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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 11, Issue 11 (February 1, 1937)

[section]

Through passenger train operation between London and continental points, rendered possible by the spanning of the Channel either by a railway tunnel or train ferry, is an objective upon which Home railway experts long ago set their minds. For some years to come, at any rate, there seems no likelihood of a Channel tunnel scheme actually being embarked upon. Thanks to the enterprise of the Southern Railway, however, a cross-Channel passenger train ferry is now in active operation, between Dover and Dunkirk, and a new era in European travel has thereby been opened up. A nightly sleeping-car service between London and Paris is the first result of the enterprise, and across the Channel the Northern Railway of France is co-operating whole-heartedly with our own authorities to make the facility a huge success. Instead of having to change from railway train to steamer, and vice-versa, at the Channel ports, the continental traveller journeying by the new night service is carried right through from one capital to the other without leaving his comfortable sleeping berth.

Three ferry vessels have been built for the service. Each carries a train of twelve sleeping-cars, there being four sets of railway tracks on the ferry deck. Above the train deck, restaurants, lounges and cabins have been installed for passengers who desire to vacate their berths and stretch their legs. In addition to accommodating 500 passengers, the ferries have a special garage for passengers' motor-cars. These are driven aboard up an inclined ramp. In recent years, there has been a growing tendency for travellers going on a continental tour to take their own motorcars along with them, and the liberal accommodation provided for cars on the new train ferries should prove a great convenience. Looking ahead, it seems likely that, eventually, the operation of these Channel ferries will enable through working to be introduced between London and most of the principal continental cities. In the coming Coronation rush of passengers to London, the new facility should prove of the greatest utility.

“Twickenham Ferry,” one of the three new cross-Channel Train Ferries of the Southern Railway.

“Twickenham Ferry,” one of the three new cross-Channel Train Ferries of the Southern Railway.