In message , at
22:40:59 on Tue, 24 Jan 2012, Neil Williams
remarked:
When berthing at a high-level platform, a trap door is lowered,
covering the steps in the vestibule.

Thanks.

What would you call it?

I don't think we'd have a name as we don't have any - the UK is all
high platformed, or for the rare low ones (not US low) there are
usually wooden steps left on the platform.

The only thing even vaguely like it is the retractable step on
Metrolink trams in Manchester, but I think the platforms are now all
high so they are unused now. All other tram systems in the UK are all
low platform with low floor trams.

There's the retractable steps on Eurostar trains, which adjust to the
platform edge. But they (and the doors in general) are very slow to
operate and would be hopeless on a commuter service [yes, I know the
stock was briefly used on the ECML].
--
Roland Perry

On Jan 24, 10:22*pm, "Adam H. Kerman" wrote:

It doesn't seem like a bad idea to make a unit of government subject to
tax collection duties, same as a businessman, so it understands how
very painful it is to deal with the revenuers.

If it didn't, the cost saved in admin might allow it to be less
efficient.

I think the idea is a waste of money.

Neil

On Jan 24, 10:35*pm, "Adam H. Kerman" wrote:

Someone told me that there are merely three oversize freight car types in
North America that won't clear an 8 inch platform, and that 15 inches
might make a practical platform standard. It would sure speed up boarding..

15" would be considered unusually low in the UK other than for
trams... most low platforms (not many left) are at least 2', and the
standard for high platforms is 915mm (above rail height) which is 3'.

Indeed, most new-build bus stops in the UK now have "platforms" of
probably about 6-8".

Neil

On Jan 25, 9:19*am, Roland Perry wrote:

There's the retractable steps on Eurostar trains, which adjust to the
platform edge. But they (and the doors in general) are very slow to
operate and would be hopeless on a commuter service [yes, I know the
stock was briefly used on the ECML].

Even the short delay for the folding step (to UK platform height from
a very high floor height) on the Pendolino confuses people.

Neil

On 24/01/2012 21:03, Pat O'Neill wrote:

wrote in message
...
On 24/01/2012 04:16, Glen Labah wrote:
In ,
Roland wrote:

There are also millions of merchants who don't accept credit cards. And
plenty of folks in far flung countries who'll take dollars in cash.


I have heard that in Jamaica they prefer the US dollar, against the
Jamaican dollar.

People have told me you will actually wind up paying more in the
US-dollar equivalent if you decide to pay in Jamaican dollars.

One woman who recently visited the Carribean told me that she would
pay for something in US dollars, but get change back in EC dollars.

I tried to pay cash for a hotel stay in Manchester they didn't how to
cope with it.

I think that hotels are okay if you settle your bill in cash, though
they want to have a credit card from you, just in case you decide to run
off.

On 24/01/2012 21:40, Neil Williams wrote:
On Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:35:23 +0000 (UTC), "Adam H. Kerman"
wrote:
When berthing at a high-level platform, a trap door is lowered,
covering the steps in the vestibule.

Thanks.

What would you call it?

I don't think we'd have a name as we don't have any - the UK is all high
platformed, or for the rare low ones (not US low) there are usually
wooden steps left on the platform.

The only thing even vaguely like it is the retractable step on Metrolink
trams in Manchester, but I think the platforms are now all high so they
are unused now. All other tram systems in the UK are all low platform
with low floor trams.

Neil

Are there any low platforms in the UK now, besides heritage lines?

On 24/01/2012 21:40, Neil Williams wrote:
On Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:35:23 +0000 (UTC), "Adam H. Kerman"
wrote:
When berthing at a high-level platform, a trap door is lowered,
covering the steps in the vestibule.

Thanks.

What would you call it?

I don't think we'd have a name as we don't have any - the UK is all high
platformed, or for the rare low ones (not US low) there are usually
wooden steps left on the platform.

The only thing even vaguely like it is the retractable step on Metrolink
trams in Manchester, but I think the platforms are now all high so they
are unused now. All other tram systems in the UK are all low platform
with low floor trams.

Neil

I've seen those in Köln, on the city's pre-metro. I wonder if that
feature still exists in a number of city's with pre-metros.

On Jan 25, 11:37*am, "
wrote:

I've seen those in Köln, on the city's pre-metro. I wonder if that
feature still exists in a number of city's with pre-metros.

The Koeln ones are more like the US ones described - the steps are
"inside" rather than "outside", if I recall. They "collapse" down
very quickly to the point I wondered if they caused accidents.

I think many cities with pre-metros just have low platforms throughout
so either permanent steps or low-floor trams. Certainly true of Den
Haag.

Neil

On Jan 25, 11:35*am, "
wrote:

Are there any low platforms in the UK now, besides heritage lines?

Not many. The S&C I'm pretty sure has a few fairly low ones, as does
the Conwy Valley. Probably some of the more remote Scottish stations
as well - though I recall Altnabreac being full-height I think.

Neil

On 25/01/2012 10:47, Neil Williams wrote:
On Jan 25, 11:37 am,
wrote:

I've seen those in Köln, on the city's pre-metro. I wonder if that
feature still exists in a number of city's with pre-metros.

The Koeln ones are more like the US ones described - the steps are
"inside" rather than "outside", if I recall. They "collapse" down
very quickly to the point I wondered if they caused accidents.

I think many cities with pre-metros just have low platforms throughout
so either permanent steps or low-floor trams. Certainly true of Den
Haag.


The Brussels pre-metro platforms have a sunken centre section for the
trams. Is this to enable the easy provision of high level platforms
if/when the lines are converted to full metro operation?


--
Graeme Wall
This account not read, substitute trains for rail.
Railway Miscellany at http://www.greywall.demon.co.uk/rail