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.

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This withdrawn document gives some details: (I can't find the current one :()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

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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