Originally Posted by Hot Water:
That is a bit too "simplistically" put. In reality, real railroad wheels have very little flange contact, except on very curvy lines. Wheels have a 1 in 20 taper, while rails are "canted inward" at the same taper ratio, which keeps the wheels "centered" and reduces flange contact and resulting flange wear.
Theres some interesting information!
I've never given much thought to the taper on train wheels, and would NEVER have guessed it keeps them centered on the rails to minimize flange contact.
Thankyou Hot Water.
