Re: How Mil Specs Live Forever

[edh@ascc01.ascc.lucent.com (Alfredo)]

Poster: edh@ascc01.ascc.lucent.com (Alfredo)

Scripsi ego:
 [secta]
> %Thus, we have the answer
> %to the original questions. The United State standard railroad gauge
> %of 4 feet, 8.5 inches derives from the original specification
> %(MilSpec) for an Imperial Roman army war chariot. MilSpecs and
> %Bureaucracies live forever.
 [secta]
> %_____________________________________________
> %The above story came to me by email; I don't know
> %who started it or if it's true.  It seems to me there
> %should be one more step in the story: some Roman unit
> %of length that the gauge is some round multiple of.
> %Also, I thought every country in Europe had a different
> %RR gauge (to force invaders to switch trains at the border).

Scripsit Dominus Eldred AElfwald:
 [secta]
>      Since Alfredo is quoting a standard that is near and dear to
> my heart, I'll set the record straight for him.  This is the first reply
> in a thread on why US railroads use 4'8.5" as the standard width between
> the rails.  This posting came up on rec.models.railroad, and was
> probably cross-posted to misc.transport.rails.americas, etc.
>
>      Evidence indicates that the story is mostly correct.  I can
> probably dig up more info on this if there is serious interest.

I can't claim a _serious_ interest in anything, but if you want
to think of it as a challenge to your research training, by
all means, pick up the gauge.

-- Alfredo
 
Alfredo el Bufon
Elvegast, Windmaster's Hill, Atlantia
edh@ascc01.ascc.lucent.com
______________________________________

Don't let the fear of striking out hold you back. -- Babe Ruth (1895-1948)

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