The Real Story Behind the Standard (Stephenson) Rail Gauge
Did you know the standard railway gauge of 4 feet 8.5 inches wasn't determined by ancient Roman chariots or the width of horse-drawn wagons? It's a popular idea, but an urban myth.
The true origin of this seemingly odd measurement traces back to early 19th-century England. Pioneering engineer George Stephenson standardized this gauge during the construction of the Stockton and Darlington Railway and later the famous Liverpool and Manchester Railway. His choice was influenced by the gauge used in the coal mines of northern England, specifically the Killingworth Colliery, where he worked on steam locomotives.
Stephenson found that a gauge of 4 feet 8 inches allowed for optimal stability and performance of his locomotives. Later, he added an extra half-inch to reduce friction on curves, finalizing the gauge at 4 feet 8.5 inches. This standard was later adopted by the majority of railways in the UK and eventually became the global standard.
Did you know all of the freight and passenger rail infrastructure in North America is built on this standard?
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Thanks for sharing!