FOREST RAILROADS 285 
roads are chiefly adapted to lar^e operations since the construc- 
tion charge must l)e distributed over a large tonnage if the cost 
per thousand board feet of timber handled is to be kept within 
reasonable limits. 
CHOICE OF GAUGE 
The choice of a narrow- or standard-gauge road for logging 
operations should be governed by the size of the operation, the 
topography, the amount of capital available for investment, the 
initial cost of construction and equipment and also by the cost 
of operation, because the increased construction cost of a stand- 
ard-gauge may be more than compensated by a reduced operating 
charge. 
Narrow-gauge roads can be constructed cheaper than standard- 
gauge because (1) the width of cuts and fills is less; (2) sharper 
curves^ can be used because of the shorter wheel-base of 
locomotives and cars; (3) the cost of track laying is less per mile 
owing to the use of lighter rails and ties; (4) the initial expense 
for rolling stock and motive power is not so great. 
There is little difference in the cost of trestles and other timber 
work for narrow- and standard-gauge roads. A narrow-gauge 
road is desirable for a limited output in a rough region because 
the cost may be one-third less than that of a standard-gauge. 
It therefore appeals to loggers with limited funds. It is also 
desirable in light or scattered stands where the track must be 
moved frequently. On soft bottom the track is easier to keep 
in operating condition owing to the lighter equipment used and 
the smaller loads hauled. 
Where a large tonnage is handled, standard-gauge roads are 
more economical to operate because larger locomotives and cars 
can be used and the cost of operation per thousand board feet for 
wages, fuel, oil and repairs for the heavier locomotives and cars 
will be less because of increased hauling capacity. 
Standard-gauge is also desirable because trunk-line cars may 
be operated over the logging road. This is a great advantage 
where logs, pulpwood, tanbark and other forest products are 
to be shipped to outside points, since cars can be loaded in the 
forest and hauled to destination without reloading. 
' Curves as high as 50 degrees have been negotiated by narrow-gauge geared 
locomotives but a lower degree is desirable for eflScient work. 
