It reduces noise ,and it is more eco friendly still they dont use it ???
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2006-06-20 18:21:30 · 13 answers · asked by christopher 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Rail
The important factor is low friction. The steel rail forms one side of a bearing; the wheels supporting the cars are like a long series of ball bearings (the old wheels were cast iron, which has graphite in it). The wheel and its axle are a unit, whether cast together or bolted(very rare). If there is a slight curve, the wheels adjust by the axle pushing sideways, the wheel climbing onto a larger diameter so that it can travel around the longer. outside of the curve. In very tight curves and switching for example the wheel may have to slide for a bit. This is why the wheel and rail are never the exactly same alloy of steel. Rubber tyred wheels have been used for commuter trains and amusement parks; usually not for long distances and usually with the rail sections welded and ground so there is no bump or clack-clack traveling between sections. In modern trolleys they use rubber suspension elements, but also metal springs and shock dampers.
2006-06-20 19:01:09 · answer #1 · answered by fata minerva 3 · 5⤊ 2⤋
I think it's a bad idea. Train tracks allow traffic in only one direction. The idea of a half-million people getting on and off the tracks at will would probably bring them to a standing stop before lunchtime. Just one breakdown would mean that trucks and trains and everything else would be backed up for miles behind him. And you just KNOW that some cowboy would jump on and go the wrong way, "cause it's only a few miles to where he has to deliver the load, and there probably won't be anyone coming then". I'd bet the farm that this idea has been thought of already, and left behind by the people that know railroading. Besides, the ride on steel wheels would be murder.
2016-05-20 07:58:23 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They would bounce off the tracks?? Trains go fast and carry a lot of stuff, & PEOPLE. I think gravity & weight is a big factor and staying on those thin tracks. I think car tires wear out to fast & I can't imagine keeping rubber on all those wheels. I really don't know I was just guessing!
2006-06-20 18:23:55 · answer #3 · answered by char__c is a good cooker 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because..
Steel = low friction
Steel = more cars can be pulled
Steel = durability
And rubber is NOT more eco friendly, nor would it reduce noise -- have you ever been around a paved highway???
2006-06-21 04:58:18 · answer #4 · answered by DT89ACE 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Steel to stell adhesion is actually far superior. A mainline diesel AC locomotive weighing about 420,000lbs has the ability to generate 200,000lbs of tractive effort. That is approaching 50% adhesion. Been there, done it. Rubber would have ripped right off.
2006-06-21 18:16:40 · answer #5 · answered by choochdude@sbcglobal.net 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because they run on steel rails and the trains wheels are shaped to fit the rails. there is no need for rubber and it wouldn't withstand the weight of the train anyway.
2006-06-20 18:51:05 · answer #6 · answered by birddog 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because the tire would pretty much disintegrate in no time leaving uneven wheels and all sorts of problems causing a higher incidents of accidents.
2006-06-20 18:25:40 · answer #7 · answered by asmul8ed 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey, don't you like taking of your shirt on a very hot day ?... same with the trains..... they like to chilll out....
put rubber on them and thyey melt it off...
2006-06-20 18:27:33 · answer #8 · answered by laclockiecelestialle 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Imagine driving your car on a street that made of metal (STEEL) how often do you think you will have to replace your tires.
2006-06-20 18:25:21 · answer #9 · answered by Irie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
too much wear , they wouldnt last long, trains are heavy. Metal wheels work just fine!
2006-06-20 18:24:44 · answer #10 · answered by Big hands Big feet 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋