Rail Gauge and Roman Chariot hoax

Morning All,
I'm sure everyone here has seen the story about the width of the Roman chariots wheels and the standard 4'8 1/2" track gauge. Being the only one interested in railroads among another on-line group, I'm frequently sent the story. I also remember that it has been claimed to be a hoax. Being over the age of 39, my memory fails me as to where I read the hoax claim.

Can anyone help to clear this up?

 

Even though you have a member number which would indicate you have been here for a while, this seems to be your first post. Now that we know you are here, welcome to TrainBoard.

I don't know if the story is true or not. Probably very few people are in a postion to verify all the alleged facts in it. But, that doesn't matter. It is still a fun story to tell. I would present it as legend rather than fact.

 

Thank you Peirce.
I usually just read what's going on and obviously don't post. I live in Central Florida, where trains are scarce as hens teeth and 90 degree weather with 90% humidity leaves little desire to find any this time of year!

I was a very active rail photographer when I lived in Chicago. As a matter of fact my best friend called me last night from MP 138 on the old ATSF, thats Edilstein (sp) Hill. He said it brought back memories, then, the sound of a west bound climbing the hill almost brought tears to my eyes! I gotta get back up there!

See I can babble with the best of them. I'm going to see about the free picture posting and maybe later today I'll post some Santa Fe stuff.

Thanks again for the nice welcome.

[ 27. July 2003, 15:16: Message edited by: Raildog ]

 

Thanks Boxcab, that did it!

And thanks again to Peirce for the link to the FotKi site. I've already uploaded a few images.

 

So you have become a fellow Fotki member--great place. Except for the trial period, it is not free. But, I have found the $30.00 annual fee to be more than reasonable and the site has greater stability than most of the free sites.

For your railroad pix, we are working on a new image site, associated with TrainBoard. Can't say much about it yet, as it is undergoing development and testing.

I took a look at your pix and you have some excellent shots.

Years ago I was a newspaper photographer in Florida. I worked for the Clearwater Sun (now gone) and the St. Petersburg Times.

 

Well, since the early days of railroading included the use of horse drawn wagons over rails, I would likely assume that the guage of these wagons was the deciding factor in the guage of the track. Now, whether or not that was 4'x8" I really couldn't tell you.

Russ

 

I see that story as a funny.
I mean they had to set the standard some how.
Why not pass about a funny story on how.

But some prefer the facts, like that happens in
the school books.

Anyways... I'm from over Fort Myers way.
Belong to a club up in Largo. Maybe we've met?