I think Bill has the right idea. The Four Wheel truck has a lot of mass (Six
Wheel even more) so Newton's Law plus the more extensive and mechanically
advantaged springing of a truck far outweighs what you could do with
effectively separately cushioning a single wheel.
I haven't been on the Talgos in the Pacific Northwest but imagine the only
reason they have had the success that they have enjoyed is because of the
advent of welded rail.
That, and the fact anything that provided new cars for a needed service would
be favorably received. If a modern real Budd trainset built to 1949
structural standards were substituted I am sure it would be preferred over the
Talgo.... it would be like comparing a Yugo to a Cadillac.
Charlie Vlk
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
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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