Liverpool and Manchester Railway

The L&MR was the first proper railway and contained all the features of a modern railway (1830)

• Gauge of 4'8.5" still the gauge used by 62% of world railways in 2024;
• steam locomotive haulage and not horse haulage;
• double track to simplify operation and signalling when telegraphic safeworking yet to be invented;
• basic signalling and safeworking needed for following movements on unidirectional main lines;
• narrow gauge such 2'0" on the Festiniog Railway (1836) yet to be envisioned. ----FarleyBrook2 (talk) 19:34, 26 August 2024 (UTC)

Gradients

• 1 in 48 (2.08%) Liverpool - Docks;
• 1 in 96 (1.04%) Either side of Rainhill level;
• 1 in 880 (0.11%) Typical rural gradient elsewhere;

See also

• L&MR
• Gauge Choice General