@VK4LA They can. The last car is normally a tanker with a guy manning a fire hose to put out any spot fires. They also have a patrol a short way behind the grinder that double-checks for fires.
the weight of the freight causes what is called flow. it flattens the rail and causes wear that can lead to damaged rail. It also causes less fuel efficiency. They want to have the rail profiled so the contact from the wheel to the rail is about the width of a quarter. also there is a smoother ride.
they grind rails so that rail meets the contour of the train wheels. without grinding, rails would wear away at train wheels and damage both the rail and wheels.
Why do they grind the rails? Is it because the surface gets damaged somehow I know they use sand for extra traction does that have something to do with it?
The weight of the weels rolling over the rail gradually hammers the rail into less than optimal shape. Steel is malleable even at normal temperatures.
If you look at a rail after use, you'll notice a curled lip that forms on the inside from the constant hammering. That drags on the flange of the wheels and causes additional wear and friction.
Grinding returns the contour of the rail to its most efficient shape.
The weight of the wheels rolling over the rail gradually hammers the rail into less than optimal shape. Steel is malleable even at normal temperatures.
If you look at a rail after use, you'll notice a curled lip that forms on the inside from the constant hammering. That drags on the flange of the wheels and causes additional wear and friction.
Grinding returns the contour of the rail to its most efficient shape.
If you've never seen one, you really should listen for one and check it out. It's nowhere near as dangerous as it seems, and is a fantastic sight - especially when it's getting a little bit dark and the sparks really stand out.
Seriously, I've been more in fear of my life with high-speed freights going over what is obviously (at least to me) iffy track than with grinders - and I've been trackside for several over the years.
I'm sure it's not the absolute safest thing in the world to do. But neither is standing that close to a regular train moving at speed, which all us railfans do.
A broken band from a lumber car traveling at 40 MPH will do a lot more damage to me than a spark from the grinder!
QUESTION does the rail grinders ever cause firs in grass next to the rail lines ?
VK4LA 1 year ago
@VK4LA They can. The last car is normally a tanker with a guy manning a fire hose to put out any spot fires. They also have a patrol a short way behind the grinder that double-checks for fires.
RonsTrainVideos 1 year ago
Railgrinders A.K.A. Firestarters!!! The came through the Columbia Gorge in august for some reason and set fires for 70 miles!! WTG BNSF!!
smokum0 1 year ago
the weight of the freight causes what is called flow. it flattens the rail and causes wear that can lead to damaged rail. It also causes less fuel efficiency. They want to have the rail profiled so the contact from the wheel to the rail is about the width of a quarter. also there is a smoother ride.
dantej32 2 years ago
they grind rails so that rail meets the contour of the train wheels. without grinding, rails would wear away at train wheels and damage both the rail and wheels.
aussietraindriver 2 years ago
Why do they grind the rails? Is it because the surface gets damaged somehow I know they use sand for extra traction does that have something to do with it?
024reredrum 2 years ago
The weight of the weels rolling over the rail gradually hammers the rail into less than optimal shape. Steel is malleable even at normal temperatures.
If you look at a rail after use, you'll notice a curled lip that forms on the inside from the constant hammering. That drags on the flange of the wheels and causes additional wear and friction.
Grinding returns the contour of the rail to its most efficient shape.
RonsTrainVideos 2 years ago
what exactly does it do?
CODING247ON360 2 years ago
The weight of the wheels rolling over the rail gradually hammers the rail into less than optimal shape. Steel is malleable even at normal temperatures.
If you look at a rail after use, you'll notice a curled lip that forms on the inside from the constant hammering. That drags on the flange of the wheels and causes additional wear and friction.
Grinding returns the contour of the rail to its most efficient shape.
RonsTrainVideos 2 years ago
I saw it this week in Montreal,at night,it's a wunderfull show,I get on or two pics of it..
DrWeed1975 2 years ago
That thing would scare the heck out of me.
furryfurball1221 2 years ago
If you've never seen one, you really should listen for one and check it out. It's nowhere near as dangerous as it seems, and is a fantastic sight - especially when it's getting a little bit dark and the sparks really stand out.
Seriously, I've been more in fear of my life with high-speed freights going over what is obviously (at least to me) iffy track than with grinders - and I've been trackside for several over the years.
RonsTrainVideos 2 years ago
Your brave standing that close to that thing. It started a brush fire in Plains the day before.
smitty3964 2 years ago
I'm sure it's not the absolute safest thing in the world to do. But neither is standing that close to a regular train moving at speed, which all us railfans do.
A broken band from a lumber car traveling at 40 MPH will do a lot more damage to me than a spark from the grinder!
RonsTrainVideos 2 years ago
Awesome Video Ron!!
UPTurner 3 years ago
Thanks Turner! These things ae always fun to catch - especially when working!
RonsTrainVideos 3 years ago