StandardGauge is the attribute of Railways having the standardized track width that is used in North America and most Western European countries. The standard is typically a distance of 4 ft., 8-1/2 inches (1.44 meters). There is some variation within which usage is compatible, e.g., 1.35 meters. Standard gauge originated in England and was mandated by the U.S. Federal government for the U.S. Transcontinental Railroad. It is also used in Canada, Great Britain, and most of Western Europe (but not in Ireland, or Spain and Portugal.
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