On the other hand, when centers and tires are held together by
springing the former into the latter under pressure, it is possible
that a tire of larger diameter might be overstrained. But allowing
that the method of manufacture does not limit the diameter of a steel
wheel as it does a cast iron one, the claim that the larger diameter
is the best is open to debate at least, and, I believe, is proved to
the contrary on several accounts. It is argued that increasing the
diameter of a wheel increases its total mileage in proportion, or even
more. Whether this be so or not, there are two other very
objectionable features that come with an increase in diameter--the
wheel becomes more costly and weighs more, without giving in all cases
a proportionate return. We have to do more work in starting and
stopping, and in lifting the large wheel over the hills, and when the
diameter exceeds a certain figure we have to pay more per 1,000 miles
run. I am very firmly convinced that the matter of dead weight should
receive more attention than it does, with a view to reducing it. The
weight of six pairs of 42 in. wheels and axles alone is 15,000 to
16,000 lb.
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