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I could talk for hours on this. :-)
Well, what are you waiting for? :)
If we move from the current load gauge, what do we move to? Do we go for double decker trains, or do we just try to pinch a bit of extra room to squeeze in 20 more people per carriage.
I'd say compatibility with the Continent (which has its own compatibility issues to sort out, not only in terms of loading gauges but also voltage).
I know it all gets into can-of-worms territory.
I'm agnostic on double-deckers. I personally don't like the new German ones I know, mainly because I find the layout cramped and uncomfortable (although older ones were better). They're probably the only thing from East Germany that has been embraced on a large scale.
Oliver Schick-
I'm at work... ironically.
I was on a double-decker RE to Friedrichshafen, in September, and I didn't find it particularly comfortable (cramped, I would agree) but they're fine for shorter journeys.
Re voltage, I think new trains can be configured to operate at different ratings.
In terms of track gauge, most of Europe uses Standard which is 1435mm (4ft). Russia/former Soviet states uses 5ft (~1520mm), Ireland 1600mm and Iberia a whopping 1668mm.
Ben689908
And don't forget that most platforms would need to be remodelled...
I could talk for hours on this. :-)
If we move from the current load gauge, what do we move to? Do we go for double decker trains, or do we just try to pinch a bit of extra room to squeeze in 20 more people per carriage.
And then there has to be the hunger for it. Job for life, for me, if we decide something drastic/huge! XD