Syd Schofield

Editors note: Welcome to the 14th article of a series on narrow gauge by Syd Schofield. The previous article is available by clicking here, or by filtering with the category “Narrow Gauge”. Syd welcomes discussions and feedback, which can be made by clicking on the comment link at the bottom of the post.

Narrow gauge short lines can be isolated from or linked to other narrow gauge roads. Those linked may eventually be taken over by the main road or become divested due to business interests. Then there are the lines connected by rail and business interests but chartered and named differently. These arrangements often changed frequently and were reflected in subtle name adjustments. Physical changes range from destruction by natural forces, re-gauging to standard, surrendering to automobile and truck roads (often taking over the roadway) or played-out markets of mines or lumber.

Studies of these interesting systems have been documented far and wide. We find a comprehensive resources in the journal, “Narrow Gauge and Short Line Gazette” available on DVD for 1964 through 2014 and bi-monthly by subscription or at magazine sources (click here for the website), and “American Narrow Gauge Railroads” by George W. Hilton, Stanford University Press, 1990 (click here to see the book for sale online at alibris, a popular site to search for books). These publications reference many other sources. There are many other documents and publications available, though some are out of print. Community libraries and museums in areas where the narrow gauge railroads flourished have great and informative presentations.

Given time and other abilities, the road trip is a great way to explore the territories served by the narrow gauge roads. Granted, some areas remain hidden to all but the skilled trials motorcycle riders, determined hiker or aerial views. Weather permitting, this on-site exploration of a chosen railroad service area can be a scenic reward as well as a research field trip. Also, the few active tourist railroads and their service facilities can reveal some of the atmosphere of days gone by that we may chose to represent in model form. We have touched on a few items that hopefully will be of some help when thinking about narrow gauge railroad equipment, operation, environment and business, and how these factors affected a major contributing force in a unique transportation mode.