Re: Why one narrow guage versus another?

The very first common carrier narrow gauge in the U S, the Pittsburgh & Castle Shannon , used the 40" gauge that was used in the coal mines. The P&CS hauled coal in 4 wheeled mine cars to a gravity incline on Mt Washington, a bluff overlooking the city of Pittsburgh. Coal was lowered down to a yard at river level. The line also was a commuter road, hauling passengers to the then building suburb of Castle Shannon. The railroad was bought by Pittsburgh Railways and converted to broad gauge trolley track.

brian b