[thedoc (OP)]

Trains often have the wheels welded to their axles, so how do they go around corners? Find out with this experiment.

Read more about this kitchen science experiment.

Listen to the Experiment [chapter podcast=4106 track=12.09.23/Naked_Scientists_Show_12.09.23_10821.mp3","]_{Part 1}[/chapter] [chapter podcast=4106 track=12.09.23/Naked_Scientists_Show_12.09.23_10835.mp3","]_{Part 2}[/chapter] [chapter podcast=4106 track=12.09.23/Naked_Scientists_Show_12.09.23_10821.mp3][/chapter]
...or download as MP3 [1] [2]

[stustjohn]

I remember listening to Richard Feyman explaining this and thinking to myself, 'Wow, what a simple, yet elegant, solution to a very real problem.' And then I wondered why on Earth I had never even considered the problem before (never mind its solution)! Then I wondered how many other everyday situations are similar to this: simple science (that most children could probably understand) right under our noses, but that many of us completely miss...

[CliffordK]

Interesting.
There are strict guidelines on how much curvature the track can have, which is likely related to the maximum amount of curvature that the wheels can easily compensate for.

[Boogie]

Interesting.
There are strict guidelines on how much curvature the track can have, which is likely related to the maximum amount of curvature that the wheels can easily compensate for.

This is certainly true with short bodied ore cars and such.

Modern locomotives, however,  use "trucks" mounted at both ends of the car. Each truck typically has a two sets of wheels/axles fixed in place. The trucks can turn independently with the curvature of the track allowing sharper turns and looser guidlines in track construction.

Edit : The truck is sometimes called a Bogie. Not to be confused with a Boogie.