A loading gauge is the envelope or contoured shape within which all railroad cars, locomotives, coaches, buses, trucks and other vehicles, must fit. It is dictated by the size of tunnels, height of bridges, the shape, height and position of third rail covers (if the third rail is covered at all) as well as the shape, height and position of railway platforms. Train stops and other signalling equipment must also be cleared and then there is the rack of the rack railways.