Re: [OT] US Rail Guage...

[Dave Proctor <david@sd3.mailbank.com>]

On 11 Jun 2001 00:49:48 -0700, jshugg@westpac.com.au (James Shugg)
wrote:

>"David Bennetts" > 
>> Interesting question James.
>> have a look at http://mikes.railhistory.railfan.net/r051.html
>> 
>> The first three railways in Ireland had gauges of 4 ft 8 1/2 in, 5 ft 3in
>> and 6 ft 2 in - about 70 miles in total.
>> Back in the 1840s a Royal Commission was set up in Ireland to resolve the
>> situation, resulting in 5ft 3in becoming the Irish "Standard" gauge.
>> 
>> Regards
>> 
>> David Bennetts
>
>Ah, I see.  That reference implies that the Irish adopted 5'3" less
>than ten years before the first mainland lines were built in Sydney
>and Melbourne. My understanding (some might disagree!) is that NSW
>went for 5'3" initially, Vic adopted same, but then the NSW boss was
>replaced and he would have none of that Irish nonsense, so he changed
>the planned NSW gauge to the English 4'8.5". But the Victorians had
>already ordered equipment or started building or whatever, and they
>stuck with 5'3".

NSW, Vic and SA adopted 4'8.5" - NSW then changed Chief Engineers and
went to 5'3" - Vic and SA followed suit. NSW then got a new Chief
Engineer who convinced them to change back. Vic and SA refused to do
so due to the cost.

Dave