If a train runs on softer steel rails, is fuel efficiancy lost?

Question

If the steel is softer, then every car and engine is sinking in and basically going uphill isnt it???

Answer 1

The actual problem would be that the steel would buckle and be unable to support the load, causing a derailment.

But then the whole point about steel is that it is a hard alloy, capable of withstanding great stresses.

Answer 2

This question and the answers to it -- especially the one by the experienced railroad train engineer -- has somewhat "blown my mind"!   I always had considered that all railroad rails were the same standard of steel as that of the wheels of the locomotives that traveled upon them.  I studied metallurgy in college, and I don't remember seeing anything about "soft" steel.  I know that steel can be alloyed to be stronger and be rust-resistant, and in doing that, it was my understanding that the steel Is made HARDER.  I grew up in a town that was serviced by three railroad companies.  The major one was the Southern Pacific RR Co., the rails of which are still being used very actively -- being a major supply line between New Orleans and Houston.  The second was the Missouri Pacific RR Co. -- an end-of-the-line branch as far as the rails into a passenger station and freight warehouse located on the main street of the town.  This mid-town station and warehouse was located just 4 blocks from my home, and I spent many an hour playing around in that small railroad yard.  I walked barefooted many a time on the hot, shiny rails in the railroad yard and I rode my bicycle a few times for many blocks, bumpty-bumpty, over the ties -- in between the rails.  The ties were spaced very closely in the roadbed which had been adequately fortified so that I never saw any sinkage anywhere in the line within the city limits.  The third railroad company that had freight only service for the town was the Kansas City South RR Co.  KCS had abandoned their passenger service and station for the town sometime in the 1920's.  MoPac abandoned its passenger service and station after WW-II -- sometime in the 1950's.

Oh, I could write a book about my younger days' love affair with the railroads and the old steam locomotives.

Answer 3

That's right. I commend you on your keen insight. Rail is a relatively soft steel to begin with, at least compared to many other steels. The ties support the rail to add rigidity. But when the rails are lighter than mainline standards (Say 70 lb per yard rail), and the ties squish down in soft soil, the weight of the train does dip the track down at the wheels. And yes, it makes more work for the engine(s), since it is like constantly trying to pull the train out of a hole. I've experienced this on some little used - older sidings on the RR I work for.

Answer 4

The steel isn't softer.But it can be more flexible.Thats why main line rail has gotten heavier over the years.The heavier rail is better able to withstand heavy loads with less flex.And the less it flexs the less the forces are transmited to the ties and roadbed. Modern roadbed is designed very well these days.Drainage is important to keeping it in good shape.Still soft spots in the roadbed can develop which is felt as a rough spot in the track.Well maintained rail is tamped at least once a year to keep that from happening.But as far as steel being soft and the wheels sinking into it...no that's not happening.

Answer 5

Yes, but less efficiency is lost then on a truck!

If there was no deformation at all the locomotive could not move the load.