Complexity of Dual-gauge Switches
Dual-gauge turnouts (also known as switches or points), where both gauges have a choice of routes, are quite complicated, with more moving parts than single-gauge turnouts. They impose very low speed limits. If dual-gauge points are operated and detected by electrical circuits, their reliability will be high.
Where two gauges separate (i.e. each gauge has only one route, as in the picture at right), few if any moving parts are needed.
Third-rail was proposed around 1900 as a solution for the break of gauge problems in Australia, but there was a problem with the design of turnouts due to the closeness of standard gauge and irish gauge of only 6.5 inches. After one or two decades on increasing rancour, the dual gauge option was rejected as unacceptable, especially the Brennan dual gauge switch.
However, where the difference between the gauges is large, say 14.5 inches between 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) and 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in), dual gauge is not a problem, as evidenced by 45 years of successful operation in Western Australia.
Read more about this topic: Dual Gauge
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