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Track Level Gauge.

Discussion in 'Railwayana' started by osprey, Jan 12, 2015.

  1. osprey

    osprey Resident of Nat Pres

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    I have acquired a track level gauge and it gives the measurement 4foot 3/8". Is this the maximum allowable width? Also reverse to this is a P1 wheel profile, presumably again to see where the wheels would sit. Is there any reason a P1 profile has been chosen? The gauge is made entirely of Paxolene but the makers mark has disappeared, any ideas who the manufacturer would have been?
     
  2. Wenlock

    Wenlock Well-Known Member Friend

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    That doesn't sound right. Track gauge can be widened on tight curves, but not normally reduced from 4 ft 8 1/2 in. Even if it were a "wheel set back to back" gauge 4 ft 3/8 in is too tight.
     
  3. osprey

    osprey Resident of Nat Pres

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    Thanks for that I might run my tape measure over it.....
     
  4. Steve

    Steve Resident of Nat Pres Friend

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    'Standard gauge' was reduced to 4'-8 ⅜" (1432mm) sometime in (I think) the 1960's. AIUI, the reason was because of an increasing number of derailments of four wheel wagons. which was put down to hunting of the vehicle and it was thought that, by tightening the gauge slightly, it would reduce lateral clearances and reduce the tendency of vehicles to hunt. Standard gauge has more recently reverted to 1435 mm, which is near enough 4'-8½". That's as I understand it.
     
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  5. Wenlock

    Wenlock Well-Known Member Friend

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    4'-8 3/8" yes, but the OP stated 4' - 3/8"
     
  6. Ploughman

    Ploughman Part of the furniture

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    There is a tolerance in Network standards.
    A minimum of 1426 and a maximum of 1481 before line blocking had to happen.
    However before those limits are reached speed restrictions are imposed.

    Normal track should be at 1435 but allowable between 1430 and 1438mm
     
  7. Steve

    Steve Resident of Nat Pres Friend

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    Looking back, that's correct. I read it as I thought it should be. Perhaps the original post is wrong or even the label on the gauge. Need Osprey to confirm.
     
  8. osprey

    osprey Resident of Nat Pres

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    The figures are properly etched into the Paxolene as 4ft 3/8 and 1432(metric).....the item is well used and has a curved bubble also marked in metric/imperial........I've run my tape measure over it and the dimensions are correct......it cost me £40 at a local auction...
     
  9. Steve

    Steve Resident of Nat Pres Friend

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    Well, one of them cna't be right! 4'-⅜" does not equal 1432 mm. I would suggest that the latter is correct for the reasons I gave earlier.
     
  10. Martin Perry

    Martin Perry Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator Friend

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    Maybe its from the Padarn Railway, which would make it quite a find :)
     
  11. Jamessquared

    Jamessquared Nat Pres stalwart

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    Paxolene is a kind of resin plastic isn't it? Is it possible that it originally read 4foot 8⅜" but the 8 has worn away? In other words, does it read 4foot [gap] ⅜"? That would tie in with the metric measurement (i.e. 4' 8.375" = 1431.9mm, as near as 1432 as is essentially within the measurement tolerance).

    Tom
     
  12. osprey

    osprey Resident of Nat Pres

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    Paxolene is as you say based around a woven material used as an electrical insulator and for mounting switch gear years ago..........the 3/8 is crystal clear.
     
  13. osprey

    osprey Resident of Nat Pres

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    Thanks for all the replies if I get time I'll post a photo(s)..........
     
  14. John Stewart

    John Stewart Part of the furniture

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    I remember that but surely it would have been quicker and cheaper to turn the wheelsets slightly wider.
     

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