The dominant track gauge in North America and much of the world, measuring exactly 4 feet 8.5 inches (1435 mm) between the inside faces of the running rails. This uniformity allows rolling stock from different railroads to freely interchange across the entire continental network without transferring cargo.
Heard on the job
All the new interchange tracks are laid to standard gauge, so the shortline can take our hoppers directly.
Insider tip
The odd measurement traces back to early British railway pioneers and the spacing of Roman chariot wheels, though the exact lineage is heavily debated.