Loading gauge

The clearance space between a train and the tunnel is often small. Pictured is a London Underground Northern line 1995 Stock train emerging from the tunnel north of Hendon Central station.

A loading gauge is a diagram or physical structure that defines the maximum height and width dimensions in railway vehicles and their loads. Their purpose is to ensure that rail vehicles can pass safely through tunnels and under bridges, and keep clear of platforms, trackside buildings and structures. Classification systems vary between different countries, and loading gauges may vary across a network, even if the track gauge is uniform.

The term loading gauge can also be applied to the maximum size of road vehicles in relation to tunnels, overpasses and bridges, and doors into automobile repair shops, bus garages, filling stations, residential garages, multi-storey car parks and warehouses.

A related but separate gauge is the structure gauge, which sets limits to the extent that bridges, tunnels and other infrastructure can encroach on rail vehicles. The difference between these two gauges is called the clearance. The specified amount of clearance makes allowance for wobbling of rail vehicles at speed.

Overview

The London Underground utilises differing loading gauges: a Metropolitan line A Stock sub-surface train (left) passes a Piccadilly line 1973 Stock tube train (right).

The loading gauge restricts the size of passenger coaches, goods wagons (freight cars) and shipping containers that can travel on a section of railway track. It varies across the world and often within a single railway system. Over time there has been a trend towards larger loading gauges and more standardization of gauges; some older lines have had their structure gauges enhanced by raising bridges, increasing the height and width of tunnels and making other necessary alterations. Containerisation and a trend towards larger shipping containers has led rail companies to increase structure gauges to compete effectively with road haulage.

The term "loading gauge" can also refer to a physical structure, sometimes using electronic detectors using light beams on an arm or gantry placed over the exit lines of goods yards or at the entry point to a restricted part of a network. The devices ensure that loads stacked on open or flat wagons stay within the height/shape limits of the line's bridges and tunnels, and prevent out-of-gauge rolling stock entering a stretch of line with a smaller loading gauge. Compliance with a loading gauge can be checked with a clearance car. In the past, these were simple wooden frames or physical feelers mounted on rolling stock. More recently, laser beams are used.

The loading gauge is the maximum size of rolling stock. It is distinct from the minimum structure gauge, which sets limits to the size of bridges and tunnels on the line, allowing for engineering tolerances and the motion of rail vehicles. The difference between the two is called the clearance. The terms "dynamic envelope" or "kinematic envelope" – which include factors such as suspension travel, overhang on curves (at both ends and middle) and lateral motion on the track – are sometimes used in place of loading gauge.

The railway platform height is also a consideration for the loading gauge of passenger trains. Where the two are not directly compatible, stairs may be required, which will increase loading times. Where long carriages are used at a curved platform, there will be gaps between the platform and the carriage door, causing risk. Problems increase where trains of several different loading gauges and train floor heights use (or even must pass without stopping at) the same platform.

The size of load that can be carried on a railway of a particular gauge is also influenced by the design of the rolling stock. Low-deck rolling stock can sometimes be used to carry taller 9 ft 6 in (2.9 m) shipping containers on lower gauge lines although their low-deck rolling stock cannot then carry as many containers.

Rapid transit (metro) railways generally have a very small loading gauge, which reduces the cost of tunnel construction. These systems only use their own specialised rolling stock.

Out of gauge

Larger out-of-gauge loads can also sometimes be conveyed by taking one or more of the following measures:

• Operate at low speed, especially in places with limited clearance, such as platforms.
• Cross over from a track with inadequate clearance to another track with greater clearance, even if there is no signalling to allow this.
• Prevent operation of other trains on adjacent tracks.
• Use refuge loops to allow trains to operate on other tracks.
• Use of Schnabel cars (special rolling stock) that manipulate the load up and down or left and right to clear obstacles.
• Remove (and later replace) obstacles.
• Use gauntlet track to shift the train to side or center.
• For locomotives that are too heavy, ensure that fuel tanks are nearly empty.
• Turn off power in overhead wiring or in the third rail (use diesel locomotive)
• Permanently adapt a certain route to larger gauge if there is repeated need for such trains.

History

The loading gauge on the main lines of Great Britain, most of which were built before 1900, is generally smaller than in other countries. In mainland Europe, the slightly larger Berne gauge (Gabarit passe-partout international, PPI) was agreed to in 1913 and came into force in 1914. As a result, British trains have noticeably and considerably smaller loading gauges and, for passenger trains, smaller interiors, despite the track being standard gauge, which is in line with much of the world.

This often results in increased costs for purchasing new trainsets or locomotives as they must be specifically designed for the existing British network, rather than being purchased "off-the-shelf". For example, the new trains for HS2 have a 50% premium applied to the "classic compatible" sets that will be "compatible" with the current (or "classic") rail network loading gauge as well as the HS2 line. The "classic compatible" trainsets will cost £40 million per trainset whereas the HS2-only stock (built to European loading gauge and only suitable to operate on HS2 lines) will cost £27M per trainset despite the HS2-only stock being physically larger.

It was recognized even during the nineteenth century that this would pose problems and countries whose railroads had been built or upgraded to a more generous loading gauge pressed for neighboring countries to upgrade their own standards. This was particularly true in continental Europe where the Nordic countries and Germany with their relatively generous loading gauge wanted their cars and locomotives to be able to run throughout the standard gauge network without being limited to a small size. France, which at the time had the most restrictive loading gauge ultimately compromised giving rise to Berne gauge which came into effect just before World War I.

Military railways were often built to particularly high standards, especially after the American Civil War and the Franco-Prussian War showed the importance of railroads in military deployment as well as mobilization. The Kaiserreich was particularly active in the construction of military railways which were often built with great expense to be as flat, straight and permissive in loading gauge as possible while bypassing major urban areas, making those lines of little use to civilian traffic, particularly civilian passenger traffic. However, all those aforementioned factors have in some cases led to the subsequent abandoning of those railroads.

Standard loading gauges for standard track gauge lines

International Union of Railways (UIC) Gauge

UIC loading gauges

The International Union of Railways (UIC) has developed a standard series of loading gauges named A, B, B+ and C.

• PPI – the predecessor of the UIC gauges had the maximum dimensions 3.15 by 4.28 m (10 ft 4 in by 14 ft 1 in) with an almost round roof top.
• UIC A: The smallest (slightly larger than PPI gauge). Maximum dimensions 3.15 by 4.32 m (10 ft 4 in by 14 ft 2 in).
• UIC B: Most of the high-speed TGV tracks in France are built to UIC B. Maximum dimensions 3.15 by 4.32 m (10 ft 4 in by 14 ft 2 in).
• UIC B+: New structures in France are being built to UIC B+. Up to 4.28 m (14 ft 1 in) has a shape to accommodate tractor-trailers loaded with ISO containers.
• UIC C: The Central European gauge. In Germany and other central European countries, the railway systems are built to UIC C gauges, sometimes with an increment in the width, allowing Scandinavian trains to reach German stations directly, originally built for Soviet freight cars. Maximum dimensions 3.15 by 4.65 m (10 ft 4 in by 15 ft 3 in).

Europe

European standards

Railway clearance G1 and G2 (Germany)

In the European Union, the UIC directives were supplanted by ERA Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSI) of European Union in 2002, which has defined a number of recommendations to harmonize the train systems. The TSI Rolling Stock (2002/735/EC) has taken over the UIC Gauges definitions defining Kinematic Gauges with a reference profile such that Gauges GA and GB have a height of 4.35 m (14 ft 3 in) (they differ in shape) with Gauge GC rising to 4.70 m (15 ft 5 in) allowing for a width of 3.08 m (10 ft 1 in) of the flat roof. All cars must fall within an envelope of 3.15 m (10 ft 4 in) wide on a 250 m (12.4 ch; 820 ft) radius curve. The TGVs, which are 2.9 m (9 ft 6 in) wide, fall within this limit.

The designation of a GB+ loading gauge refers to the plan to create a pan-European freight network for ISO containers and trailers with loaded ISO containers. These container trains (piggy-back trains) fit into the B envelope with a flat top so that only minor changes are required for the widespread structures built to loading gauge B on continental Europe. A few structures on the British Isles were extended to fit with GB+ as well, where the first lines to be rebuilt start at the Channel Tunnel.

Owing to their historical legacies, many member states' railways do not conform to the TSI specification. For example, Britain's role at the forefront of railway development in the 19th century has condemned it to the small infrastructure dimensions of that era. Conversely, the loading gauges of countries that were satellites of the former Soviet Union are much larger than the TSI specification. Other than for GB+, they are not likely to be retrofitted, given the enormous cost and disruption that would be entailed.

Loading gauge		Static reference profile		Kinematic reference profile		Comments
UIC and/or TSI	RIV	Width	Height	Width	Height
G1 / UIC 505-1	T 11	3.150 m	4.280 m	3.290 m	4.310 m	Static profile also known as Berne gauge, PPI or OSJD 03-WM.
GA	T 12		4.320 m		4.350 m
GB	T 13
GB1 / GB+
GB2
G2	T 14		4.650 m		4.680 m	Formerly UIC C; Static profile also known as OSJD 02-WM.
DE3		not defined				Expansion for G2, part of TEN-T regulations.
GC		3.150 m	4.650 m		4.700 m	Formerly UIC C1.
C		3.600 m	4.830 m	not defined		High-capacity rail corridor standard for Øresund Bridge and Fehmarn Belt Tunnel

Double-decker carriages

Zürich – Lucerne IC 2000 double-decker Intercity train

Double-decker carriage as used on French TGV railways

A specific example of the value of these loading gauges is that they permit double decker passenger carriages. Although mainly used for suburban commuter lines, France is notable for using them on its high speed TGV services: the SNCF TGV Duplex carriages are 4,303 millimetres (14 ft 1+3⁄8 in) high, the Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland feature large numbers of double decker intercity trains as well.

Great Britain

Great Britain has (in general) the most restrictive loading gauge (relative to track gauge) in the world. That is a legacy of the British railway network being the world's oldest, and of having been built by a plethora of different private companies, each with different standards for the width and height of trains. After nationalisation, a standard static gauge W5 was defined in 1951 that would virtually fit everywhere in the network. The W6 gauge is a refinement of W5, and the W6a changed the lower body to accommodate third-rail electrification. While the upper body is rounded for W6a with a static curve, there is an additional small rectangular notch for W7 to accommodate the transport of 2.44 m (8 ft 0 in) ISO containers, and the W8 loading gauge has an even larger notch spanning outside of the curve to accommodate the transport of 2.6 m (8 ft 6 in) ISO containers. While W5 to W9 are based on a rounded roof structure, those for W10 to W12 define a flat line at the top and, instead of a strict static gauge for the wagons, their sizes are derived from dynamic gauge computations for rectangular freight containers.

Network Rail uses a W loading gauge classification system of freight transport ranging from W6A (smallest) through W7, W8, W9, W9Plus, W10, W11 to W12 (largest). The definitions assume a common "lower sector structure gauge" with a common freight platform at 1,100 mm (43.31 in) above rail.

In addition, gauge C1 provides a specification for standard coach stock, gauge C3 for longer Mark 3 coaching stock, gauge C4 for Pendolino stock and gauge UK1 for high-speed rail. There is also a gauge for locomotives. The size of container that can be conveyed depends both upon the size of the load that can be conveyed and the design of the rolling stock.

• W6A: Available over the majority of the British rail network.
• W8: Allows standard 2.6 m (8 ft 6 in) high shipping containers to be carried on standard wagons.
• W9: Allows 2.9 m (9 ft 6 in) high Hi-Cube shipping containers to be carried on "Megafret" wagons that have lower deck height with reduced capacity. At 2.6 m (8 ft 6 in) wide, it allows for 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) wide Euro shipping containers, which are designed to carry Euro-pallets efficiently
• W10: Allows 2.9 m (9 ft 6 in) high Hi-Cube shipping containers to be carried on standard wagons and also allows 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) wide Euro shipping containers. Larger than UIC A.
• W11: Little used but larger than UIC B.
• W12: Slightly wider than W10 at 2.6 m (8 ft 6 in) to accommodate refrigerated containers. Recommended clearance for new structures, such as bridges and tunnels.
• UIC GC: Channel Tunnel and Channel Tunnel Rail Link to London; with proposals to upgrade the Midland Main Line northwards from London to GB+ standards.

A strategy was adopted in 2004 to guide enhancements of loading gauges and in 2007 the freight route utilisation strategy was published. That identified a number of key routes where the loading gauge should be cleared to W10 standard and, where structures are being renewed, that W12 is the preferred standard.

Height and width of containers that can be carried on GB gauges (height by width). Units as per source material.

• W9: 9 ft 0 in (2.74 m) by 8 ft 6 in (2.6 m)
• W10: 9 ft 6 in (2.90 m) by 8 ft 2 in (2.5 m)
• W11: 9 ft 6 in (2.90 m) by 8 ft 4 in (2.55 m)
• W12: 9 ft 6 in (2.90 m) by 8 ft 6 in (2.6 m)

Tube lines

• City and South London Railway was built with tunnels of only 10.5 ft (3.20 m) diameter. Enlarged for Northern line to 12.0 ft (3.66 m)
• Central line with tunnels of 11 ft 8+1⁄4 in (3.56 m), increased on curves, reduced to 11 ft 6 in (3.51 m) near to stations. This makes Central line trains unique on the London Underground system because, although the loading gauge of the rolling stock is the same as the other 'tube' lines, the smaller size of the tunnel requires that the positive conductor rail is 1.6 in (41 mm) higher than on all other lines.

A Parliamentary committee headed by James Stansfeld then reported on 23 May 1892, "The evidence submitted to the Committee on the question of the diameter of the underground tubes containing the railways has been distinctly in favour of a minimum diameter of 11 ft 6 in (3.51 m)". After that, all tube lines were at least that size.

• Piccadilly line with tunnels of 12 ft (3.66 m)
• Victoria line with tunnels of 12.5 ft (3.81 m); enlarged to reduce air friction.
• Glasgow Subway with tunnels of 11 ft (3.35 m) and a unique track gauge of only 4 ft (1,219 mm).
• Tyne and Wear Metro with tunnels of 15.5 ft (4.72 m); built to mainline rail network standards.

Sweden

Sweden uses shapes similar to the Central European loading gauge, but trains are allowed to be much wider.

There are three main classes in use (width × height):

• Class SE-A is 3.40 by 4.65 m (11 ft 2 in by 15 ft 3 in). Similar to OPS-NL (Netherlands), Victorian (Australia) and Chinese loading gauges.
• Class SE-B is 3.40 by 4.30 m (11 ft 2 in by 14 ft 1 in). Similar to Norwegian loading gauge.
• Class SE-C is 3.60 by 4.83 m (11 ft 10 in by 15 ft 10 in) with a completely flat roof top. Similar to OPS-GC (Netherlands) loading gauge.

The Iron Ore Line north of Kiruna was the first electrified railway line in Sweden and has limited height clearance (SE-B) because of snow shelters. On the rest of the network belonging to the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket), the structure gauge accepts cars built to SE-A and thus accepts both cars built to UIC GA and GB. Some modern electric multiple units, like Regina X50 with derivatives, are somewhat wider than normally permitted by SE-A at 3.45 m (11 ft 4 in). This is generally acceptable as the extra width is above normal platform height, but it means that they can not use the high platforms that Arlanda Express uses (Arlanda Central Station has normal clearances). The greater width allows sleeping cars in which tall people can sleep with straight legs and feet, which is not the case on the continent.

Netherlands

In the Netherlands, a similar shape to the UIC C is used that rises to 4.70 m (15 ft 5 in) in height. The trains are wider allowing for 3.40 m (11 ft 2 in) width similar to Sweden. About one third of the Dutch passenger trains use bilevel rail cars. However, Dutch platforms are much higher than Swedish ones.

Betuweroute

• Betuweroute: 4.10 by 6.15 m (13 ft 5+3⁄8 in by 20 ft 2+1⁄8 in) to allow double stacked container trains in the future. The present overhead line does not allow this height, as it has to follow standards.

Channel Tunnel

• Channel Tunnel: 4.10 by 5.60 m (13 ft 5+3⁄8 in by 18 ft 4+1⁄2 in)

North America

Freight

Further information: Boxcar § Loading gauges

Further information: Double-stack rail transport § Sizes and clearances

The American loading gauge for freight cars on the North American rail network is generally based on standards set by the Association of American Railroads (AAR) Mechanical Division. The most widespread standards are AAR Plate B and AAR Plate C, but higher loading gauges have been introduced on major routes outside urban centers to accommodate rolling stock that makes better economic use of the network, such as auto carriers, hi-cube boxcars, and double-stack container loads. The maximum width of 10 ft 8 in (3.25 m) on 41 ft 3 in (12.57 m) (AAR Plate B), 46 ft 3 in (14.10 m) (AAR Plate C) and all other truck centers (of all other AAR Plates) are on a 441 ft 8+3⁄8 in (134.63 m) radius or 13° curve. In all cases of the increase of truck centers, the decrease of width is covered by AAR Plates D1 and D2.

Listed here are the maximum heights and widths for cars. However, the specification in each AAR plate shows a car cross section that is chamfered at the top and bottom, meaning that a compliant car is not permitted to fill an entire rectangle of the maximum height and width.

AAR Plate	Width		Height		Truck centers		Comments	Image
	ft in	m	ft in	m	ft in	m
B	10  8	3.25	15  1	4.60	41  3	12.57	For longer truck centers, the width is decreased according to graph AAR Plate B-1 on a 441 ft 8+3⁄8 in (134.63 m) radius curve or AAR Plate D1
C	10  8	3.25	15  6	4.72	46  3	14.10	For longer truck centers, the width is decreased according to graph AAR Plate C-1 on a 441 ft 8+3⁄8 in (134.63 m) radius curve or AAR Plate D1
E	10  8	3.25	15  9	4.80	46  3	14.10	However the top of rail clearance is 2+3⁄4 in (70 mm) instead of 2+1⁄2 in (64 mm).
F	10  8	3.25	17  0	5.18	46  3	14.10	As with AAR Plate C but 18 in (457 mm) taller than AAR Plate C and 15 in (381 mm) taller than AAR Plate E, and the car cross section is larger at the top than AAR Plate E.
H	10  8	3.25	20  3	6.17	62  7	19.08	e.g. Including the height of double stacked containers in well cars. The cross section at the bottom of the well car differs from the X section of all other AAR plates. X section at center of car Width of 10 feet 8 inches (3.25 m) only possible at the trucks
	10  1	3.07	20  3	6.17	63  9	19.43	e.g. Including the height of double stacked containers in well cars. The width at greater than 63 ft 9 in (19.43 m) covered by AAR Plate D1 The cross section at the bottom of the well car differs from all other AAR Plates. in well cars
---	9  10.25	3.00	3  11	1.19	66  0	20.12	e.g. 85-foot-2+1⁄2-inch (25.97 m) long flatcars, *Height of deck at center of car Width covered by AAR Plate D1.
	9  1	2.77
J	10  8	3.25	19  0	5.79	55  0	16.76	Truck centers can be more. Widths covered by AAR Plate D1.
K	10  0	3.05	20  3	6.17	65  0	19.81	e.g. Autorack (road vehicles on trains). Width at center of car covered by AAR Plate D1
L	10  8	3.25	16  3	4.95	46  3	14.10	For locomotives only
M	10  8	3.25	16  3	4.95	46  3	14.10	For locomotives only

Technically, AAR Plate B is still the maximum height and truck center combination and the circulation of AAR Plate C is somewhat restricted. The prevalence of excess-height rolling stock, at first ~18 ft (5.49 m) piggybacks and hicube boxcars, then later autoracks, airplane-parts cars, and flatcars for hauling Boeing 737 fuselages, as well as 20 ft 3 in (6.17 m) high double-stacked containers in container well cars, has been increasing. This means that most, if not all, lines are now designed for a higher loading gauge. The width of these extra-height cars is covered by AAR Plate D1.

All the Class I rail companies have invested in longterm projects to increase clearances to allow double stack freight. The mainline North American rail networks of the Union Pacific, the BNSF, the Canadian National, and the Canadian Pacific, have already been upgraded to AAR Plate K. This represents over 60% of the Class I rail network.

Gallery

• 
  Boeing 737 Next Generation fuselage being transported by rail on a flatcar
• 
  Double-stack container service requires the highest loading gauge in common use in North America.
• 
  A Norfolk Southern autorack on a TTX flatcar also requires the highest loading gauge in common use in North America.
• 
  A Santa Fe semi-trailer carried on a flatcar as part of a TOFC train.

Passenger service

Standard AAR passenger loading gauge (does not accommodate Amtrak "Superliners" nor ex-AT&SF "Hi-Level" cars)

The old standard North American passenger railcar is 10 ft 6 in (3.20 m) wide by 14 ft 6 in (4.42 m) high and measures 85 ft 0 in (25.91 m) over coupler pulling faces with 59 ft 6 in (18.14 m) truck centers, or 86 ft 0 in (26.21 m) over coupler pulling faces with 60 ft 0 in (18.29 m) truck centers. In the 1940s and 1950s, the American passenger car loading gauge was increased to a 16 ft 6 in (5.03 m) height throughout most of the country outside the Northeast, to accommodate dome cars and later Superliners and other bilevel commuter trains. Bilevel and Hi-level passenger cars have been in use since the 1950s, and new passenger equipment with a height of 19 ft 9+1⁄2 in (6.03 m) has been built for use in Alaska and the Canadian Rockies. The structure gauge of the Mount Royal Tunnel used to limit the height of bilevel cars to 14 feet 6 inches (4.42 m) before it was permanently closed to interchange rail traffic prior to its conversion for the REM rapid transit system.

New York City Subway

The New York City Subway is an amalgamation of three former constituent companies, and while all are standard gauge, inconsistencies in loading gauge prevent cars from the former BMT and IND systems (B Division) from running on the lines of the former IRT system (A Division), and vice versa. This is mainly because IRT tunnels and stations are approximately 1 foot (305 mm) narrower than the others, meaning that IRT cars running on the BMT or IND lines would have platform gaps of over 8 inches (203 mm) between the train and some platforms, whereas BMT and IND cars would not even fit into an IRT station without hitting the platform edge. Taking this into account, all maintenance vehicles are built to IRT loading gauge so that they can be operated over the entire network, and employees are responsible for minding the gap.

Another inconsistency is the maximum permissible railcar length. Cars in the former IRT system are 51 feet (15.54 m) as of December 2013. Railcars in the former BMT and IND can be longer: on the former Eastern Division, the cars are limited to 60 feet (18.29 m), while on the rest of the BMT and IND lines plus the Staten Island Railway (which uses modified IND stock) the cars may be as long as 75 feet (22.86 m).

Boston (MBTA)

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's (MBTA) rapid transit system is composed of four unique subway lines; while all lines are standard gauge, inconsistencies in loading gauge, electrification, and platform height prevent trains on one line from being used on another. The first segment of the Green Line (known as the Tremont Street subway) was constructed in 1897 to take the streetcars off Boston's busy downtown streets. When the Blue Line opened in 1904, it only ran streetcar services; the line was converted to rapid transit in 1924 due to high passenger loads, but the tight clearances in the tunnel under the Boston Harbor required narrower and shorter rapid transit cars. The Orange Line was originally built in 1901 to accommodate heavy rail transit cars of higher capacity than streetcars. The Red Line was opened in 1912, designed to handle what were for a time the largest underground transit cars in the world.

Los Angeles (LACMTA)

The Los Angeles Metro Rail system is an amalgamation of two former constituent companies, the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission and the Southern California Rapid Transit District; both of those companies were responsible for planning the initial system. It is composed of two heavy rail subway lines and several light rail lines with subway sections; while all lines are standard gauge, inconsistencies in electrification and loading gauge prohibit the light rail trains from operating on the heavy rail lines, and vice versa. The LACTC-planned Blue Line was opened in 1990 and partially operates on the route of the Pacific Electric interurban railroad line between downtown Los Angeles and Long Beach, which used overhead electrification and street-running streetcar vehicles. The SCRTD-planned Red Line (later split into the Red and Purple lines) was opened in 1993 and was designed to handle high-capacity heavy rail transit cars that would operate underground. Shortly after the Red Line began operations, the LACTC and the SCRTD merged to form the LACMTA, which became responsible for planning and construction of the Green, Gold, Expo, and K lines, as well as the D Line Extension and the Regional Connector.

Asia

Major trunk raillines in East Asian countries, including China, North Korea, South Korea, as well as the Shinkansen of Japan, have all adopted a loading gauge of 3,400 mm (11 ft 2 in) maximum width and can accept the maximum height of 4,500 mm (14 ft 9 in).

China

The maximum height, width, and length of general Chinese rolling stock are 4,800 mm (15 ft 9 in), 3,400 mm (11 ft 2 in) and 26 m (85 ft 4 in) respectively, with an extra out-of-gauge load allowance of height and width 5,300 by 4,450 mm (17 ft 5 in by 14 ft 7 in) with some special shape limitation, corresponding to a structure gauge of 5,500 by 4,880 mm (18 ft 1 in by 16 ft 0 in). China is building numerous new railways in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia (such as in Kenya and Laos), and these are being built to "Chinese Standards". This presumably means track gauge, loading gauge, structure gauge, couplings, brakes, electrification, etc. An exception may be double stacking, which has a height limit of 5,850 mm (19 ft 2 in). Metre gauge in China has a gauge of 3,050 mm (10 ft 0 in).

Japan, standard gauge

Translation of legend:

• Blue: Rural railway vehicle gauge (Rural Railway Construction Rules 1919)
• Grey: Conventional Cape gauge (3 ft 6 in track gauge) railway vehicle limits (Ordinary Railway Structure Rules 1987)
• Figures in () are previous Cape gauge rolling stock limits (Railway Construction Rules 1900)
• Green: Shinkansen vehicle limits

Trains on the Shinkansen network operate on 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge track and have a loading gauge of 3,400 mm (11 ft 2 in) maximum width and 4,500 mm (14 ft 9 in) maximum height. This allows the operation of double-deck high-speed trains.

Mini Shinkansen (former conventional 1,067 mm or 3 ft 6 in narrow gauge lines that have been regauged into 1,435 mm or 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in standard gauge) and some private railways in Japan (including some lines of the Tokyo subway and all of the Osaka Metro) also use standard gauge; however, their loading gauges are different.

The rest of Japan's system is discussed under narrow gauge, below.

South Korea

The body frame may have a maximum height of 4,500 mm (14 ft 9 in) and a maximum width of 3,400 mm (11 ft 2 in) with additional installations allowed up to 3,600 mm (11 ft 10 in). That width of 3,400 mm is only allowed above 1,250 mm (4 ft 1 in) as the common passenger platforms are built to former standard trains of 3,200 mm (10 ft 6 in) in width.

Philippines

There is currently no uniform standard for loading gauges in the country and both loading gauges and platform heights vary by rail line.

The North–South Commuter Railway allows passenger trains with a carbody width of 3,100 mm (10 ft 2 in) and a height of 4,300 mm (14 ft 1 in). Additional installations shall also be allowed up to 3,300 mm (10 ft 10 in) at a platform height of 1,100 mm (3 ft 7 in) where it is limited by half-height platform screen doors. Above the platform gate height of 1,200 mm (3 ft 11 in) above the platforms, out-of-gauge installations can be further maximized to the Asian standard at 3,400 mm (11 ft 2 in).

Meanwhile, the PNR South Long Haul will follow the Chinese gauge and therefore use a larger carbody width of 3,300 mm (10 ft 10 in) from the specifications of passenger rolling stock, and a height of 4,770 mm (15 ft 8 in) per P70-type boxcar specifications.

Africa

Some of the new railways being built in Africa allow for double-stacked containers, the height of which is about 5,800 mm (19 ft 0 in) depending on the height of each container 2,438 mm (8 ft 0 in) or 2,900 mm (9 ft 6 in) plus the height of the deck of the flat wagon about 1,000 mm (3 ft 3 in) totalling 5,800 mm (19 ft 0 in). This exceeds the China height standard for single stacked containers of 4,800 mm (15 ft 9 in). Additional height of about 900 mm (2 ft 11 in) is needed for overhead wires for 25 kV AC electrification.

The permissible width of the new African standard gauge railways is 3,400 mm (11 ft 2 in).

Australia

The standard gauge lines of New South Wales Government Railways allowed for a width of 9 ft 6 in (2.90 m) until 1910, after a conference of the states created a new standard of 10 ft 6 in (3.20 m), with corresponding increase in track centres. The narrow widths have mostly been eliminated, except, for example, at the mainline platforms at Gosford and some sidings. The longest carriages are 72 ft 6 in (22.10 m).

The Commonwealth Railways adopted the national standard of 10 ft 6 in (3.20 m) when they were established in 1912, although no connection with New South Wales was made until 1970.

A T set of the late 1980s was 3,000 mm (9 ft 10.1 in) wide. Track centres from Penrith to Mount Victoria and Gosford and Wyong have been gradually widened to suit. The D set intercity sets are however 3,100 mm (10 ft 2.0 in) wide, so further, costly modification was required beyond Springwood, which was completed in 2020.

The Kwinana, Eastern and Eastern Goldfields lines in Western Australia were built with a loading gauge of 12 ft (3,700 mm) wide and 20 ft (6,100 mm) tall to allow for trailer on flatcar (TOFC) traffic when converted to dual gauge in the 1960s.

Broad gauge

Main article: Broad-gauge railway

Indian Gauge

• The smallest loading gauge for a 1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in) gauge railway is the Delhi Metro, which is 3,250 mm (10 ft 8 in) wide and 4,140 mm (13 ft 7 in) tall.
• Indian Railways has a maximum passenger loading gauge of 3,660 mm (12 ft 0 in) and a freight loading gauge of 3,250 mm, with development allowing a width of 3,710 mm (12 ft 2 in).
• Sri Lanka Railways has a loading gauge of between 3,200 mm (10 ft 6 in) and 4,267 mm (14 ft 0 in).

5 ft and Russian gauge

In Finland, rail cars can be up to 3.4 m (11 ft 2 in) wide with a permitted height from 4.37 m (14 ft 4 in) on the sides to 5.3 m (17 ft 5 in) in the centre. The track gauge is 1,524 mm (5 ft), differing 4 mm (5⁄32 in) from the 1,520 mm (4 ft 11+27⁄32 in) Russian track gauge.

The Russian loading gauges are defined in standard GOST 9238 (ГОСТ 9238–83, ГОСТ 9238–2013) with the current 2013 standard named "Габариты железнодорожного подвижного состава и приближения строений" (construction of rolling stock clearance diagrams [official English title]). It was accepted by the Interstate Council for Standardization, Metrology and Certification to be valid in Russia, Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Armenia. Loading gauge is generally wider than Europe, but with many exception standards.

• T: standard loading gauge
  • T: 5,300 mm height, 3,750 mm width
  • T_c: 5,200 mm height, 3,750 mm width: for tank and dumper cars
  • T_pr: 5,300 mm height, 3,500 mm width: extra out-of-gauge cargo load for main tracks
• 1-T: guaranteed loading gauge for all ex-USSR lines including old tunnels.
  • 1-T: 5,300 mm height, 3,400 mm width
• VM: for international stock for 1435 mm lines, standards for different lines
  • 0-VM: 4,650 mm height, 3,250 mm width
  • 1-VM: 4,700 mm height, 3,400 mm width
  • 02-VM: 4,650 mm height, 3,150 mm width
  • 03-VM: 4,280 mm height, 3,150 mm width

The standard defines static envelopes for trains on the national network as T, T_c and T_pr. The static profile 1-T is the common standard on the complete 1520 mm rail network including the CIS and Baltic states. The structure clearance is given as S, S_p and S₂₅₀. There is a tradition that structure clearance is much bigger than the common train sizes. For international traffic, the standard references the kinematic envelope for GC and defines a modified GC_ru for its high-speed trains. For other international traffic, there are 1-T, 1-VM, 0-VM, 02-VM and 03-VM_st/03-VM_k for the trains and 1-SM for the structure clearance.

The main static profile T allows for a maximum width of 3,750 mm (12 ft 3+5⁄8 in) rising to a maximum height of 5,300 mm (17 ft 4+11⁄16 in). The profile T_c allows that width only at a height of 3,000 mm (9 ft 10+1⁄8 in), requiring a maximum of 3,400 mm (11 ft 1+7⁄8 in) below 1,270 mm (50 in), which matches with the standard for train platforms (with a height of 1,100 mm [43.3 in]). The profile T_pr has the same lower frame requirement but reduces the maximum upper body width to 3,500 mm (11 ft 5+13⁄16 in). The more universal profile 1-T has the complete body at a maximum width of 3,400 mm (11 ft 1+7⁄8 in) still rising to a height of 5,300 mm (17 ft 4+11⁄16 in). Exceptions shall be double-stacking, maximum height shall be 6,150 mm (20 ft 2+1⁄8 in) or 6,400 mm (20 ft 11+15⁄16 in).

The structure gauge S requires buildings to be placed at minimum of 3,100 mm (10 ft 2+1⁄16 in) from the track centreline. Bridges and tunnels must have a clearance of at least 4,900 mm (16 ft 15⁄16 in) wide and 6,400 mm (20 ft 11+15⁄16 in) high. The structure gauge S_p for passenger platforms allows 4,900 mm (16 ft 15⁄16 in) only above 1,100 mm (3 ft 7+5⁄16 in) (the common platform height) requiring a width of 3,840 mm (12 ft 7+3⁄16 in) below that line. The exceptions shall be double-stacking, minimum overhead wiring height must be 6,500 mm (21 ft 3+7⁄8 in) (for maximum vehicle height of 6,150 mm [20 ft 2+1⁄8 in]) or 6,750 mm [22 ft 1+3⁄4 in] (for maximum vehicle height of 6,400 mm [20 ft 11+15⁄16 in]).

The main platform is defined to have a height of 1,100 mm (43.3 in) at a distance of 1,920 mm (75.6 in) from the center of the track to allow for trains with profile T. Low platforms at a height of 200 mm (7.9 in) may be placed at 1,745 mm (68.7 in) from the center of the track. A medium platform is a variant of the high platform but at a height of 550 mm (21.7 in). The latter matches with the TSI height in Central Europe. In the earlier standard from 1983, the profile T would only be allowed to pass low platforms at 200 mm (7.87 in) while the standard high platform for cargo and passenger platforms would be placed no less than 1,750 mm (68.9 in) from the center of the track. That matches with the T_c, T_pr and the universal 1-T loading gauge.

Iberian gauge

Main article: Iberian-gauge railways

In Spain, rail cars can be up to 3.44 m (11 ft 3.5 in) wide with a permitted height of 4.33 m (14 ft 2.5 in) and this loading gauge is called iberian loading gauge. It is the standard loading gauge for conventional (iberian gauge) railways in Spain. In Portugal, there are three railway loading gauge standards for conventional (iberian gauge) railways: Gabarito PT b, Gabarito PT b+ and Gabarito PT c. Gabarito PT b (also called CPb) and Gabarito PT b+ (also called CPb+) allow rail cars to be 3.44 m (11 ft 3.5 in) wide with a permitted height of 4.5 m (14 ft 9 in), although CPb+ has a slightly larger profile area. Gabarito PT c allows rail cars to be 3.44 m (11 ft 3.5 in) wide with a permitted height of 4.7 m (15 ft 5 in). Gabarito PT b and PT b+ are both used, being PT b+ more common overall. Gabarito PT c is currently not used. In Lisbon, there is a suburban railway line, the Cascais Line, that follows a fourth non-standard loading gauge.

Irish Gauge

Main article: 5 ft 3 in gauge railways

Ireland and Northern Ireland

Main articles: Iarnród Éireann and NI Railways

Narrow gauge

Main article: Narrow gauge railways

Narrow gauge railways generally have a smaller loading gauge than standard gauge ones, and this is a major reason for cost savings rather than the railgauge itself. For example, the Lyn locomotive of the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway is 7 feet 2 inches (2.18 m) wide. By comparison, several standard gauge 73 class locomotives of the NSWR, which are 9 feet 3 inches (2.82 m) wide, have been converted for use on 610 mm (2 ft) cane tramways, where there are no narrow bridges, tunnels or track centres to cause trouble. The 6E1 locomotive of the 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) South African Railways are 9 feet 6 inches (2.9 m) wide.

A large numbers of railways using the 762 mm (2 ft 6 in) gauge used the same rolling stock plans, which were 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) wide.

Great Britain

Ffestiniog Railway

Main article: Ffestiniog Railway

• gauge = 597 mm (1 ft 11+1⁄2 in)
• width (brakevan mirrors) = 6 feet 10 inches (2.08 m)
• width (brakevan body) = 6 feet 0 inches (1.83 m)
• height = 5 feet 7.5 inches (1.715 m)
• length = (carriage) 36 feet 0 inches (10.97 m)

Lynton and Barnstaple Railway

Main article: Lynton and Barnstaple Railway

Builder's photo of Lyn

• gauge = 597 mm (1 ft 11+1⁄2 in)
• Lyn (locomotive) over headstocks
  • length = 23 ft 6 in (7.16 m)
  • width = 7 ft 2 in (2.18 m)
  • height = 8 ft 11 in (2.72 m)
• Passenger
  • length = 39 ft 6 in (12.04 m)
  • width = 6 ft (1.83 m) wide,
  • width over steps = 7 ft 4 in (2.24 m)
  • height = 8 ft 7 in (2.62 m)

Japan, narrow gauge

Main article: Rail transport in Japan

Translation of legend:

• Blue: Rural railway vehicle gauge (Rural Railway Construction Rules 1919)
• Grey: Conventional Cape gauge (3ft 6in track gauge) railway vehicle limits (Ordinary Railway Structure Rules 1987)
• Figures in () are previous Cape gauge rolling stock limits (Railway Construction Rules 1900)
• Green: Shinkansen vehicle limits

The Japanese national network operated by Japan Railways Group employs narrow gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in). The maximum allowed width of the rolling stock is 3,000 mm (9 ft 10 in) and maximum height is 4,100 mm (13 ft 5 in); however, a number JR lines were constructed as private railways prior to nationalisation in the early 20th century, and feature loading gauges smaller than the standard. These include the Chūō Main Line west of Takao, the Minobu Line, and the Yosan Main Line west of Kan'onji (3,900 mm or 12 ft 10 in height). Nevertheless, advances in pantograph technology have largely eliminated the need for separate rolling stock in these areas.

There are many private railway companies in Japan and the loading gauge is different for each company.

South Africa

Main articles: Rail transport in South Africa, Transnet Freight Rail, and Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa

The South African national network employs 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) gauge. The maximum width of the rolling stock is 3,048 mm (10 ft 0 in) and maximum height is 3,962 mm (13 ft 0 in), which is greater than the normal British loading gauge for standard gauge vehicles.

New Zealand

Main articles: Rail transport in New Zealand and KiwiRail

The railways use 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) gauge. The maximum width of the rolling stock is 2,830 mm (9 ft 3 in) and maximum height is 3,815 mm (12 ft 6+1⁄4 in).

Other

762 mm (2 ft 6 in) gauge for the United Kingdom and Sierra Leone:

• Minimum radius: 132 feet (40 m)
• Width: 7 feet 0 inches (2.13 m) (see Everard Calthrop)
• Wagon length (freight): 25 feet 0 inches (7.62 m) over headstocks
• Wagon length (passenger): 40 feet 0 inches (12.19 m) over headstocks
• Tank engine length: 29 feet 6 inches (8.99 m) over headstocks

Structure gauge

Main article: Structure gauge

Increasing the structure gauge can involve substantial work. The UK's Midland Main Line being upgraded in 2014.

The structure gauge, which refers to the dimensions of the lowest and narrowest bridges or tunnels of the track, complements the loading gauge, which specifies the tallest and widest allowable vehicle dimensions. There is a gap between the structure gauge and loading gauge, and some allowance needs to be made for the dynamic movement of vehicles (sway) to avoid mechanical interference causing equipment and structural damage.

Out of gauge

While it may be true that trains of a particular loading gauge can travel freely over tracks of a matching structure gauge, in practice, problems can still occur. In an accident at Moston station, an old platform not normally used by freight trains was hit by a train that wasn't within its intended W6a gauge because two container fastenings were hanging over the side. Analysis showed that the properly configured train would have passed safely even though the platform couldn't handle the maximum design sway of W6a. Accepting reduced margins for old construction is normal practice if there have been no incidents but if the platform had met modern standards with greater safety margin the out of gauge train would have passed without incident.

Trains larger than the loading gauge, but not too large, can operate if the structure gauge is carefully measured, and the trip is subject to various special regulations.

Gallery

• Examples of loading gauges
• 
  German equipment outline gauge
• 
  Template to check if the load is exactly within the loading gauge
• 
  Equipment outline gauge at Moccone
• 
  Eritrean loading gauge

See also

• Berne gauge
• Bridge
• Clearance car
• Clearance space
• Cut
• Platform gap
• Railway platform height
• Ride height
• Structure gauge
• Tunnel

Further reading

• Jane's World Railways yearbook contains many though not all loading gauge diagrams.

External links

• 2002/732/EC: Commission Decision of 30 May 2002 concerning the technical specification for interoperability relating to the infrastructure subsystem of the trans-European high-speed rail system
• Loading Gauges at The Self Site Archived 3 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine
• Norfolk Southern Railcar Guide & Fleet Specifications
• Railway industrial Clearance Association
• British Track Gauge & Loading Gauge Archived 12 August 2009 at the Wayback Machine
• Railway line clearances and car dimensions including weight limitations of railroads in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Cuba.
• AAR plates with UIC
• AAR "plate" loading gauge diagrams compared to UIC (pdf & Autocad)