4 ms·
Well, it’s bit more complex. The difference in gauge is very small (3.5”) when the average railhead width is just over 2.5” leaving only one inch which is too
by kposehn 7y ago
Well, it’s bit more complex.
The difference in gauge is very small (3.5”) when the average railhead width is just over 2.5” leaving only one inch which is too narrow for most wheel flanges.
On top of that you also need to re-tie all the ties, and they also are more expensive as they’re made for dual gauge and thus hold 50% more weight in rail.
In addition, you’re talking thousands of miles of track. The cost is enormous unfortunately :(
- garaetjjte 7y ago>The difference in gauge is very small (3.5”) when the average railhead width is just over 2.5” leaving only one inch which is too narrow for most wheel flanges. In this situation four rails are used: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rail_Baltica_Lietuva.jpg https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rail_Baltica_Lietuva...
- kposehn 7y agoTrue - but then you’re looking at even more cost. I had forgotten about the four rail solution though :)