"The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it." - Neil deGrasse Tyson
Reinventing the Wheel
Have you ever looked at a rail and wondered why, even on a straight track, it wears faster on the inside? One of the reasons is that the train wheels are not actually perfectly cylindrical but are slightly conical, decreasing in radius from the inside to the outside.
Train wheels are conical in shape for two main reasons. First, perhaps most importantly, is the self-centering affect which the conical shape creates. By having a gradually decreasing radius towards outside, a natural tilt is created if the vehicle is pushed slightly off centre of the rails. This tilt creates an unbalanced reaction force which acts towards the track centre and effectively pushes the vehicle back to equilibrium. If, on the other hand, the radius increased from the outside of the wheel to the inside, then any unbalanced forces would have the opposite effect and push the vehicle further off course and off the rails.
The second reason for the conical shape is that it allows for differential action, which means that the wheels can rotate at different speeds when the train goes around curves. This is because the outside wheel must travel a greater distance than the inside wheel on a curve due to the larger radius. In modern cars this is achieved using complex differentials but on trains, where the wheels are connected by a simple shaft, the conical wheels allow for the same effect. By achieving these two goals with a single design feature, the original engineers were able to make trains safer and more efficient and is part of the reason for the wear pattern you see on the rail above.
The Flange on the inside of the wheel is designed for additional protection to prevent the wheels going beyond their limits.
NEWS
King Charles Reminds Passengers to Mind the Gap
King Charles III has recorded a special announcement for railway stations across the UK to remind passengers to "mind the gap." The recording, made earlier this year by Transport for London (TfL), can also be heard on the London Underground until Monday. King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla wished passengers a safe and pleasant journey during the Coronation weekend. Rail Delivery Group and Network Rail executives welcomed the message and said that station colleagues are doing their best to welcome people to London for the historic event. TfL commissioner Andy Lord said they are honoured to support the celebrations with the special announcement.
Full Story BBC
Surfing Legend Mick Fanning Against Gold Coast Light Rail
Plans for the fourth stage of the Gold Coast light rail in Australia have faced opposition from residents, including surfing champion Mick Fanning, and some members of the Liberal National Party. The proposed route would connect Burleigh Heads to Coolangatta airport and has been deemed crucial for the 2032 Olympic Games. However, concerns have been raised about the impact on parking, traffic, and local businesses, and the lack of public transport usage in the area. Despite bi-partisan support for light rail, there are calls for alternative solutions such as electric buses. The federal government has launched a review into Coalition-era infrastructure projects, including stage four of the light rail.
Read more ABC
Russian Freight Trains Derailed by Explosive Device
For the second day in a row, a freight train in Russia's Bryansk region bordering Ukraine was derailed by an explosion, although no casualties have been reported. Sabotage groups with pro-Ukrainian views have allegedly attacked the region multiple times since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, according to Russian officials. While Russia has reported many such incidents, this week's events mark the first time that officials have confirmed attacks of this scale. Meanwhile, Ukraine's military is reportedly preparing for a counteroffensive, and President Zelenskyy said that two people died in a Russian missile attack on Pavlohrad, a Ukrainian city and railway hub in the east.
Original Article at Al Jazeera
Emissions Ban on California Freight Trains
California's Air Resources Board (CARB) has passed a new regulation that will prohibit locomotives made before 2007 from entering the state after 2030. Moreover, all locomotives operating in California after 2035 must be zero-emission. The In-Use Locomotive Regulation is expected to contribute the most significant reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions in meeting California air quality standards by the 2037 deadline. The reduced pollution is expected to save around $32 billion by preventing premature deaths, emergency room visits, and hospitalisations. Funding programs are available to ease the financial burden on operators, including federal grants and rebates to reduce air pollution.
Learn more about at Rail Market
World’s Tallest Railway Bridge
India has built the world's tallest railway bridge, the Chenab Bridge, which sits 359 meters above the Chenab River in the Jammu and Kashmir region. The bridge is part of the broader Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link project, which aims to link the Kashmir Valley with the Indian Railway network. The project also involves the construction of the country's longest transportation tunnel and Indian Railways' first cable bridge. The Chenab Bridge is seen as a tool for social integration and political influence by connecting disparate regions with key cities. The project has been touted as a prime example of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts to expand development in India.
Read More CNN
ECONOMY
Weekly Total US rail traffic down 4.9% YOY.
“These headwinds won’t last forever. When they dissipate, railroads will be prepared to meet their customers’ needs safely and reliably.”- AAR Senior Vice President John T. Gray
Commodities which posted a decrease were:
Miscellaneous carloads down 8.83%
Forest products down 5.4%
Chemicals down 1.94%
Commodities which showed an increase were
Petroleum and petroleum products up 15.29%
Nonmetallic minerals up 3.58%
Motor vehicles and parts up 12.31%
Canadian railroads reported a weekly increase of total carloads of 0.2%. Mexican railroads reported a cumulative volume increase of 2% for the week.
China's factory activity slowed down in April with the Caixin manufacturing PMI dropping to 49.5, from 50 in the previous month, indicating that the economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed down significantly. HSBC has raised its lending rates for the first time this year due to liquidity shrinking in Hong Kong. The oil market experienced a sharp drop in oil futures as Chinese traders returned from a break, resulting in a panic sell-off, amid concerns of an impending recession in the US that could reduce demand for oil. The initial drop was later reversed in mid-morning in Asia.
Brazil is aiming to reduce it’s almost complete reliance on imported Potash with it’s Autazes project. The project would involve mining under the Amazon rainforest and disrupt indigenous communities but would help meet the increasing demand for potash product driven by population growth and the need to improve farming yields.
Warren Buffett has predicted that earnings will decline at Berkshire Hathaway, which is often used as an indicator for the overall market. He says the “incredible period” is coming to an end.