Loading gauge

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A loading gauge defines the maximum height and width for railway vehicles and their loads to ensure safe passage through bridges, tunnels and other structures. In the case of live steam operation, the Loading gauge must include clearances for passengers.

MiniRail Standard

The following Loading gauge was published by Mini-Rail Corporation in the late 1980's. The IBLS does not presently provide a Loading gauge standard.

Mini-Rail Corporation Loading Gauge - all dimensions in inches
1/2 inch scale 3/4 inch scale 1 inch scale 1.5 inch scale 3 inch scale 5 inch scale
Passenger Clearance Width-AA 6 30 30 36 48 48
Foot Bar Clearance Width-BB
Engine Overall Width-CC 6 10 12 18 36 36
Track Clearance Width-DD 10 12 15 30 30
Passenger Clearance Height-EE 48 48 48 60 60
Foot Bar Clearance Height-FF 1 2 4 10 10
Foot Clearance Height-GG
Track Clearance Height-HH 0 0 2 4 4
Tunnel Head Clearance Radius-II 14 14 18 24 24
Mini-Rail Corporation Loading gauge

Standard vs Narrow Gauge

Vermon Smith provided the following loading gauge.

Clearance Diagram Standard vs Narrow gauge.PNG

Prototypes

See AAR Loading Gauges for North America, Wikipedia

External Links