Re: Speed and wheel size of rolling stock

Hi,

Boston Revere Beach & Lynn ran high speed for many years until electrification.

As for wheel diameter:

1) a 26" is 81.68 inches around or 0.00128 miles which yields a rotation of 517.1 rpm.

2) a 28" is 87.96 inches around or 0.00138 miles which yields a rotation of 480.1 rpm.

3) a 33" is 103.67 inches around or 0.00163 miles which yields a rotation of 407.4 rpm.

All that I can see is that the smaller diameter wheel revolves faster and generates more heat. Both friction and roller bearings wear out but the roller wears slower and generates less hear and requires less maintenance.

UNLESS the speed is like 150MPH, I doubt the rolling stock wheel diameter has much to do with train speed.

With the highest train speeds (TGV), the momentum of the train becomes a factor. Definatley not ng.

Doug vV