Why no "viewing cars" on UK trains?

[Shakermaker]

I've been watching Michael Portillo American Railroad Journeys and it made me wonder - why don't we have any trains with the great big viewing windows like they do across the USA?

Sure, it might have to be a bit route specific, but I can imagine that the coastal lines, rather than the local commuter services, would be spectacular?

side note - how much bigger are their trains than ours? Same gauge but much taller/wider carriages?

[Shakermaker]

I've been on the Paignton - Kingswear and the Swanage Railway ones, both lovely.

[Shakermaker]

Simpo Two said:

Apart from the small verandah on the back of one, I'm struggling to tell the difference between these 'viewing cars' and an ordinary carriage.

BUt the USA ones have massive panoramic windows into the roofline. I really like that look, personally. Maybe it would cheer everyone up if they could see the underside of the bridge over East Croydon station?

[Shakermaker]

Stedman said:

Shakermaker said:

BUt the USA ones have massive panoramic windows into the roofline. I really like that look, personally. Maybe it would cheer everyone up if they could see the underside of the bridge over East Croydon station?

You wouldn't want to see the roof of Gatwick Airport after the fatalities they've had there

Been there done that..