could only see it as infrastructure for a leisure destination, e.g. Country park, theme park, park and ride shuttle.