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-   -   Orange line... (https://www.railwayforum.net/showthread.php?t=2883)

Deathbyteacup 14th August 2008 22:30

Orange line...
 
Daft question that I'm sure has a boring answer, but it's starting to hurt my head a little now.

Every UK train currently being used today has, as far as I can tell, an orangey-redish stripe around the roof that rises at the cab or front ends, and to be honest I don't really know what it's for.

Metrolink trams also appear to have the stripe and I can't really think of the reason for it's existance except perhaps it having something to do with overhead lines and it perhaps representing not to go above that point for some reason but I find that a possibly silly theory.

Anyway I guess there's a simple answer to the question but Google isn't giving me answers and I wondered if anyone here could explain it, as it's been on my mind for a while now.

swisstrains 15th August 2008 06:42

It's not a daft question DBT and you have already guessed the answer. The orange cantrail stripe (or other colour if the vehicle iis already orange) indicates the maximum height that personnel are allowed to climb because of the OLE. I have read that they do not have to be painted on units that never leave the Southern third-rail system but I can't say for sure.

This withdrawn document gives some details: (I can't find the current one :()
http://www.rgsonline.co.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Rail-42837/rt2181_1.pdf

martin adamson 15th August 2008 17:38

The specific orange colour must be a recent thing, since I have seen the Eurostars in red previously, but it looks like from the ones seen in StPancras they have been given orange stripes.

Mushroom 15th August 2008 18:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by David A Hicks (Post 18208)
The specific orange colour must be a recent thing, since I have seen the Eurostars in red previously, but it looks like from the ones seen in StPancras they have been given orange stripes.

I'm wondering whether the fact that eurostars are owned by different countries make a difference? Maybee the SNCF and SNCB ones have red to conformto French or Belgian standards and the british ones have orange? A bit more research I think!

paul miller 15th August 2008 20:37

I love this forum. I hope I live long enough to see someone ask a question that no one has an answer for. Fabulous chaps, keep it up.
Paul.

Deathbyteacup 16th August 2008 09:29

Ah, I was right?

Quite worrying since (as a freakishly tall person) I'm about as tall as the red line, stood on a platform anyway. :p

So is this some sort of special law that applys to all rail vehicles that operate under OHL? Trams are excempt it seems from most other Railway laws like yellow front ends etc.

Bubblewrap 16th August 2008 21:51

And I always thought it was a go faster stripe :p :rolleyes: :D

swisstrains 16th August 2008 22:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deathbyteacup (Post 18217)
.............Quite worrying since (as a freakishly tall person) I'm about as tall as the red line, stood on a platform anyway. :p......................

In that case can I suggest wearing some sort of rubber headgear just to be on the safe side;)

paul miller 17th August 2008 13:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by swisstrains (Post 18233)
In that case can I suggest wearing some sort of rubber headgear just to be on the safe side;)

You are opening a whole new thread here John I have seen some of these magazines with rubber head gear in, ( Purely for research purposes you understand).
Paul.

swisstrains 17th August 2008 21:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul miller (Post 18240)
You are opening a whole new thread here John I have seen some of these magazines with rubber head gear in, ( Purely for research purposes you understand).
Paul.

Oh No..........my secrets out:o

Bubblewrap 17th August 2008 22:31

What about wellies?:rolleyes: :D

swisstrains 17th August 2008 23:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bubblewrap (Post 18252)
What about wellies?:rolleyes: :D

Yes sometimes but only when I am up in the hills ;)

Bubblewrap 18th August 2008 07:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by swisstrains (Post 18255)
Yes sometimes but only when I am up in the hills ;)

In Wales???

paul miller 18th August 2008 18:33

Yes, but your secret is safe with us mate.
Paul.

class47 19th January 2010 20:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deathbyteacup (Post 18199)
Daft question that I'm sure has a boring answer, but it's starting to hurt my head a little now.

Every UK train currently being used today has, as far as I can tell, an orangey-redish stripe around the roof that rises at the cab or front ends, and to be honest I don't really know what it's for.

Metrolink trams also appear to have the stripe and I can't really think of the reason for it's existance except perhaps it having something to do with overhead lines and it perhaps representing not to go above that point for some reason but I find that a possibly silly theory.

Anyway I guess there's a simple answer to the question but Google isn't giving me answers and I wondered if anyone here could explain it, as it's been on my mind for a while now.


The orange line was originally aplied to AC electric locos as a warning to staff about the presence of overhead wires.

On December 5th 1985 there was an inspection of 56039 with a white warning line and 31198 with an orange warning. Major PM Olver of the Railway Inspectorate was there and having viewed both locos in daylight, failing light and under the yard lights gave the instruction for all locos to be given the orange line.

Regards

Simon

Seabrook 19th January 2010 23:37

I hope to answer your question 'DeathbyTeacup'. In the Railway Rulebook where overhead wires are concerned it states you are not allowed to go above 'Sole-bar level' because this will put a member of staff too close to the wires and liable to danger from electrocution. The Orange lines first appeared about 10 -15 years ago and are used as a marker enabling the safe limit to be recognised by Staff concerned.


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