Historic Hood River
Two Gauges?
4-2-2024
Notes
We haven’t had a railroad mystery for a while. These ladies are at the east side of the OR&N Co. mainline railroad bridge across the Hood River. You can see the back of the large Fashion Garage Building at the east end of Oak Street to the left. There are clearly two sets of track for different gauges of railroad. Can anyone explain? Circa 1919.
Dale Nicol
I am sure Arlen can answer this question.
In the mean time, as a non rail expert, I could only guess maybe the narrower gauge was for log/lumber use out of the mills?
L. E.
I think sometimes, depending on water level of the Columbia, the ferry would land on the east side of town. East of the Hood River.
I wonder if it was used to bring passengers and supplies into town.
JEC
The inner pair of rails are guard rails: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guard_rail_(rail_transport)
JEC
The present day bridge in this location is equipped with similar guardrails, for the same reason: to protect the bridge structure from collision damage from derailed rolling stock.
L.E.
Thanks JEC. I am always learning something new here.
Dale Nicol
Thanks JEC, very interesting!
Pat A
Yes guard rails.
Dual gauge RR uses A third rail to create a narrow gauge.
Although next to the Crh viaduct east of Multnomah falls there is 1 guard rail installed to keep trains from derailing southward into the viaduct.