Following the Kent Coast electrification of 1959-62, boat trains to Dover and Folkestone were generally formed of three four-coach multiple-units (CEP and BEP), and either one or two Motor Luggage Vans (MLV). This gave a total train length of 14 coaches, and some of the platforms on the eastern side of Victoria were lengthened to accommodate these. However, various accounts of the electrification work state that the original 700 ft platforms at Dover Marine were extended by 114 ft at the London end. This gave a total length of 814 ft, sufficient to accommodate 12 coaches, but not 14 (or even 13). So my question is, how were boat trains with one or two MLV handled at Dover Marine?
The MLV were usually marshalled at the London end of boat trains, so they could not have been off the seaward end of the platform at Dover Marine. And the track layout and signalling at the London end meant that no vehicles could have been off the platform end there.
Grateful for any thoughts or information.
The MLV were usually marshalled at the London end of boat trains, so they could not have been off the seaward end of the platform at Dover Marine. And the track layout and signalling at the London end meant that no vehicles could have been off the platform end there.
Grateful for any thoughts or information.