In 1944 The three sisters HMS HAMPTON FERRY, HMS SHEPPERTON FERRY and HMS TWICKENHAM FERRY were fitted with large gantries weighing 258 tons and protruding 35 feet beyond the stern, for service to the Continent after the D-Day invasion. The gantries enabled ramps to be lowered as required in ports which were not specifically constructed to receive train ferries.
These ramps were used for vehicles weighing less than 60 tons and for heavier loads they carried a derrick capable of lifting 84 tons. The derrick would first lift and turn an engine and then drop it gently on board.
A ferry's full load was 16 locomotives, with engines ready coaled plus about 20 trucks.
They were used by the Military Railway Service Transportation Corps, along with the American USS (USAT) Sea Train Texas to deliver over a hundred diesel locomotives to be used on French railways.
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