Trains have been a reliable source of mass transit for hundreds of years. Over time, they’ve undergone some structural changes for a more efficient and comfortable ride. New York subway riders recently got a chance to step back in time, catching a ride in 1930s-era subway cars to commemorate the re-opening of a stretch of track that was damaged by Superstorm Sandy.
Travelers noted how different the interior of the cars were, with wicker seats and ceiling fans starkly contrasting today’s train features. But aesthetics aside, not much has changed in the overall mechanism of locomotion: which involves train wheels gliding over a rail. It sounds simple, but a lot of work goes into creating wheels that can smoothly roll over the track.
Train wheels need a conical shape to fit the angle of the rail. This allows the train to travel and make turns without the constant threat of derailment. As an added safety measure, flanges lock the wheels in place over the track. A good illustration can be found here.
To create this precise form, the train wheels need to be properly machined. If a machining center is not in place yet, the first step is to design one to suit your needs. Once this is taken care of, the next task is finding a way to move the wheels from storage to the machining center. Implementing a custom conveyer system takes care of this requirement. And having an automation that flips the wheel allows it to be machined on both sides, increasing efficiency and usability.
For more information on custom conveyor and machine systems to transport train wheels, visit Locher.com.
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