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[quote]QUOTE: Originally posted by tree68 Re: putting two containers side by side. The only thing constraining train length right now is physical plant - chiefly length of sidings. So, instead of spending billions for the capability to put two containers side by side, it's a lot cheaper, and easier, to stretch sidings, put in double track, etc, and use existing equipment for longer trains. We're having trouble convincing people that anyone rides passenger trains now. What make anyone think that having a wider passenger car is going to be worth the cost? I'd also have to ask what considerations have to be made for track curvature, etc, with a gauge like 8'. Erie ran some pretty "normal" track profiles with a 6' gauge, but 8' would be stretching it. [/quote] There's more constraining train length than just physical plant. There are logistical constraints as well as the laws of physics. How many intermodal terminals could handle three mile long trains, even if they double tracked everything? How about height constraints, you can go two boxes high right now, but can standard gauge handle boxes three high? If we have a wide gauge that allows containers to be stacked three high and side by side (e.g. a six pack per platform), then a one mile long container train on wide gauge is the equivalent of a three mile long standard gauge container train. How many crossings are being blocked by that three mile long train? Someone mentioned reduced acreage ROW needs for the narrower gauges. I would argue that on a per unit of revenue cargo basis, the wider gauge would be less intrusive on land use than the current standard guage. Whether the wider gauge would attract more passengers, as an average Joe I do know that I like my elbow room, and as such am willing to pay for that privilege. Standard gauge passenger rail cars are a tight fit for human movement, not much better than one of Southwest's 727's or a Greyhound bus, ergo what is the advantage of standard gauge rail travel? If you're going to provide a service that people want and will use, then you need something that has distinct advantages over other travel modes. Passenger rail is never going to be as fast as air travel, and can never be as flexible as highway travel. Take a page from the water-borne passenger modes, and you will find the roomy amenities not available in the other modes. That's their selling point. If it works for ships and riverboats, it could also work for wide gauge rail. Even the air line industry is realizing a possible niche in going wider.
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