• ladicius@lemmy.world
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    3 days ago

    Stadtbahn Stuttgart uses “normal track width” of 1435 Millimeter. They transitioned from a much smaller track width several decades ago and used special tracks in the meantime (mixed tracks which supported both track widths). I think this picture may show some leftover mixed track (note that it’s showing a steep climb where exchanging the tracks may not be easy).

    Got this info from a quick glance at German Wikipedia. Maybe delve deeper if you’re interested:

    https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stadtbahn_Stuttgart

    EDIT: Forget most of my post - this is a special track for steep climbs using a special friction track in the middle that is being grabbed by a special wheel under the wagon. Line 10 is the only line in Stadtbahn Stuttgart that uses this feature. Track width indeed is a metre (1000 millimetres).

    https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zahnradbahn_Stuttgart

    • libewa@feddit.org
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      4 hours ago

      “special friction track” – No, it doesn’t use friction. It’s a rack and a toothed wheel. The mixed-gauge track also still exists and is maintained for the historical tram lines on two routes.