Chapter 144： Headache strategy (1/2)

The problems in Franz's eyes are not a problem in this era.

From the analysis of construction cost, the largest gap between these four standards is only 1.2%, which means that the construction cost of the railway is not the main factor affecting the decision.

Think about it. The railway gauge in this era is generally relatively large. The first railway gauge of the Russians was still 1829mm. Later, the bureaucrats listened to the advice of American engineers and changed it to 1524mm.

How much did it cost to reduce from six feet to five feet?

It saved 3% on the budget. Of course, in the style of the Tsarist Russian bureaucrats, it will definitely not save much money.

The standard gauge was marketed by the British to the world. Since 1846, John Bull has introduced laws. From this time, the 1435mm system has become the standard gauge of British mainland and colonies.

However, India soon became an exception. The standard gauge cannot meet their transportation requirements. The British are pragmatic and cannot be enlarged. Therefore, most of India's railways are 1676mm standards, and other messy gauge railways are naturally not many. .

After nearly a century of efforts by the British, the 1435mm system became the international standard gauge in the middle of the 20th century. The original purpose of Niu Niu was to promote the British technical system.

Is there any purpose to limit the freight capacity of mainland countries, this is unknown, anyway, Franz does not believe that John Bull would be so kind.

With the technology of the mid-19th century, the freight volume of wide-gauge railways exceeded that of narrow-gauge railways, and safety and speed were much higher, which is completely different from the 21st century.

Later generations rely on technology to solve the problem of the stability of trains. The freight capacity and speed of narrow gauge railways have been improved. This era cannot be done.

The cost of railway maintenance is virtually the same. After the completion of the railway, the structure is exactly the same. The gap is only the length of the sleepers. The simple maintenance of narrow gauge railways is unfounded.

The issue of land area is completely nonsense. Whose railway does not have a separation zone on both sides of the railway. Is it necessary to use the land under the train?

…… (No more, it's almost science)

”His Majesty, since there is a need to unify standards, it is better to let the Holy Roman Alliance unify the standards together, and it may be better to assemble everyone to develop a common standard.” Metternich suggested

”Are there enough time, our railway has begun construction?” Felix asked with concern.

”No problem. Railway construction has just begun. Decisions made within one year will not affect construction.” Railway Minister Stein replied

Railroad construction in this era was really slow. Demolition has only begun now. After that, the excavation and digging should not be completed without a year or two.

”Then we will pull everyone together, and the Ministry of Railways will be responsible for selecting an optimal solution as our opinion and trying to convince everyone to implement it together.

If there are endless arguments, just bring out these standards and let everyone vote, anyway, these plans are suitable for Austria. Franz said indifferently

”Then 1676mm, this standard can already meet our needs, and security is also guaranteed.” Stein quickly gave the answer

As for railway international standards, is there such a thing in this era? Who admits it?

We must know that when the British were building the Western Railway, because of the technical relationship, they found that their standard system could not guarantee safety. They all switched to wide gauge. It was only after the technology reached the standard in the late 19th century that it was overthrown.

Once the Holy Roman Alliance has established new standards, the future international rail gauge standards may become two sets.

Apart from that, the standards of the South German Railways are unified. Prussia will follow up or not?

If it is not followed up, the two sides will be cut apart economically; if it is followed up, Central and Southern Europe will unify the standard system, and the impact will undoubtedly be huge.

As an emperor, many things have to be considered political and military. For example, Franz will soon advise the Austrian-Hungarian Empire and Maozi to unify railway standards.

I do n’t know why, but any country and a bear must be careful. Even if everyone is an ally, you should be prepared for.

During this period, the major powers in Europe actually looked a little stronger and stronger, and Austria was no exception. Social reform has just begun and it has not yet been translated into national strength.

The national strength of the British also has not reached its peak. India has not been completely eaten by them. Australia and New Zealand still have indigenous forces. South Africa has only established some strongholds in the coastal areas. Southeast Asia is undergoing colonization. Egypt or the French dominate. The Great Colonial Empire has not yet completed the puzzle.

The French are busy with internal struggles. The internal contradictions of the Russians have only been suppressed, only to be detonated by external forces.

The Prussian kingdom has to rely on external wars to transfer social contradictions. Internal reforms have just begun. On the surface, military strength is good, but the domestic economy is weak.