Bex's MOTAT post
This is a picture of a train/tram wheel. The part I am focusing on is the metal line that moves around the wheel (this is called a side rod or a coupling rod). I believe the side rod would want an average amount friction. It would want to go smoothly so it would make sense to reduce friction, but it would also need to be tight so it moves around and doesn't go out of control. The side rod is used to connect the back wheels and the front wheels together. When the wheel moves the side rod moves with it. Is is more common for a steam train to have them but some electric and diesel trains do. Side rods were initially made by steel but nowadays they are made by alloys. Alloys is a kind of metal/wire that combines two materials.
Thanks Bex. I think this rod would have very little friction so that all the power from the movement of the rod goes into the turning of the wheel. This machine used to be used in a sawmill, but it works the same as a train wheel.
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