Track gauge conversion

If tracks are converted to a narrower gauge, the existing timber sleepers (ties) may be used.

Wooden sleepers are suitable for conversion because they can be drilled for the repositioned rail spikes.

[5] After World War II, a number of captured German 03 class Pacifics locomotives were re-gauged to the 5 ft (1524 mm) Russian gauge.

Most diesel and electric rolling stock can undergo gauge conversion by replacement of their bogies.

In Australia, diesel locomotives are regularly re-gauged between broad, standard and narrow gauges.

Gauge conversion of wagons and coaches involves the replacement of the wheelsets or the bogies.

In May 1892, wagons and coaches were converted when the 7 ft 1⁄4 in (2140 mm) gauge of the Great Western Railway was abandoned.

In Australia, the multiplicity of track gauges prompted locomotive builders, after the early 1920s, to provide for a potential change of gauge. Three classes of large locomotives ordered by the South Australian Railways in 1924, including the 600 class pictured here (right), were configured to permit easy conversion from 1600 mm ( 5 ft 3 in ) broad gauge to 1435 mm ( 4 ft 8 + 1 ⁄ 2 in ) standard gauge. The older Rx class locomotive next to it was incapable of being converted because its frames were too wide for standard gauge. [ note 1 ]