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Narrow Gauge Steam Locomotives By Brian Solomon Soft Cover
Narrow Gauge Steam Locomotives By Brian Solomon
Soft Cover
Copyright 1999
96 Pages Indexed
History of Narrow Gauge Railways
Rio Grande Narrow Gague
San Juan Extension
East Broad Top
Evolution of Narrow Gauge locomotives
Compelling, attractive, romantic, and historic, the remaining .segments of the once vast American narrow gauge railway system provide a wonderful way to relax and interact with historical technology amidst inspiring scenery. It's no surprise that every year hundreds of thousands of people ride extant narrow gauge lines. Interest in these routes has perpetuated their existence long after remote narrow gauge railways ceased being a competitive and profitable method of transportation.
The United States was among the earliest nations to adopt the narrow gauge and for many years was the foremost operator, by mileage, of narrow gauge railways. Agile, narrow gauge trains climbed mountains and reached mines and other resources more cheaply and easily than standard lines, opening up new opportunities in remote areas. Carrying silver, coal, bricks, oil, livestock, passengers, and a broad array of other goods and supplies, these diminutive trains linked people, places, and products that had once been isolated. Though depletion of the mines and the rise of highway transport would finally bring an end to the narrow gauge era, this fascinating period lives on in a few carefully preserved lines.
Today, the former Denver & Rio Grande narrow gauge lines in southwestern Colorado and northern New Mexico, and the East Broad Top in Pennsylvania, are the most prominent examples of traditional 3-foot gauge railway-the standard for American narrow gauge, common-carrier lines. While not the only remaining narrow gauge lines, these railways well deserve the attention they are given.
The Rio Grande and East Broad Top are notable for several reasons. Both were pioneering American narrow gauge lines that set precedent for further narrow gauge construction. They were both integrated with standard gauge railway systems, permitting interchange of freight and passenger traffic. Both lines relied heavily on mineral traffic, but also carried passengers throughout most of their existence. These lines continued to invest and maintain narrow gauge standards, and to upgrade and modernize their motive power and equipment fleets, long after most other American narrow gauge railways had folded or converted to standard gauge. Fortunately, they survived long enough to be recognized and preserved.
The Cumbres & Toltec and East Broad Top are two of the best-preserved railways in the United States. Although these railways have been adapted as tourist haulers, they use equipment and facilities that are historically correct.
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