[ale] OT: Maglev funding?

[Geoffrey]

Jim Kinney wrote:
> On Tue, Feb 17, 2009 at 10:04 AM, Geoffrey <lists at serioustechnology.com> wrote:
>  corners as well.
>>> Not nearly to the extent of monorails and require a much larger turning radius
>>> at a much lower speed.
>> I would suspect that would have more to do with the amount of weight the
>> heavy rails are carrying verses monorails.
> 
> Actually, the weight difference is not related to the turning radius
> at all.

Certainly loaded rail cars will ride higher on the rail?

The track and wheel system of heavy rail uses a crown on the
> rail top and a tapered wheel such that the inner side, closest to the
> flange, is slightly larger than the outside of the wheel. During
> straight track travel, the wheels will "center" but during curves they
> will rid up on the flange. Thus the outer wheel on the curve is now
> slightly larger and the inner wheels are slightly smaller giving the
> track length differential to facilitate a curve.
> 
> Simple and maintenance free as it requires no differential gearing.
> The flange rubbing on the rail edge causes the characteristic
> "spitting" sound a train makes on a curve.


-- 
Until later, Geoffrey

Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little
temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.
  - Benjamin Franklin