Tracks Ring when train goes over..?

Question

I watch trains all the time, and I noticed that when Freight trains go by, about 50 feet before they pass the tracks start ringing, then after the train passes, it still is ringing. I always hear this, What is it?

All speeds over 15 or so

Answer 1

Metal harmonics.

Answer 2

I would venture to guess that the location you hear the ringing is on a curve. That's not unusual. This is from the wheel flanges (lip of wheel that extends down on inside of rail) contacting the rail. On a curve, the flanges get pushed against the outside rail. And they'll zing like that. On straight track, the wheels are self-centering on the track, and there's no contact between the flanges and the rail.

Answer 3

vibrations set up by the force of the approaching train. railroad equipment is very heavy and puts tremendous stresses on the track structure.

many times I have seen deer looking directly down at the rail in front of a train, almost oblivious to the train itself, usually they jump out of the way, but . . . . . not always.

I hope you are not putting your ear to the rail like in the old time western movies. (jk) LOL

Answer 4

The weight of the train sends vibrations through the rails in both directions. Pretty amazing stuff.

Answer 5

lol Metal Harmonics... that sounds like a headbanging band to me.  It's actually called harmonic resonance.  Same thing that people can do with crystal wine glasses when they run their finger around the rim of the glass.