Author Topic: 2-footer crosses standard gauge  (Read 6788 times)

Wayne Laepple

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2-footer crosses standard gauge
« on: June 01, 2016, 08:50:57 PM »
Attached is a photo taken from the cab of a standard gauge locomotive of a crossing of a two-foot gauge line in Queensland, Australia. Note the manual signal to the right, which the narrow-gauge train must set before crossing the standard gauge line. To the left, another narrow-gauge track parallels the standard gauge. Queensland has an extensive network of two-foot gauge lines serving large sugar plantations, some of which feature double track with automatic block signals, multiple-unit locomotives and lengthy trains with radio-controlled "brake wagons." A brake wagon is a ballasted flatcar with an air-compressor to help control the train composed of unbraked can wagons.

John Scott

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Re: 2-footer crosses standard gauge
« Reply #1 on: June 02, 2016, 06:02:53 AM »
Mainlines in Queensland are laid to 42 inch track gauge.

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James Patten

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Re: 2-footer crosses standard gauge
« Reply #2 on: June 02, 2016, 06:12:25 AM »
One of the two footers has drawbridge over the Cape gauge line:



Wayne Laepple

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Re: 2-footer crosses standard gauge
« Reply #3 on: June 02, 2016, 07:54:44 AM »
So Cape Gauge IS standard gauge in Queensland. I rest my case.  ;)

Philip Marshall

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Re: 2-footer crosses standard gauge
« Reply #4 on: June 02, 2016, 01:43:24 PM »
Maybe we should start referring to 56.5" as "Stephenson gauge" rather than standard gauge. This would avoid confusion and reduce the threat of "gauge privilege". :)

Indeed, a good friend of mine who grew up behind the Iron Curtain in the former Czechoslovakia refers to 56.5" standard gauge as "Western gauge" to distinguish it from Russian 5' gauge.

Ira Schreiber

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Re: 2-footer crosses standard gauge
« Reply #5 on: June 02, 2016, 01:45:20 PM »
Also a two foot/ standard gauge crossing in Wales . Yes, 4' 8 1/2" gauge

John Kokas

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Re: 2-footer crosses standard gauge
« Reply #6 on: June 02, 2016, 02:30:58 PM »
Gee, I always thought that 42" was "Newfoundland" gauge.   ???
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