RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION. 41 



by introducing steeper gradients, sharper curves, and lighter 

 permanent way, and keep down working expenses by using 

 lighter locomotives, worked at slower speeds. 



High speeds are not expected on narrow gauge railways, and 

 no complaints are made about passenger trains whose highest 

 running speed does not exceed 20 miles per hour. By conceding 

 the same indulgence to light railways made to the standard 

 gauge, great economies might be introduced both in their 

 construction and working. The similarity of gauge would 

 admit the transit of the carriages and waggons of other standard 

 gauge lines, and so avoid all cost and delay in transhipment. 

 The heavy engines could be kept for the main-line working, and 

 light engines for slow speeds would serve for the light standard- 

 gauge lines. As traffic developed, and the train service required 

 heavier and faster trains, the light rails could be removed, and 

 replaced by those of heavier section to correspond to the main 

 line. The similarity of gauge would permit uninterrupted 

 transit of all vehicles to a common centre for repairs, whereas 

 the narrow gauge carriages and waggons, being limited to 

 running only on their own district, must have separate work- 

 shops for their repair. 



When considering the cost of construction and working of 

 a narrow-gauge railway as compared with one of the standard 

 gauge, there are certain items which are common to both, and 

 in which the narrow gauge could not be expected to obtain 

 any advantage over the standard gauge. 



There would not be any saving in getting up the scheme in 

 the first instance ; 



Nor in the Parliamentary expenses ; 



Nor in the engineering or carrying out of the works ; 



Nor in the station accommodation, waiting-rooms, and offices ; 



Nor in the signals and interlocking arrangements ; 



Nor in the telegraph ; 



Nor in the working staff and train men ; 



Nor in the maintenance of the permanent way, as the same 

 number of men would be required for the inspection and packing 

 of the road, perhaps more. 



Little or no saving could be expected in the bridges under 

 the railway, as these must be made to the prescribed widths 

 and heights, irrespective of the gauge of the railways. 



Little, if any, saving could be made in river or stream 



