steam loco question

[nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org]

Actually the inside and outside drivers travel a
different length of rail per revolution.  The driver
tires are tapered slightly.  With the flange against
the outside rail on a curve, the largest diameter
portion of the wheel contacts the rail.  On the inside
rail, a smaller diameter contacts the rail.  There is
a difference in the circumference.  The outside wheel
travels slightly further per revolution than the
inside.  This differential effect helps ease the
potential problem you stated. 

Not a terrific explanation but hope it helped. 

Dave Stephenson



> A steam locomotive enters a curve with drivers on

> both sides eating up the same amount of rail,--why

> does the drivers on the shorter rail not climb out

> ??

>  		



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