CAN TRAINS HYDROPLANE

In theory - yes. In practice - I doubt it.

Too much weight, too small a footprint (how much of the wheel is in contact with the top of the rail which isn't flat), and too low a speed. If the water was deep enough to cover the top of the rails a bit and the loco could go really really fast it might hydroplane. Physics says its possible. Practical matters say it could only happen under extreamly unusual and difficult to arrange circumstances.

Neat idea tho, lol.

Ben
 
Yes, they can! Build a 20-mile long track that ends just before the sea, get a loco and 2 carriages up to top speed, and let them run off the end. Guaranteed not to sink!

EDIT: I think so...:confused:
 
Technically, yes. Though not with water so much.

It's actually common on lines that have a large number of non conifer trees along their routes. The leaves (usually in fall) cover the rails and then as the train tries to stop, the mushed up leaves turn into a kind of slime. Meaning that instead of stopping, the train slides a pretty good distance. Which if you think about it, is kinda like hydroplaning.
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I saw that happen one time in the NYC subway. A B train flies into the station, tries to stop, and keeps on going. Leaves were covering the track & 3rd rail.
 
I hadn't considered leaves. I can see where that could easily happen.

Mud? Its gritty so would it be more likely to act like sand on the tracks to increase traction?

Ben
 
The Mythbusters tried that one (with a real train, no less).

Two words: MYTH BUSTED.

Why are you looking for ways to derail a train, if I may ask? :p :hehe:
 
Can't say I can see how grass can stop a train unless the crew is smoking it and gets busted (which they should). It might prevent a train from starting, assuming its all wet and slippery. The wheels might not be able to get any traction until the engineer applied sand.

Ben
 
I hadn't considered leaves. I can see where that could easily happen.

Mud? Its gritty so would it be more likely to act like sand on the tracks to increase traction?

Ben


Leaves do work. At the back of the workshop where I worked there were large Coral Trees which covered the track with leaves.When shunting we used to hit the brake just before the points & jump off & let the loco skid through the points.Even at low speed it would skid up to 3-4 times it's own length.Ithink it was more to do with the sap being squeezed out of the leaves than the leaves themselves.

Dave
 
In 1991, there was a caterpillar infestation on the Cumbres & Toltec. They would drop from the aspen trees on to the rails and the locomotives couldn't get traction up the 4% grade from Chama!:cool::hehe: Solution: Two brakemen mounted on the front with brooms :D


tim
 
For sure, an engine or a train can loose its traction and braking-action due to water or frost. Wet leaves are much worse and if they freeze stuck on the rails, you're in for a sleigh-ride. Sanding helps a bit though.
 
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