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This is an attempt to overcome one of the primary problems with a narrow gauge system—gauge incompatibility. However, it means that the narrow gauge network must be built to a Loading Gauge large enough to accommodate standard gauge equipment, negating one of the cost advantages of narrow gauge construction. Additionally, a large standard gauge wagon balanced on a narrow gauge transporter wagon is not very stable, and is generally restricted to low speeds of 15 mph or so. Transporter wagons have seen varying popularity. They were quite common on German and some Swiss narrow gauge systems; a transporter wagon is a ''Rollwagen'' in German. Transporter wagons were uncommon in North America , where the practice of exchanging trucks was more common, as was at one time the case on CN 's Newfoundland Railway at Port Aux Basques (or at North Sydney, Nova Scotia ?). They were used on the Paw Paw Railroad of Paw Paw, Michigan for a short time, and on a short stretch of track of the defunct Bradford, Bordell And Kinzua Railroad by lumberman Elisha Kent Kane. TRANSPORTER FLATCAR During an intermediate phase of the conversion of the Port Pirie to Marree railway from narrow gauge to standard gauge, train lengths of standard gauge flat wagons were fitted with narrow gauge rails, to allow narrow gauge coal trains to by pass the difficult Flinders Ranges . ''The narrow gauge Vacuum Brake s were connected to the standard gauge train Air Brake s, to allow some flexing around curves'' (Why? The narrow gauge wagons, would they not simply be properly tied down (secured) on the standard gauge Flatcar s and would that not be the end of it?). There are no tight overbridges (overpasses) or tunnels to resrict operation of these double deck trains. TRANSPORTER TRAILER Also common on German and eastern European narrow gauge are transporter trailers, which are small-wheeled Full Trailer s that fit beneath each pair of the wagon's wheels or each Bogie of the Rail Car and are hauled by a Drawbar . These are ''Rollböcke'' in German. Some times ''one long'' small-wheeled Full Trailer carries the entire rail car. In Britain, they were used on the Leek And Manifold Light Railway . REFERENCES |
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