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Train aerodynamics

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  • Member since
    August 2004
  • From: St. Paul, Minnesota
  • 2,116 posts
Posted by Boyd on Thursday, December 9, 2010 10:54 PM

I think a model railroader with a fair amount of technical knowledge and a home built wind tunnel could do some tests of various types of model RR cars.

 

Modeling the "Fargo Area Rapid Transit" in O scale 3 rail.

  • Member since
    December 2005
  • From: Cardiff, CA
  • 2,930 posts
Posted by erikem on Friday, December 10, 2010 12:52 AM

Boyd

I think a model railroader with a fair amount of technical knowledge and a home built wind tunnel could do some tests of various types of model RR cars.

As long as that modeler was conversant with the "Reynolds Number", i.e. the effects of turbulence don't necessarily scale well. Since aero drag is largely an issue of turbulence, this is not an inconsequential matter.

- Erik

  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,277 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Friday, December 10, 2010 5:28 AM

Should we have 'Mythbusters' highlight the state of railroad aero?

Boyd

I think a model railroader with a fair amount of technical knowledge and a home built wind tunnel could do some tests of various types of model RR cars.

 

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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