Why trains stay on the track

[kquiggle]

Just ran across this video, which I think may interest some here. I have to admit I had not really thought about this, but if asked I would have given the wrong answer.

http://youtu.be/6-a3itxDiiQ

 

[jgedde]

I never knew that either! That's just pure elegance of design. Simple, yet amazingly effective. Fascinating!

If we were designing the first train today, there'd be fancy closed loop computerized centering controls, repel/attarct electromagnets, and other esoteric stuff! LOL

John

 

[Rhill]

So, do 'our' model train engineers turn tapers on their train wheels, too?

Does the wheel taper determine the max/min curve that a train can negotiate?

Inquiring minds want to know...but don't want to do the math to find out.

 

[georgeseal]

yes we do

taper keeps wheels centered as to keep from wearing down the flanges

side of flanges rubbing against rail would wear flange down to nothing and wheels fall off track

 

[RonGinger]

We do it on big wheels to. Here is my CNC conversion lathe doing wheels for the Conway Scenic RR in New Hampshire.
http://plsntcov.8m.com/BRV/CNClathe.JPG

 

[Rhill]

Thanks, George and Ron

I suppose it only makes sense.

Is there a 'standard' taper for wheels?

(The nice thing about standards is that there is so many of them to choose from...

Does it determine the radius of a curve that a train can negotiate?

 

[mygrizzly1022]

Here you go Gents… “Drive Through Lathe”, you don’t eventake the wheels off to tune them up!

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSWI0MZxfR0[/ame]


Bert

 

[cncjunior]

Hello All,

Just to through a number out there, the taper is between 2.5 and 3 degrees for the model trains from 2 1/2" gauge to the larger gauges. At my club's track we have 7 1/2" gauge and use this taper on flat rail. We don't run scale rail at our club.

Daniel

 

[kf2qd]

The taper also lets both wheels on an axle find the correct diameter. If you tried to turn them cylindrical each axle would be trying to run in a larger circle and cause even more wear. As is, just a little bit of float and both wheels are the same size on the contact ring..

 

[ChooChooMike]

I never knew that either! Amazing what you learn by browsing around !

 

[ausdier]

Hey Bert,
I have had some fun rebuilding a few of these lathes.
There is a lot of scraping in the guides that is for sure.:wall:
Order of photos..................
MACHINE 1
MACHINE 2
MACHINE 3
ME HAVING FUN
UNDER HERE
SPAGHETTI FOR DINNER
WE GOTTA GET WHERE
ONE SIDE
TEST WHEELS