Re: [NSW] Gauntlet Track

["Graeme Nitz" <prr@unite.com.au>]

I don't think Dual gauge track could ever be classed as gauntlet (or
gantlet) track as the tracks have to be "Interleaved" according to my
remembrance of reading the AAR dictionary from years ago.
By the way the much lamented "Yanks" in the form of the AAR accept both
spellings.
A version of the reason for Gauntlet track being called that is the shape of
the rails leading into it being shaped ike the flair on "Gauntlets" ie
armoured gloves. This is probably just a myth but it seems right.
The track on weigh bridges are Gauntlet despite the use of switchblades. A
Gauntlet point is a point where the rails leading to the crossing point
(frog) are Gauntleted to allow the Switchblades to be kept away from a
location where it would be difficult to build and/or maintain them, ie
street trackage, on a bridge, etc.
A interesting use of Gauntlet track was on one of the US railroads (N&W I
think) where  2 tracks on a steel trestle were Gauntleted and had guard
rails layed between a total of 6 rails!!! A photo of this is in John
Armstrongs - Track Planning fro Realistic Operation.


--
Graeme Nitz

PRRT&HS Member #1313

prr@unite.com.au

Slobbering Pennsy Freak