How much torque do trains have?

Traction. Traction when going around turns is not an issue because train wheels have flanges (projecting rims around the wheels) that keep them on the track. But traction when braking and accelerating is an issue. A locomotive can generate more than 60,000 lb-ft of torque.



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Thus, while drivers may have fewer hours for sleep in between successive work periods, they are likely to sleep more often in a single day and to be awake for correspondingly shorter periods. Relay van workers must also sleep in noisy crew-van carriages that shudder and vibrate along with the movement of the train.

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