Author: Douglas J. Puffert
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
ISBN: 0226685098
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 375
Book Description
A standard track gauge—the distance between the two rails—enables connecting railway lines to exchange traffic. But despite the benefits of standardization, early North American railways used six different gauges extensively, and even today breaks of gauge at national borders and within such countries as India and Australia are expensive burdens on commerce. In Tracks across Continents, Paths through History, Douglas J. Puffert offers a global history of railway track gauge, examining early choices and the dynamic process of diversity and standardization that resulted. Drawing on the economic theory of path dependence, and grounded in economic, technical, and institutional realities, this innovative volume traces how early historical events, and even idiosyncratic personalities, have affected choices of gauge ever since, despite changing technology and understandings of what gauge is optimal. Puffert also uses this history to develop new insights in the theory of path dependence. Tracks across Continents, Paths through History will be essential reading for anyone interested in how history and economics inform each other.
Tracks Across Continents, Paths Through History
Author: Douglas J. Puffert
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
ISBN: 0226685098
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 375
Book Description
A standard track gauge—the distance between the two rails—enables connecting railway lines to exchange traffic. But despite the benefits of standardization, early North American railways used six different gauges extensively, and even today breaks of gauge at national borders and within such countries as India and Australia are expensive burdens on commerce. In Tracks across Continents, Paths through History, Douglas J. Puffert offers a global history of railway track gauge, examining early choices and the dynamic process of diversity and standardization that resulted. Drawing on the economic theory of path dependence, and grounded in economic, technical, and institutional realities, this innovative volume traces how early historical events, and even idiosyncratic personalities, have affected choices of gauge ever since, despite changing technology and understandings of what gauge is optimal. Puffert also uses this history to develop new insights in the theory of path dependence. Tracks across Continents, Paths through History will be essential reading for anyone interested in how history and economics inform each other.
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
ISBN: 0226685098
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 375
Book Description
A standard track gauge—the distance between the two rails—enables connecting railway lines to exchange traffic. But despite the benefits of standardization, early North American railways used six different gauges extensively, and even today breaks of gauge at national borders and within such countries as India and Australia are expensive burdens on commerce. In Tracks across Continents, Paths through History, Douglas J. Puffert offers a global history of railway track gauge, examining early choices and the dynamic process of diversity and standardization that resulted. Drawing on the economic theory of path dependence, and grounded in economic, technical, and institutional realities, this innovative volume traces how early historical events, and even idiosyncratic personalities, have affected choices of gauge ever since, despite changing technology and understandings of what gauge is optimal. Puffert also uses this history to develop new insights in the theory of path dependence. Tracks across Continents, Paths through History will be essential reading for anyone interested in how history and economics inform each other.
Broad Gauge Railways
Author: Tim Bryan
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1784422843
Category : Transportation
Languages : en
Pages : 65
Book Description
Isambard Kingdom Brunel considered the Great Western Railway the 'finest work in England' and he contributed many groundbreaking features, none so unorthodox as the decision not to adopt the 'standard' track gauge of 4ft 81⁄2in and instead introduce the new 'broad gauge' of 7ft 1⁄4in. Describing the rationale behind the choice of broad gauge, and also the unique track and locomotives used, this beautifully illustrated introduction to broad gauge railways chronicles the building of the original GWR between Bristol and London, and the expansion of that original 112-mile main line into a network stretching across the West of England, Wales and the Midlands. It describes how the clash between broad and narrow led to the 'Battle of the Gauges' and also provides a list of places to visit where broad gauge artefacts still survive.
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1784422843
Category : Transportation
Languages : en
Pages : 65
Book Description
Isambard Kingdom Brunel considered the Great Western Railway the 'finest work in England' and he contributed many groundbreaking features, none so unorthodox as the decision not to adopt the 'standard' track gauge of 4ft 81⁄2in and instead introduce the new 'broad gauge' of 7ft 1⁄4in. Describing the rationale behind the choice of broad gauge, and also the unique track and locomotives used, this beautifully illustrated introduction to broad gauge railways chronicles the building of the original GWR between Bristol and London, and the expansion of that original 112-mile main line into a network stretching across the West of England, Wales and the Midlands. It describes how the clash between broad and narrow led to the 'Battle of the Gauges' and also provides a list of places to visit where broad gauge artefacts still survive.
Broader Than Broad
Author: Robin Barnes
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781900340076
Category : Broad gauge railroads
Languages : en
Pages : 36
Book Description
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781900340076
Category : Broad gauge railroads
Languages : en
Pages : 36
Book Description
The Electric Interurban Railways in America
Author: George Woodman Hilton
Publisher: Stanford University Press
ISBN: 9780804740142
Category : Transportation
Languages : en
Pages : 500
Book Description
One of the most colorful yet neglected eras in American transportation history is re-created in this definitive history of the electric interurbans. Built with the idea of attracting short-distance passenger traffic and light freight, the interurbans were largely constructed in the early 1900s. The rise of the automobile and motor transport caused the industry to decline after World War I, and the depression virtually annihilated the industry by the middle 1930s. Part I describes interurban construction, technology, passenger and freight traffic, financial history, and final decline and abandonment. Part II presents individual histories (with route maps) of the more than 300 companies of the interurban industry. Reviews "A first-rate work of such detail and discernment that it might well serve as a model for all corporate biographies. . . . A wonderfully capable job of distillation." Trains "Few economic, social, and business historians can afford to miss this definitive study." Mississippi Valley Historical Review "All seekers after nostalgia will be interested in this encyclopedic volume on the days when the clang, clang of the trolley was the most exciting travel sound the suburbs knew." Harper's Magazine "A fascinating and instructive chapter in the history of American transportation." Journal of Economic History "The hint that behind the grand facade of scholarship lies an expanse of boyish enthusiasm is strengthened by a lovingly amassed and beautifully reproduced collection of 37 photographs." The Nation
Publisher: Stanford University Press
ISBN: 9780804740142
Category : Transportation
Languages : en
Pages : 500
Book Description
One of the most colorful yet neglected eras in American transportation history is re-created in this definitive history of the electric interurbans. Built with the idea of attracting short-distance passenger traffic and light freight, the interurbans were largely constructed in the early 1900s. The rise of the automobile and motor transport caused the industry to decline after World War I, and the depression virtually annihilated the industry by the middle 1930s. Part I describes interurban construction, technology, passenger and freight traffic, financial history, and final decline and abandonment. Part II presents individual histories (with route maps) of the more than 300 companies of the interurban industry. Reviews "A first-rate work of such detail and discernment that it might well serve as a model for all corporate biographies. . . . A wonderfully capable job of distillation." Trains "Few economic, social, and business historians can afford to miss this definitive study." Mississippi Valley Historical Review "All seekers after nostalgia will be interested in this encyclopedic volume on the days when the clang, clang of the trolley was the most exciting travel sound the suburbs knew." Harper's Magazine "A fascinating and instructive chapter in the history of American transportation." Journal of Economic History "The hint that behind the grand facade of scholarship lies an expanse of boyish enthusiasm is strengthened by a lovingly amassed and beautifully reproduced collection of 37 photographs." The Nation
Broad Gauge Locomotives
Author: Geof Sheppard
Publisher: Noodle Books
ISBN: 9781906419097
Category : Broad gauge railroads
Languages : en
Pages : 64
Book Description
Compiled from contemporary records and exciting new research by Geof Sheppard and fellow members of the Broad Gauge Society, this sensational new volume is beautifully illustrated with both familiar and newly uncovered pictures. In addition, the book contains a full index of all locomotive names and numbers as well as appendices listing all the various builders and operators.
Publisher: Noodle Books
ISBN: 9781906419097
Category : Broad gauge railroads
Languages : en
Pages : 64
Book Description
Compiled from contemporary records and exciting new research by Geof Sheppard and fellow members of the Broad Gauge Society, this sensational new volume is beautifully illustrated with both familiar and newly uncovered pictures. In addition, the book contains a full index of all locomotive names and numbers as well as appendices listing all the various builders and operators.
Track Design Handbook for Light Rail Transit
Author:
Publisher: Transportation Research Board
ISBN: 0309258243
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 695
Book Description
TCRP report 155 provides guidelines and descriptions for the design of various common types of light rail transit (LRT) track. The track structure types include ballasted track, direct fixation ("ballastless") track, and embedded track. The report considers the characteristics and interfaces of vehicle wheels and rail, tracks and wheel gauges, rail sections, alignments, speeds, and track moduli. The report includes chapters on vehicles, alignment, track structures, track components, special track work, aerial structures/bridges, corrosion control, noise and vibration, signals, traction power, and the integration of LRT track into urban streets.
Publisher: Transportation Research Board
ISBN: 0309258243
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 695
Book Description
TCRP report 155 provides guidelines and descriptions for the design of various common types of light rail transit (LRT) track. The track structure types include ballasted track, direct fixation ("ballastless") track, and embedded track. The report considers the characteristics and interfaces of vehicle wheels and rail, tracks and wheel gauges, rail sections, alignments, speeds, and track moduli. The report includes chapters on vehicles, alignment, track structures, track components, special track work, aerial structures/bridges, corrosion control, noise and vibration, signals, traction power, and the integration of LRT track into urban streets.
History of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad
Author: John F. Stover
Publisher: Purdue University Press
ISBN: 9781557530660
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 444
Book Description
The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad was the first common carrier railroad in America. As an economic historian, Stover tells the history of the B & O from its beginnings in 1928, and through the dark times of this country's economic growth and downswings. He examines the programs undertaken by the company throughout its history to improve its lines, equipment, and service.
Publisher: Purdue University Press
ISBN: 9781557530660
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 444
Book Description
The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad was the first common carrier railroad in America. As an economic historian, Stover tells the history of the B & O from its beginnings in 1928, and through the dark times of this country's economic growth and downswings. He examines the programs undertaken by the company throughout its history to improve its lines, equipment, and service.
British Railways in Argentina 1860-1948
Author: H. R. Stones
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Investment, British
Languages : en
Pages : 136
Book Description
"This book is the first comprehensive account of the former British-owned broad, standard and metre gauge railways in Argentina. It traces the growth of these railways for the earliest beginnings in 1860 until they were nationalized in 1948. At their height, British Railways in Argentina represented one of the largest investments of British capital in a foreign country, about 55 billion pounds in today's values. At the end of the 19th century, they accounted for 81% of the total railway mileage in Argentina and even by 1948 after a significant expansion of State owned railroads, still accounted for 57% of the total. This book provides a clear and detailed survey of the 17 British companies that were originally involved and their gradual amalgamation and co-ordination. The book is not intended to be a complete treatise on this subject but it provides an excellent introduction and survey of the field and it is hoped that it will stimulate further research by other historians. Covers early pioneers, locomotives and rolling stock, permanent way, bridges and tunnels, signaling, telegraphs and telephone train control, as well as brief discussion of each of the railways. Illustrated with black and white photos, diagrams and charts. With maps, rosters, list of officers, list of ocean-going ships connected to the railways, station maps, gradient profile, and bibliography." --Descripción del editor.
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Investment, British
Languages : en
Pages : 136
Book Description
"This book is the first comprehensive account of the former British-owned broad, standard and metre gauge railways in Argentina. It traces the growth of these railways for the earliest beginnings in 1860 until they were nationalized in 1948. At their height, British Railways in Argentina represented one of the largest investments of British capital in a foreign country, about 55 billion pounds in today's values. At the end of the 19th century, they accounted for 81% of the total railway mileage in Argentina and even by 1948 after a significant expansion of State owned railroads, still accounted for 57% of the total. This book provides a clear and detailed survey of the 17 British companies that were originally involved and their gradual amalgamation and co-ordination. The book is not intended to be a complete treatise on this subject but it provides an excellent introduction and survey of the field and it is hoped that it will stimulate further research by other historians. Covers early pioneers, locomotives and rolling stock, permanent way, bridges and tunnels, signaling, telegraphs and telephone train control, as well as brief discussion of each of the railways. Illustrated with black and white photos, diagrams and charts. With maps, rosters, list of officers, list of ocean-going ships connected to the railways, station maps, gradient profile, and bibliography." --Descripción del editor.
American Narrow Gauge Railroads
Author: George W. Hilton
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780804723695
Category : Transportation
Languages : en
Pages : 580
Book Description
This is a comprehensive, illustrated account of the growth and decline of American narrow gauge railroading. It documents a long-gone era, bringing to life ancient steam locomotives, railroads and rolling stock that have mostly disappeared without trace. The basic facts and information on the subject are heavily illustrated with photographs, drawings and maps, presented in an encyclopedia format.
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780804723695
Category : Transportation
Languages : en
Pages : 580
Book Description
This is a comprehensive, illustrated account of the growth and decline of American narrow gauge railroading. It documents a long-gone era, bringing to life ancient steam locomotives, railroads and rolling stock that have mostly disappeared without trace. The basic facts and information on the subject are heavily illustrated with photographs, drawings and maps, presented in an encyclopedia format.
Brunel's Big Railway
Author: Robin Jones
Publisher: Gresley
ISBN: 9781911658191
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages :
Book Description
Robin Jones' history of the Great Western Railway line and its founding father.
Publisher: Gresley
ISBN: 9781911658191
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages :
Book Description
Robin Jones' history of the Great Western Railway line and its founding father.