Why are not the train wheels wrapped with air filled rubber tubes?

Answer 1

Heavy weight is a major factor, but there is something equally as important. The rails on the train are what steers it along the path. Each wheel as a lip on the inside edge that keeps the train on the tracks. As the train rounds a curve an enormous side load is placed on this lip causing the train to follow the curve of the rail. Pneumatic tires are not intended to withstand such side loads. When you turn the corner in your car the wheel actually wants to roll under the rim, but there are stiffners in the sidewall to minimize this. The stiffer the wheel, the better it performs during turns. But stiffer wheels also mean harsher ride.

There are trains using solid rubber bands between the wheel and the track, but they still have the metal lip. These have less weight capacity then a freight train but a better ride, thus they may practical passenger train/subway train use.

Answer 2

In some cases, they are. However, railroads were developed before good rubber became available, and steel wheels on steel rail was such an improvement over any other wheel technology of the day that railroads were installed worldwide. Nowadays, a few subway systems use rubber-tired vehicles, but this is not common; more often, rubber bumpers are part of the spring system.

Answer 3

There are some trains that use rubber tires (Disneyland Monorail trains, for example). Why aren't railroad trains equipped this way? Probably because of the enormous load on each wheel that bears on the track. Steel wheel on steel rail has less rolling friction, for a second part of the answer.

Answer 4

I consider everybody else right here, the journey should be extremely complicated on good rubber tires and they could little question fee so a lot more effective also as there should be many many circumstances as a lot rubber keen about making a good rubber tire.

Answer 5

The train is too heavy. The sidewalls would never support the load, not even with high pressure air inside.

Answer 6

the thickness of the tube-walls would be incredibly thick to allow contanmient of air under such pressure

not practical or economical.. engineering "bad idea" for infrastructure of steel rails already in place ...

Answer 7

In that case, the 'tires' would have to be about 50 larger and highly pressurized to support all the weight of train.

It would be harder to keep it on the tracks that way too.

Answer 8

For one thing I don't think they could take the weight or friction. For another, it would be a safety hazard. Would you want a train risking a tire blow out?

Answer 9

Not needed (since the rail is supposed to be flat and smooth). Too expensive to build, would wear too fast, and **way** to expensive to maiantain.


Doug

Answer 10

put a peeble on the traks and you will see