Correct me if I'm wrong only tube stock is allowed on the Island line in the Isle of Wight because of the Ryde tunnel but I've been hearing on another thread see
https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/island-line-railway-current-state-and-the-future.154219/
where it says they Ryde tunnel could be changed to allow bigger rolling stock to pass through it. Is that even possible?
1a. The roof of the tunnel for short section underneath a roundabout was originally strengthened with some deep section beams that reduced the roof height in that short section,
1b. however these have since been replaced to remove the weight restriction on the road above with some shallower but stronger beams thus restoring the original roof height.
2. To reduce the flooding problem the track level was increased to allow new drainage to be fitted which also reduced the height.
With the reduction due to both 1a & 2 it limited the tube to tube stock. (no longer the case but the myth perpetuates)
With 1b and 2 D stock will apparently fit down there. (current situation)
So lowering the track about 10cm would allow mainline stock down there...
