Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
In the 1960s, the gauge was selected for use in the Bay Area Rapid Transit system, serving the San Francisco Bay Area; it is the only place in the United States where this gauge is in use. The rapid transit segment of the system covers 109 miles (175 km) of double track in revenue service with additional sidings and maintenance facilities.
The light rails of a narrow-gauge railway could be laid quickly and, if necessary, quickly dismantled. The 5 metres (16 ft) long prefabricated sections of the flying track weighing 100 kilograms (220 lb) could be carried and laid by only two soldiers. Because of the small gauge, smaller radii could be used than with standard gauge railways. [1]
Broad gauge (width between the rails) track in France was 4 feet 8.7 inches (1.44 m). Standard gauge in the United States was 4 feet 8.5 inches (1.44 m). The difference between the two in tenths of an inch was negligible and the wheels of U.S. locomotives and rolling stock did not have to be modified to be used. [2]: 57
Both battalions trained active and reserve US Army soldiers, including National Guard and Army Reserve troops, on various aspects of railway operations and maintenance. On June 3, 1965, the Group and the Shop Battalion were deactivated, leaving the 714th TBROS&DE as the only active duty railway unit in the US Army.
The large network of narrow-gauge sugar cane light railways, almost all 610 mm (2 ft) gauge, is not shown, Rail gauge in Australia. Rail gauge world Track gauge Rail gauge world Map Rail gauge world Map, 600mm. to 1676 mm. Rail gauge world Map, 597 mm. to 2140 mm. Triple-gauge track on turntable, Gladstone, South Australia.
Many narrow-gauge railways were built in the United States with track gauge 3 ft (914 mm). The most extensive and well known systems were the 3 ft (914 mm) gauge lines through the Rocky Mountain states of Colorado and New Mexico. Today a few lines survive as heritage railways and tourist attractions.
The United States customary units for length did not agree with the imperial system until 1959, when one international yard was defined as 0.9144 meters and, as derived units, 1 foot (= 1 ⁄ 3 yd) as 0.3048 meter and 1 inch (= 1 ⁄ 36 yd) as 25.4 mm. The list shows the imperial and other units that have been used for track gauge definitions:
The vast majority of North American railroads are standard gauge (4 ft 8 + 1 ⁄ 2 in / 1,435 mm).Exceptions include some streetcar, subway and rapid transit systems, mining and tunneling operations, and some narrow-gauge lines particularly in the west, e.g. the isolated White Pass and Yukon Route system, and the former Newfoundland Railway.