3 ms·

I don’t know if it’s true, but I learned that the differing east and west European gauges were to stall any invasion. At any rate, I’ve had occasion to cross t

I don’t know if it’s true, but I learned that the differing east and west European gauges were to stall any invasion. At any rate, I’ve had occasion to cross the Poland-Belarus border by train and while you’re in the carriage they lift it several feet in the air and change bogies over the course of a couple of hours. At least a number of years ago when I did it. At the time, it was said in years gone by the authorities would conceal the passenger view during the procedure. I wonder if there remain many “live bogie” changing locations in operation around the world?

ahazred8ta 2y ago
Yes, there are many 'break of gauge' points. They're mainly for historical inertia and economic reasons, but the military impediment is a known side effect. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5_ft_and_1520_mm_gauge_railways https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5_ft_and_1520_mm_gauge_railway...
lahvak 2y ago
I remember in the summer of 89 having to wait several hours in Uzhhorod for exactly this reason. I don't remember if they kicked us of the train or if we wanted to use the opportunity to do some sightseeing, but there were no sights to see in Uzhhorod in 1989. The most notable thing we found was a local "wall of shame": a display case with pictures of local miscreants, together with the listings of their crimes. Being at the height of Gorbachev's prohibition, the most common crime was "drinking alcoholic beverages in public". I think that if I had to live in Uzhhorod in late 1980's, I would probably end up drinking alcoholic beverages in public as well.
LargoLasskhyfv 2y ago
Seems slow. I went by (night)train from Bonn/Cologne via Belgium to Paris, France, and from there to Madrid, Spain. Which involved that bogie change thing in Hendaye/Irun at the French/Spanish border. Took maybe 45 minutes. In 1980/81.

ahazred8ta 2y ago

Yes, there are many 'break of gauge' points. They're mainly for historical inertia and economic reasons, but the military impediment is a known side effect. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5_ft_and_1520_mm_gauge_railways https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5_ft_and_1520_mm_gauge_railway...

lahvak 2y ago

I remember in the summer of 89 having to wait several hours in Uzhhorod for exactly this reason. I don't remember if they kicked us of the train or if we wanted to use the opportunity to do some sightseeing, but there were no sights to see in Uzhhorod in 1989. The most notable thing we found was a local "wall of shame": a display case with pictures of local miscreants, together with the listings of their crimes. Being at the height of Gorbachev's prohibition, the most common crime was "drinking alcoholic beverages in public". I think that if I had to live in Uzhhorod in late 1980's, I would probably end up drinking alcoholic beverages in public as well.

LargoLasskhyfv 2y ago

Seems slow. I went by (night)train from Bonn/Cologne via Belgium to Paris, France, and from there to Madrid, Spain. Which involved that bogie change thing in Hendaye/Irun at the French/Spanish border. Took maybe 45 minutes. In 1980/81.