More Union bullcrap

[Wes Tausend]

Originally Posted by Ron61

I was just curious as to how far they could go with that kind of noise.The track that goes past here is straight for about 1 mile and then it goes into the canyons and starts all of the curves. Dunsmuir, several miles North of here is famous for the derailments there and a few years ago a tank car dumped its load into the river and killed everything for miles from there to the lake. Even the trees along the river died for about 20' back and are just now starting to show signs of growing back some brush and grass.

Ron

Oh. Quite a ways, depending.

Bearings squeal or more likely buzz, but not for long; 100 miles max maybe before getting caught. The railcar may be set out earlier if someone notes the problem on a roll-by inspection or a track-side hotbox detector alarm goes off. Forum members note that checking bearings on a car trailer, or camper, for uneven warmth is also a good idea, along with tire heat. When friction goes up, so does heat. Bearings or tires seldom quit suddenly.

Locomotive wheels squeal on a hard pull as well as sticky car brakes squealing/squawking. Flanges squeal more on very slight curvature, than sharp, where they usually pop into alignment. Flanges eventually get thin and short, a concern. Rails wear more in a curve because one wheel turns faster than the other and some flanges always rub. Curves sometimes have flange lube added that cause locomotive slippage when overdone, but extend track ball life when done right.

I was going to make this a short post with just the first paragraph.
I can't help myself. Help! I've sat down and can't get up.

Wes

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