2018-02-14
571
GAUGES
The gauge of track is the distance between the inner edges of the rails at points 1.590 mm below the top of the heads. In the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Norway, Sweden, and much of continental Europe, the standard gauge is 1435 mm. Why this measurement became the standard is a matter of speculation*. Probably the tradition is inherited from early tramroads built to accommodate wagons with axles 1.500 mm long.
Throughout most of the 19th century many railroad companies each built track with a different gauge; some gauges were wider than 1435 mm and some narrower. About 1870 many railroads began to adopt a narrower gauge, usually 900 mm. The arguments in favor of this gauge were that lighter rails could be used, and a sharper curvature of the tracks was permissible. In 1871, 1,476 km of narrow-gauge track was under construction in the USA.
After the so-called railroad panic of 1873, in which the price of railroad stocks fell sharply, railroad construction of all sorts slowed down. Some authorities maintain that the panic accelerated the use of narrow-gauge tracks in the construction that did take place because it was more economical. Freight shipped over long distances, however, had to be transported from one freight car to another whenever it reached a junction where the rail gauge changed. The excessive cost of handling at junctions between different roads led to the adoption of the standard gauge by almost all U.S. railroads by about 1886.
Several countries use standard gauge for their railroads, but many use wider or narrower gauges. The lack of standardized rail gauge creates problems for international passengers wishing to travel through several countries. If the tracks of neighboring countries are incompatible, passengers have to change trains at border crossings before continuing on their journey.
|
|
|
During the early days of rail, there was considerable variation in the gauge used by different systems. Today, 60% of the world’s railways use a gauge of 1,435 mm, known as standard or international gauge. Gauges wider than standard gauge are called broad gauge; narrower, narrow gauge. Some stretches of track are dual gauge, with three or four parallel rails in place of the usual two, to allow trains of two different gauges to use the same track.
Gauge can safely vary over a range. For example, U.S. federal safety standards allow standard gauge to vary from 1,422 mm to 1,460 mm for operation up to 96.6 km/h.
Note: * a matter of speculation – спорный вопрос.
Ex. 8. Translate the following phrases into Russian. Make up your own sentences using these phrases. Do it in written form.
Much of continental Europe; to adopt a narrower gauge; the so-called railroad panic of 1873; railroad construction of all sorts slowed down; some authorities; to accelerate the use of narrow-gauge tracks; during the early days of rail.
PART 2 HISTORY OF THE RUSSIAN GAUGE
Ex. 9. Mark the difference between the following words:
· interest - a feeling of wanting to know about or take part in something;
· concern - a feeling of worry about something important.
Translate the following sentences into Russian.
1. There is growing concern about violence on television.
2. My mother had never expressed any interest in the garden.
3. There is widespread concern that new houses will be built on protected land.
4. If children are missing school then that is the parents' concern.
5. Eighteen percent of people said unemployment was their main concern.
6. He has a particular interest in Italian art.
7. In retirement, Nelson added personal computing to his interests.
8. Stress at work is a matter of concern to staff and management.
9. Josie isn't really an archaeologist; it’s just an interest of hers.
10. Many people have voiced concern over the proposed changes in the law.
11. I’d recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in jazz.
12. Most degree courses allow students to include subjects of special interest to them.
Ex. 10. Fill in the blanks with either ‘interest’ or ‘concern’. Translate the sentences.
1. Doctors said her condition was causing ___.
2. I watched the first few episodes, but soon lost ___.
3. They shared a common ___ in botany.
4. There is growing ___ about the safety of mobile phones.
5. Her ___ were the same as most young girls - pop music, boys and clothes.
6. My parents encouraged my ___ in science.
7. She hasn’t been seen for four days and there is ___ for her safety.
8. Ben has shown a/an ___ in learning French.
9. These documents are of particular ___.
10. His private life is no ___ of ours.
11. I read your article with great ___.
12. The President’s health was giving serious cause for ___.
Ex. 11. Read the text and translate it into Russian, using a dictionary if necessary.
