CCdW Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> Also I have often thought the 4' 8-1/2" dimension
> came from a 5 foot center to center dimension of
> an early railroad. I am happy to hear someone else
> articulate that opinion.
Chris,
My reference is the book
The American Railroad Network, 1861-1890 from the University of Illinois Press. The authors expressed the concept that this was the origin of standard gauge when they discussed the matter of the creation and adoption of a standard gauge for the American railroad system.
I found this book to be a great source of information about the period of extensive growth of the American railroad system during and after the Civil War. The book was originally published in 1956 and this paperback edition dates from 2003. I would recommend it to anyone interested in this important period of railroad history. And the cost is only $19.95 plus the usual shipping, etc. and you may find some internet vendors selling it at a discounted price (or a higher price).
Quote
University of Illinois Press
The American Railroad Network, 1861-1890
The emergence of railroads during the Civil War, their expansion westward, the adoption of uniform rail gauges, and the first key consolidations in the industry.
Brian Norden