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on the scale copy, the wheels o fjalens train are 3.5 centimeters apart. there are some old railroad tracks in Wyoming that are 4.5 feet apart. Would the real train be able to travel on those track

User Wonko
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Final answer:

No, the real train would not be able to travel on tracks that are 4.5 feet apart if it is designed for the standard gauge width, as the standard gauge is wider than 4.5 feet.

Step-by-step explanation:

We need to understand the scale of the model in relation to the real train tracks.

Typically, the standard gauge for railroad tracks is 4 feet, 8.5 inches (about 143.5 centimeters) apart.

If the model train's wheels are 3.5 centimeters apart, and the real train's wheels must fit a gauge of 4.5 feet (54 inches or approximately 137.16 centimeters), then the model would have to be made to a scale where 3.5 centimeters represent 137.16 centimeters.

This suggests that the real train would not be able to travel on those tracks if the gauge of the actual train is the standard gauge, because 4.5 feet is significantly less than the standard gauge width.

However, if the actual train is designed to fit a narrower gauge, then it might be possible, but this would require specific information about the train's design which is not provided.

User Overblade
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