Trains on rails have basically no traction, since the contact surfaces are steel on steel. Anything that makes them slippery becomes a no-go as soon as hills are involved, and stopping is also significantly impacted.
Having them not require tires is a solved problem, but as you can see that comes with some compromises.
That’s rough. I thought operating rail systems in inclement weather was a mostly solved problem.
Trains on rails have basically no traction, since the contact surfaces are steel on steel. Anything that makes them slippery becomes a no-go as soon as hills are involved, and stopping is also significantly impacted.
Having them not require tires is a solved problem, but as you can see that comes with some compromises.
They have grit dispensers for the wheels for this exact problem in snowy areas.