Which term denotes a gauge distance smaller than the standard gauge?

Which term denotes a gauge distance smaller than the standard gauge?

• A. Narrow gauge
• B. Standard gauge
• C. Mine dump
• D. Abandoned railroads

Answer: (A)

Gauge is the distance between the inner faces of the two rails. When that distance is smaller than the standard gauge, the term used is narrow gauge. Standard gauge is 1,435 mm (4 ft 8.5 in); anything narrower is called narrow gauge, chosen to cut construction costs or fit through tight terrain, though it limits speed and makes wagons and locomotives less interoperable with standard-gauge systems. The other terms don’t describe rail spacing—mine dump isn’t a gauge term, and abandoned railroads refer to lines that are no longer in service.