Why Are Rails Shaped Like That?

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I'm a retired 73 year old mechanical engineer (stress analysis) also with an electrical engineering degree (computer & SW). I enjoy Grady's videos of civil engineering and related subjects and learning yet more engineering I used to ignore or take for granted. Never too late to learn even more. Thanks Grady!

I love the way Grady builds mock-up models to help explain what he's discussing!

As a steel worker at a rail mill this was very interesting & cool to get better insight on the workings of the stuff we make.

What a masterclass in detailed and efficient science communication! Your script-writing is off the charts to pack so much into 15 minutes without it feeling overwhelming. The delightful animations and physical models make it so digestible, even for a total newcomer. You're the best, Grady! 🙏✨

I feel like we take for granted a lot of the engineering and design work done in seemingly simple objects and tasks. Awesome vid btw!

I was just in Japan and rode the bullet train and I noticed how the top of the rails was rusted over except for one tiny strip down the middle where the wheels actually contact it. Impressive precision for them to let the train go 200mph!

4:30 That whole wheel segment was FASCINATING. As a kid, we lived in a house that was three houses from the tracks, so I've heard all the various noises you describe since being a youth, plus the schwing-squeak-schwing sound you mentioned. And just today, 50 years later, I'm learning why. 👏👏

fun fact, old railway tracks are so compressed down by the weight of all the trains they have carried that they can make good anvils

The issue about hunting behaviour is really interesting because it comes up in downhill skateboarding as well where they refer to it as "speed wobble" and have some interesting ways of combatting it

Babe wake up! Practical Engineering posted 🥵

Fifty years ago my young son became a rail fan, and I developed an interest alongside of him. I'm still fascinated with the complexity of how railroads work, and the incredible cost-per-ton efficiency of the system. I know there's basic physics involved, but it's still magical to me how an engine set can get a huge freight train in motion from a dead stop. Thanks for this great video.

One of my most interesting experiences learning about trains was when I was touring England and stopped in at the National Train Museum in York. Wow! Just wow! I was so lucky to find a volunteer that really knew his stuff and was willing to spend an hour with me. We started with a longitudinal section of a real steam engine, and he explained how these trains were powered. When he got into the engineering behind the power transmission to the wheels, my jaw hit the floor. If you think it's appropriate, please consider covering these topics. There is some fantastic engineering involved. Better yet, go to York. Find a great volunteer and give us video tour of the museum. 🙂

My grandfather was an Engineer for Santa Fe. He started as a Fireman on the ATSF (Atchison Topeka Santa Fe) 3751, a 4-8-4 steam engine when he was 16. He eventually worked his way up the ranks to Engineer. He also went to college and got a degree in Mechanical Engineering along the way, too. That's why I am obsessed with trains. I miss him. He was an awesome guy.

I was an electrical engineer on a project at Griffin Wheel where they make some train wheels. There is a lot that goes into each and every wheel. One of the most interesting projects I got to work on.

Great video! I have been a railroad designer for about 7 years now and am always excited to see great railroad content. It’s an interesting industry that often gets taken for granted. Looking forward to the rest of the series!

I am a retired locomotive mechanic. Wheel measurements are so important, if the flange gets too low the car or engine can derail in a curve. Flanges that get too narrow can "pick" a switch and send a wheel set down the wrong track. Locomotive have flange lube sticks that lubricate the flange to slow wear. The other important measurement is diameter which needs to be close side to side. Really enjoyed this video explaining rail loads and design.

I'm really looking forward to more in this series. We railfans are always looking for more answers to unknown aspects of railway engineering. Thanks Grady!

the fact that there is a convention specifically for the interaction of wheels and rails is absolutely delightful

He has such a comfortable voice to listen to. I love winding down with his videos at the end of the day