How do trains run without a differential?

The solution is simple & elegant. Both the wheels are a bit flanged OR conicle. The part having greater diameter of the frustum of the conical wheels is inward while of lesser diameter are outwards the track. Now whenever a trains travel on a curved track, the wheels get slide away in either of the direction.

Do train axles have differentials?

Trains however do not have differentials. If they did, there would be a risk of them falling off their tracks! Trains have fixed wheelsets, but still must navigate turns.

How do train wheels not slip?

For most cases the wheels don’t slip, rather roll. This is due to friction. Friction acts against the direction of motion and tends to oppose it – so the wheels instead of slipping, roll over. This is similar to if you tried sliding while standing up on an icy or wet surface or a smooth floor.

Why there is no differential for front wheels?

Most cars are either front wheel drive or rear wheel drive. So the function of the differential is to allow for this variation and let the outer wheel rotate more than the inner wheel without slipping. Without the differential, the car would not be able to negotiate the turn without slippage.

How do trains turn without derailing?

The wheels on each side of a train car are connected with a metal rod called an axle. This axle keeps the two train wheels moving together, both turning at the same speed when the train is moving. This is where the wheels’ geometry comes in. To help the wheels stay on the track their shape is usually slightly conical.

How do Locomotives turn?

The wheels on each side of a train car are connected with a metal rod called an axle. This axle keeps the two train wheels moving together, both turning at the same speed when the train is moving. To help the wheels stay on the track their shape is usually slightly conical.

Does train have reverse gear?

The wheels are driven by electric motors (called “traction motors”) which can run either way. There is a lever called a “reverser” in the locomotive cab that determines the direction of travel.

What happens if you dont have a differential?

If there was no differential on the axle, both wheels would revolve at the same speed. A car with rear wheel drive would push the front wheels, with their tyres skidding helplessly. That’s what happens to off-road vehicles if their drivers forget to switch off their rear differential lock (more about that later).