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Trivia: Ridiculously long platforms?

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Harlesden

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Odd thread title.
What is the problem with a long platform? Thousands of pounds have had to be spent re-lengthening platforms previously shortened so that longer trains can serve the stations. Surely better to have a platform that seems too long for current usage than a platform that is too short for future services to begin operating without costly renovation.
 

NoMorePacers

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Gloucester. Colchester and Cambridge have the longest platforms in the country, I think. Correct me if I am wrong.
 

SpacePhoenix

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Bournemouth has on one side (the side that's normally for Poole/Weymouth bound trains).

The old Waterloo International has long ones
 

Iskra

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I think we need some clarification on whether this thread is about:

a) long platforms across the country
b) platforms that are significantly (ridiculously?) long for the services that actually use them.
 

NoMorePacers

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Originally posted by Iskra:
I think we need some clarification on whether this thread is about:

a) long platforms across the country
b) platforms that are significantly (ridiculously?) long for the services that actually use them.
Its 'B'
 

PHILIPE

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There used to be one very long platform which served both Manchester Victoria and Exchange stations before the latter closed
 

PaulLothian

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As far as Waverley is concerned, I am not alone in finding it frustrating that a two or three car unit will be waiting for passengers at the very far end of the long double platforms. I assume this is because of signal sighting, track circuits, or similar?
 

Dr_Paul

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Odd thread title. What is the problem with a long platform? Thousands of pounds have had to be spent re-lengthening platforms previously shortened so that longer trains can serve the stations. Surely better to have a platform that seems too long for current usage than a platform that is too short for future services to begin operating without costly renovation.

Good point. Most of the platforms on the North London Line were trimmed down to fit three-carriage trains, then had to be extended to four-carriage length, and later on to five-carriage length.
 

NoMorePacers

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Originally posted by HMS ArkRoyal:Gloucester has the longest combined

If looking for single platforms, Darlington
What about platform 4 at Gloucester. Isn't that the same length as the combined length of 1 & 2.
 

NoMorePacers

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I set this thread up to see if people could give examples of ridiculously long platforms. I only know 3 which I mentioned before
 

RichmondCommu

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I set this thread up to see if people could give examples of ridiculously long platforms. I only know 3 which I mentioned before

However nevertheless I'm sure you would argue that unless you have a disability there is nothing wrong with long platforms.

The train from Matlock to Newark often stops at Nottingham some way from the main concourse at Nottingham and when you walk back to the concourse it does seem a long way.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Or, as in another recent thread, Miriam Margolyes

Did Miriam have an issue with the long platform?
 

NoMorePacers

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To answer your questions: a) I don't have a disability, b) I don't have a problem with long platforms. In fact a VTEC HST (2+9) doesn't even fit into Hull station (the front power car overshoots the platform), and at Brough two coaches overshoot the platform. So, yes, I would like Hull station to have it's platforms extended. The 1904 trainshed will only cover 4 coaches fully.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Did Miriam have an issue with the long platform?

No, a man refused to give up his seat so she poured water over his head.
 

HMS Ark Royal

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To answer your questions: a) I don't have a disability, b) I don't have a problem with long platforms. In fact a VTEC HST (2+9) doesn't even fit into Hull station (the front power car overshoots the platform), and at Brough two coaches overshoot the platform. So, yes, I would like Hull station to have it's platforms extended. The 1904 trainshed will only cover 4 coaches fully.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


No, a man refused to give up his seat so she poured water over his head.

Because she wouldn't move down the longish platform to where other seats were free

As it happens, I know a lot about Hull as it is my home station also
 

NoMorePacers

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I live in the city centre and I usually have to take a bus to school so on the way home, I get of the bus at the train station and walk home, so I really end up being at the train station most days
 

HMS Ark Royal

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I live in the city centre and I usually have to take a bus to school so on the way home, I get of the bus at the train station and walk home, so I really end up being at the train station most days

If the bus is at the train station, it has passed through a car park and several businesses
 

NoMorePacers

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You know the train station is a bus station as well (or transport interchange, if you want to be fancy) so I get off there
 

HMS Ark Royal

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You know the train station is a bus station as well (or transport interchange, if you want to be fancy) so I get off there

Its an Interchange - but they maintain separate identities

To go back on topic, there are some epicly sized platforms in India
 

snowball

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There used to be one very long platform which served both Manchester Victoria and Exchange stations before the latter closed

It comprised Platform 3 of Exchange and Platform 11 of Victoria. Platform 11 corresponded to where Platform 3 of Victoria is today. The two taken together were said to form the second longest platform in the world - the longest is in India somewhere.
 
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