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How much paint is required for a model kit?Read more -
How long does it take to build a model railway?Read moreBuilding a model railway is a rewarding but time-consuming hobby, and how long it takes depends on several factors,...
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What advantages does modelling in OO9 Gauge offer over other scales ?Read moreOO9 gauge, also known as 4mm scale narrow gauge, offers several advantages over other scales when it comes to model...
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What is meant by start voltage?Read moreThe term 'Start Voltage' is used in model railways to describe how much voltage is needed to get a locomotive moving...
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Where would I typically use single or double-slip points on a layout?Read moreSingle-slip points are typically used in situations where one track merges into another at an angle. For example, if...
What is an A1A-A1A wheel arrangement?
In the UK, an A1A-A1A wheel arrangement was used on some early designs of diesel railway locomotives, most notably the Class 31.
A locomotive with this type of wheel arrangement has two bogies (one at either end of the loco) and each bogie has three axles. The outer axles of each bogie are powered by traction motors, leaving the middle axle unpowered. This setup is what is known as an A1A-A1A wheel arrangement.
One reason for the unpowered axle is to spread the weight of the locomotive across more wheels to give it greater route availability. Another reason is to make the locomotive more stable at higher speeds.
The extra stability provided by an additional axle is achieved thanks to the cone-shaped wheel treads on railway rolling stock. Such wheels naturally find the middle of the rail, so the more wheels there are, the greater the force keeping the locomotive where it should be on the tracks.
Posted in: Rolling stock
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