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Jay and Larry, The question really isn't whether to re-gauge the current rail grid, it's whether a new stand alone rail system built from scratch is better off using standard gauge, narrow gauge, or a wider gauge. The only advantage of using standard gauge is interchangability with the current network and current equipment. The advantage of wider gauge is an increased load factor, and if it's the "double wide" gauge the increased load factor is phenomenal, perhaps enough to counter the higher equipment costs and greater ROW needs. Jay has a point regarding crew costs if indeed a double wide rail system took business away from the current rail network, but if a double wide gauge results in business being pulled from highway, air, and waterways, then that would result in an increase in rail based employment. Tie manufacturers wouldn't have to build new plants, but they would have to retool their main assembly lines. Lumber mills can cut wood in a multitude of lengths, and ties are already being made wider for switch areas, so it's not too much of a hassle to make double wide ties for a double wide gauge. Concrete and composite tie makers would also have to retool, but not build new plants. The seemingly eternal question is whether it's worth it to base new rail applications on the ancient wheelbase of Roman chariots. Do we continue to base infrastructure development based on the ancient past, or do we plan our system for future benefits?
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