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Why train wheels have a conical shape

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  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Thursday, January 6, 2022 11:34 PM

BigJim
So...why is the writing backwards on the video???

Hi BigJim,

I don't see any backwards writing when I view the video. Can you describe what you are seeing in more detail?

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

  • Member since
    April 2001
  • From: Roanoke, VA
  • 2,019 posts
Posted by BigJim on Thursday, January 6, 2022 6:20 PM

So...why is the writing backwards on the video???

.

  • Member since
    March 2021
  • From: Grants Pass, OR
  • 60 posts
Posted by Pauley on Thursday, January 6, 2022 4:57 PM

SeeYou190

 

 

Dave: thanks for sharing that video. It was well worth a watch.

-Kevin

+1

I was about to say the same thing. Great info I never knew.

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Thursday, January 6, 2022 4:46 PM

hon30critter
I was sent this by a fellow modeller who is not a forum member, so I thought I would share it

Dave: thanks for sharing that video. It was well worth a watch.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    May 2020
  • 1,057 posts
Posted by wrench567 on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 9:57 PM

  I watched that video a couple nights ago. Drawings, paper cups, and computer animation looks good. In real life that flange plays a huge part. I've seen wheels pass inspection with a dished running surface. Also there is hundreds of miles of track that is not round on top and lots of track with a taper to the inside negating the wheel taper. Flange squeal, and sliding wheels is just what they have to deal with. Broad curves can't be everywhere.

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • 21,669 posts
Posted by Overmod on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 8:05 PM

Feynman and Wickens both handled this better.

I can't imagine why one of the resident camera mavens hasn't rigged up an appropriate combination of optics to actually watch what the wheels and truck frames actually do as they go around layout curves.

 

Hint.

  • Member since
    May 2004
  • 7,500 posts
Posted by 7j43k on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 7:48 PM

I did some calculations, and it appears the differential action fails at an HO radius between 165" and 330".

That means that for HO trains, the flanges are needed in curves sharper than the above.

 

Ed

  • Member since
    December 2008
  • From: Heart of Georgia
  • 5,406 posts
Posted by Doughless on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 7:05 PM

Well, kinda OT here,

but if model railroad wheels are shaped even close to correctly, the outer edge of the wheel should not come close to touching the opposing rail in a turnout frog.  Since it doesn't even touch the outer edge of the rail its riding on.

Carry on with your regulary scheduled topic....

- Douglas

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Why train wheels have a conical shape
Posted by hon30critter on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 6:42 PM

I was sent this by a fellow modeller who is not a forum member, so I thought I would share it. Click on the 'Watch on YouTube' icon on the lower left to view the full screen:

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

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