Permitted gradients in terminal stations, runrounds etc.

Can anyone tell me where to find information about maximum gradients allowed in terminal stations with runround loops? I've tried searching the Group Standards but not found anything so far. This is for new build btw.

Thanks
Dave

 

As a starting point for discussion (open for correction) I would suggest a gradient no steeper than 1 in 264. On gradients steeper than this vehicles can run away under gravity if the brakes are not screwed on.
Can anyone else confirm/agree.
Otherwise seek views of HM Railway Inspectorate.

 

The requirements are laid down by the Office of Rail Regulation. for Heritage Railways see:
http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/r ... orrail.pdf

Section 192 states:
"Stations should be constructed with straight platforms and on the level or on a gradient not steeper than 1 in 500. Minor stations at which trains do not terminate or reverse may be constructed on steeper gradients where suitable arrangements can be made to ensure safety, subject to the agreement of HMRI."

HTH
Steve

 

Thank you very much!

Dave

 

Not sure about the effect this has on other railways, but the site of Norden station on the Swanage Railway was re-graded before the station could be constructed, hence the 'ski-ramp' 1-in-56 section shortly before the platform.

 

Of course, those rules apply to new stations, particulally places like Kiethley could have trouble else!

 

I don’t know the answer myself but would it not be a safer bet to ask the HMRI themselves to make sure any info is actually correct?

 

The info that I quoted is from HMRI (ORR). It is their bible which they always refer you to and the posted info on their website is always up-to-date. Having said that, in my experience, they are a very flexible organisation and will listen to any reasonable proposals where the standards cannot be applied. Safely controlling the risk is what it is about. The standards do also change from time to time. For example, ramps on the end of platforms were once a mandatory requirement, These days they are no longer necessary.

And, as Olly5764 says, they are not retrospective.

 

Thanks for giving us the link to the ORR guidelines. Very useful gen.

 

I wonder what Britain's steepest station is/was? The Lynton & Barnstaple had one on a 1 in 50 (albeit only a halt), but I wouldn't be surprised if there were others that are worse than that. (I think having a rack inbetween the rails is cheating though!)

 

Narrow gauge, funicular or rack railway excepted, which heritage railway has got the steepest platform? Although I doubt it is nearly the steepest Highley on the SVR, in down direction, is a very difficult start.

 

Berwyn is on a 1in85 IIRC

 

Beddgelert on the WHR was once and soon will be again on 1 in 40.

 

On the National Rail system I would suggest..
City Thameslink in Central London. Whilst most of the platform is on the level the southern end of the platform bends to
.... 1 in 29.....
Southbound electric trains from a standing start climb the "very short" distance at 1 in 29 to Blackfriars. Is it the steepest on NR.?
This then leads on to another question... are City Thameslink and Blackfriars the closest stations on NR at barely a train length apart..?

 

Foul! I excluded narrow gauge.

Double Foul. I also excluded NR metals by saying heritage lines.

Berwyn is in front at present.

 

Colesloggett Halt, Bodmin and Wenford has got to be well up there, at 1 in 40.

 

Hmm... I don't know about that. A gradient at the end? I think that's pushing the boundaries of the original question! (Boom boom!)

 

My question was really meant to mean all the way through the platform. If it just the last little bit it won't have a lot of influence on holding the train with the brake or starting it moving again. If the incline is steep and all the way through the platform the brakes and engine will need to work that much harder to hold the train and then to re-start it.

If a station with a very steeep incline is to re-open does it have grand-father rights?

 

I'd suggest that it largely depends on what you want to do - just stop or detach locos and run round are fundamental questions It would also depend on how you managed the risks and what are the alternatives. HMRI are always quite approachable and will listen to reason.

 

I would discount Coleslogget Halt as trains only stop going downhill. My vote would go to Furnace Halt on the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway which is also 1 in 40.