NARROW GAUGE RAILWAYS: CONCEPT AND APPLICATION AREA
The article deals with the problem of narrow gauge railways, to be exact what kind of railroads can be attributed to narrow gauge ones. Relying on historical facts, the author specifies that the original diversity in the choice of track gauge complicates the standardization of this type of railroads. The article considers the main advantages and drawbacks of narrow gauge railways that have impacted their distribution and extinction. It also summarizes the basic characteristics of narrow gauge railways, including their secondary role and autonomy from the central railway authorities. It is noted that narrow-gauge transport is mostly used in timber, mining and peat industries.