Hello, I've just been wondering, what the differences in the size of trains from all over the world are. and for what reason they are the size they are. I know theres a term for what im trying to describe, but it escapes me. For example, the loco's here in Queensland seem to be smaller than some american loco's look. thanks in advance for any help
We have a very restrictive loading gauge here in the UK. Our railways were built long ago, when the size was not a problem, but we cannot use much off-the-shelf stock from other overseas rail equipment producers. The railways on mainland Europe have more generous clearances, and can run double-deck coaching stock, which is particularly useful on busy commuter lines. We could really use these on most of the London commuter trains! If I remember correctly, the maximum height above rail here is 13'1", and I was amazed the first time I stood net to an American train, especially a double stack car!!!
http://www.crowsnest.co.uk/gauge.htm has a good and clear loading guage diagram showing the standard Uk (BR W6) and some of the European clearances with measurements (sorry you folks in the US, it's in Metric! ) Main trunk routes in the UK are having (many are done already) the top corners of the loading guage extended to better accept square topped intermodal containers.
