Re: Speed and wheel size of rolling stock

I'm just an ignorant Limey, but as far as I know the fastest narrow gauge trains I have ridden have been the TransPerth electrics in Western Australia which are of three foot six inch gauge and ordinarily run at up to 130 kph (81 mph) for the latest B series, the earlier A series run up to 110 kph (69 mph).

In Europe, Ferrocaril Mallorca diesel mechanicals routinely run at 100kph (62 mph), while Swiss Federal Railways probably hold the metre gauge speed record at 145 kph (90 mph in old money).

All of the narrow gauge high speed running requires precision concrete sleepered (ties) track and Rolls Royce standards of design, construction, and maintenance.

Bob Gartside