Nice analytical dissertation along with the interesting photo!
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The equivalent of a car burnout, now in locomotive flavor!
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college physics and nothing more, but interesting!
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| Posted by on April 12, 2012 | |
This is called a "rail burn." It was particularly common in the days of steam power. A steam locomotive's weakest tractive effort point is when it is attempting to start a train. The rule of thumb is a steamer can keep any train rolling that it can start with. Since it has to overcome the inertia of a standing train, wheel slips sufficient to cause rail burns were frequent.
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These are still common today when engineers don't have to worry about track maintenance. The person that did this should have been made to change out the rail himself!
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What a great detail shot. The light, texture, and golden tones are terrific.
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The unique use of light really adds a sense of drama to this photo, while also helping bring out the real subject. Perfectly captured and thanks for sharing.
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