The time has not yet come when we have to
consider seriously hot journals arising from high speed on freight
trains, and a reasonable degree only of easy riding is required. The
effect on the track is, however, a matter of moment. Judging from the
above, I should say that no wheel larger than one 33 in. in diameter
should be used under freight cars. Since experience in passenger
service shows that larger cast iron wheels do not make greater mileage
and cost more per 1,000 miles run, and that cast iron wheels smaller
than 33 in., while sometimes costing less per 1,000 miles run, are
more troublesome in the end, it is apparent that 33 in. is the best
diameter for the wheels we have to use in freight service.
When we take up passenger service we come to a much more difficult and
interesting part of the subject, for here we must consider it in all
its bearings, and meet the complications that varying conditions of
place and service impose. In consequence, I do not believe we can
recommend one diameter for all passenger car wheels although such a
state of simplicity would be most desirable. For instance, in a sandy
country where competition is active, and consequently speed is high
and maintained for a length of time without interruption, I would
scarcely hesitate to recommend the use of cast iron for car wheels,
because steel will wear out so rapidly in such a place that its use
will be unsatisfactory.
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