Steve,
The primary reason for the instability of the Areotrain was the
prevalence of 39 foot jointed rail at the time. The staggered joints
caused alternating impacts to the single wheels at the four corners
of the cars. The four wheel truck on the Zephyrs cushioned and
dampened those impacts within the truck assembly rather than transmit
it to the carbody. the later common use of welded rail would have
considerably improved the ride. Keep in mind that Europe used four
wheel cars for many years, but their rail joints aren't staggered.
The wheels on both sides of the car hit the joint at the same time
making it more like a minor bump rather than an alternating impact.
Bill Barber
Gravois Mills, MO
On Aug 13, 2010, at 5:34 AM, CBQ@yahoogroups.com wrote:
> Re: Gasoline motor car 1905
> Posted by: "STEVEN HOLDING" sholding@sbcglobal.net copivd
> Thu Aug 12, 2010 5:38 am (PDT)
>
>
>
> One problem with the early motor cars was that of SPEED.
> From the Mack Sales Literature(reprint) I have the Mack AC had only
> a top speed
> of 41.5 MPH due in part because of the single large drive wheel in
> the rear.
> And the main reason Mack and others went to a 4-wheel truck on the
> rear. For
> the narrow gauge that might not have been a problem. But a similar
> problem
> showed up with instability with the GM Areo Train with two wheel
> trucks vis the
> early Zephyrs 4 wheel.
> Another interesting figure from the sales literature notes the Mack
> AC could
> be run for a total per mile cost of just 15 cents per mile. In the
> Edwards
> folder they said the Model 20 (the units the Q got) could be
> operated for just
> 14 cents per mile. Both say the major expense saved is in
> Roundhouse expenses
> and they eliminated the hazard of ROW fires. The Edwards could
> transport up to
> 42 passenger with an 11 ft Baggage area while the could move 20
> passengers with
> a 5 ft. baggage area.
> Steve in SC
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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