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Where do you find 2' gauge?

Discussion in 'Narrow Gauge Railways' started by ChrisD, Jan 11, 2009.

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  1. ChrisD

    ChrisD New Member

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    Can anyone help me with some research into where you find 2' gauge railways around the world? I'm looking for examples both past and present. I'll kick the list off with:

    Wales (quarries, Ffestiniog, Welsh Highland)
    South Africa (but where?)
    India (Darjeeling and ?)
    Prussia -- as was, now Poland and Germany (examples?)
    The battlefields of WWI

    Suggestions, clarifications and expansions welcome, please!

    CHRIS
     
    ChrisD, Jan 11, 2009
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  2. Hunslets Finest

    Hunslets Finest Well-Known Member

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    60cm, 600mm, 11' 3/4'' or 2 foot can be found throughout the world. It was (and is) the standard industrial gauge.
     
    Hunslets Finest, Jan 11, 2009
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  3. arthur maunsell

    arthur maunsell Well-Known Member

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    I believe some surviving bord ná mona lines in Ireland are 2' guage although most are 3'


    Im not sure if this is 3 foot or 2 foot but its in Tipperary.

    [​IMG]
     
    arthur maunsell, Jan 11, 2009
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  4. nanstallon

    nanstallon Part of the furniture

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    Middleton Press book - 2 foot Gauge Survivors - is good.

    It wasn't exhaustive by any means but has detailed studies of the following:
    India - Matheran Railway, which is working after having been washed away then restored
    Scindia State Railway, which is based on Gwalior and most is still working

    South Africa
    Alfred County Railway
    Avontuur Branch
    Not sure of present status, but believe that Avontuur is still working

    Wales
    Vale of Rheidol
    Festiniog Railway

    There are plenty of others in all those countries and others. Don't overlook the newcomer - Welsh Highland Railway which is to open throughout later this year!

    John
     
    nanstallon, Jan 11, 2009
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  5. Talyllyn07

    Talyllyn07 Member

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    it also depends on 'what 2ft' your after because in wales you have:

    1' 11 3/4" (nominally 2')
    Vale of Rheidol
    Ffestioniog
    Welsh highland Heritage Railway
    Bala Lake Railway
    Llanberis Lake Railway
    Brecon Mountain Railway?
    Tefi Valley Railway

    2' 3" (also refered to as 2')
    Talyllyn Railway
    Corris Railway

    2' 6" (again refered to as 2')
    Welshpool and Llanfair

    the only one that i could think of from south african is
    Welsh highland Railway 8-[ (ment very tounge in cheek!)

    AT
     
    Talyllyn07, Jan 11, 2009
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  6. jinty182

    jinty182 New Member

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    jinty182, Jan 11, 2009
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  7. ilvaporista

    ilvaporista Part of the furniture

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    60cm is used exensively underground in the mines as well. Some drift mines also have direct runs from the surface to the working face.
     
    ilvaporista, Jan 11, 2009
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  8. 61624

    61624 Part of the furniture

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    Most of the Queensland sugar cane systems were/are 2' gauge as well.
     
    61624, Jan 11, 2009
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  9. TonyW

    TonyW New Member

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    TonyW, Jan 12, 2009
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  10. Ploughman

    Ploughman Part of the furniture

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    British Loco works often had 2ft gauge as an internal system. Crewe and Horwich for two.
    Also the various builders, Hunslet, North British, Vulcan etc would be geared up for it as well.
     
    Ploughman, Jan 12, 2009
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  11. jinty182

    jinty182 New Member

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    I believe some of the funicular railways on the Isle of Man were also 2' guage. (Douglas and Port Soderick, either end of Marine Drive)
    The Great Laxey Mines railway is 19" if that's close enough :p
     
    jinty182, Jan 12, 2009
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  12. Hunslets Finest

    Hunslets Finest Well-Known Member

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    Crewe and Horwich internal systems were 1'6'' not 2'.

    BR did have 2' at Chesterton Junction though!
     
    Hunslets Finest, Jan 12, 2009
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  13. rough-shunter

    rough-shunter Guest

    and allso at poppleton near york
     
    rough-shunter, Jan 12, 2009
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  14. Hunslets Finest

    Hunslets Finest Well-Known Member

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    The Bord Na Mona engine in the earlier pic is 3' gauge. Built by Hunslet in 1985. The Irish peat bog ng seems to have a positive future with new lines opening for the supply of power stations.
     
    Hunslets Finest, Jan 12, 2009
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  15. arthur maunsell

    arthur maunsell Well-Known Member

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    i was delighted to find real Narrow Guage alive and well, and having opened the crossing gates himself, the driver opened her up in grand style for my benefit.I think he appreciated the audience!
     
    arthur maunsell, Jan 12, 2009
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  16. woody65

    woody65 New Member

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    and what a state they have let it fall into-i looked into taking over the line but railtrack want it for a carpark [-X

    cheers
     
    woody65, Jan 13, 2009
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  17. kscanes

    kscanes Resident of Nat Pres

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    Perhaps easier to reverse the question. Can anyone suggest any countries that have not had a 2ft gauge railway at some time?
     
    kscanes, Jan 13, 2009
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  18. Martin Perry

    Martin Perry Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator Friend

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    Martin Perry, Jan 13, 2009
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  19. kscanes

    kscanes Resident of Nat Pres

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    kscanes, Jan 14, 2009
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  20. ilvaporista

    ilvaporista Part of the furniture

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    ilvaporista, Jan 14, 2009
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