Stations on ex-broad gauge track.

King John

Active Member
Hi.
I am trying to find information regarding the load and structure gauge with respect to stations situated on ex-broad gauge double track lines when converted to standard gauge. In particular the centreline distance between the two tracks, and the distance between the platform edges.

I have arrived at dimensions of 15'-10" and 25'-4" respectively. This is based on the assumption that as in the 1933 GWR load and structure drawing the distance between running faces of the centre pair of rails is 6'-6" and that between the platform edge and its nearest rail running face is 2'-4 3/4".
 

Steph Dale

Western Thunderer
Phil,

Generally, I don't think they were - the capital costs would have been enormous and, in most cases, avoidable.

Certainly, all the ex-broad gauge stations I can think of retain very wide platform spacings, at least those around here (Bristol) do. Not a clue what the dimensions or clearances are though, either then or now.

Steph
 

Phil O

Western Thunderer
If you know a station that has not had the platforms rebuilt you could use Google Earth and the ruler tool, therein, measure the distance between them. It probably won't be dead on but will give a good indication.

HTH.
 

AJC

Western Thunderer
If you know a station that has not had the platforms rebuilt you could use Google Earth and the ruler tool, therein, measure the distance between them. It probably won't be dead on but will give a good indication.

HTH.

Plenty of examples - Bramley or Mortimer between Basingstoke and Reading perhaps?

Adam
 

Phil O

Western Thunderer
I will check them out later, when I get back on the laptop, I thought Exeter St Thomas was still broad gauge, but when I checked it, it came in at 24 foot, which is pretty near the current standard.
 

LarryG

Western Thunderer
Phil O mentions a good idea using google Earth and the ruler. I measured up Carrog platforms and other details and then google earthed to check them. They weren't far out. Then I shortened everything.....typical modeller! :drool:
 

ChrisBr

Western Thunderer
Just measured Goring on Google Earth and platform faces come out at 24'. Mortimer slightly less....
 

Phil O

Western Thunderer
I have just double checked the dimensions and around 20 foot is the current standard and around 24 foot for broad gauge platforms using the Google Earth ruler. So Exeter St Thomas is still at the broad gauge dimension. The double check was done on several Thames Valley stations and then double checked against a Southern station.
 

LarryG

Western Thunderer
Slewing the 4' 8½" tracks into platforms following gauge conversion was part of the speedy conversion from broad gauge. The extra width between platforms and tracks on ex.broad gauge lines is often mentioned on railway videos.
 
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