Huge continental-sized containers travelling through the Channel Tunnel to London took a step forward last week when DB Schenker Rail successfully completed trials on the HS1 route.

A Class 92 locomotive completed a trial run on HS1 travellng from Dollands Moor near Folkestone to Singlewell at Gravesend.

It was the first time that a Class 92 locomotive has operated on HS1 with its on-board signaling system fully operational.

The transportation of Continental-sized wagons on the UK’s railways has, until now, not been possible because of the UK’s relatively small rail wagon height and width restrictions.

DB Schenker now plans another trial with a set of loaded European-sized wagons. Once that trial has successfully taken place, regular European-sized freight trains will be introduced to operate to and from London.

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2011©