How quickly do flat spots on freight car wheels develop?

Question

I was talking to an employee of a short line who told me that a freight car was moved with the brakes on for a long distance, and that a wheel developed a flat spot that required the car to be repaired ASAP. Is this a common occurrence? Is it sometimes hard for the engineer to know that a car is being moved with the brakes on? Would the guy be disciplined for this...sounds like an easy mistake to make......

Answer 1

Well on an empty car it doesn't take long, in only a matter of a few miles or more substantial damage can occur to a wheel set (s). Yes it's a common occurrence whether due to brakes not releasing on a car or the conductor / brakeman not releasing a hand brake.

Sometimes it can be very difficult to tell, especially if it's just one car ie. an empty car. Loads would be a little easier to detect, but if in a very long train possibly not because of the drag forces involved.

As for being disciplined probably not, unless he and other crew members knew of a problem and didn't stop. I'd say then I'm sure there would be some sort of discipline for being negligent in their duties.

Yes it can be easy to miss an applied hand brake if your not looking, if a car or cut of cars are rolling by the man on the ground, it's not hard to miss whether it's an empty or a loaded car.

Answer 2

Flat spots are caused by the wheel sliding on the rail,It only takes one panic to flat spot a bunch of wheels.