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When considering the Diolkos Wagonway, think about the actual operation of the wheeled bogies running in limestone grooves.  All of the leaves, twigs, and other seasonal vegetation trash would settle into the grooves in the limestone roadways.  That could have provided considerable friction to a system that intended to reduce friction.  But the guidance function also raises serious questions.  Modern railroads use a very supple configuration of wheel flange to minimize friction.  But a 6-inch-deep, square groove cut into limestone, guiding a large wooden wheel by engaging its sides with the sides of the deep stone groove would seem to be a formula for immense friction, wear, and heat generation.  I could see the wheels of the Diolkos bogies, bearing dozens of tons, catching fire as they scrubbed the sides of the grooves for rolling guidance while negotiating curves.  Maybe they used some sort of fish oil for lubricant or even cooled the wheels with water.
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