Definition
Narrow gauge refers to a railway track where the distance between the rails is less than the standard gauge. This design choice often arises from practical considerations, like navigating tight spaces or reducing construction costs, especially in mountainous terrain. Imagine it like choosing a smaller car to squeeze through a narrow alleyway. Narrow gauge railways were historically popular in mining and logging industries. They offer flexibility in routing and can be cheaper to build compared to standard gauge lines. However, they generally have lower speed and carrying capacity. It’s about matching the tool to the task!