Trailing wheel

As a non-driven wheel set wheelset of a locomotive or a railcar is called. The term run- axis is, however in the literature also common, and to be regarded as equivalent. In addition, all wheels of a bicycle are collectively called wheelset.

In contrast, a drive wheelset ( drive axle ) or Kuppelradsatz ( dome axis) is a driven wheel. For locomotives and railcars, the arrangement of synchronized axes is described by means of the drive configuration.

The use whether wheelset or barrel axis is dependent on the context, as it is called at the wheel arrangement of locomotives, not the Wheel arrangement. If the component is referred to on its own, but the concept of wheel is used, and accordingly wheelset shall apply.

Tasks of the barrel axis

You pay part of the mass of the vehicle such that the permissible axle load is not exceeded, and take the lead of the vehicle on the track. Therefore, their number depends on the weight and the maximum authorized speed of the vehicle.

Use of drive axles

Railcars have synchronized axes if no Allachsantrieb is necessary for the fulfillment of the operating program. In order for the vehicle design is particularly simplified in diesel mechanically and hydraulically - powered vehicles. Only in older locomotives running axles were used to mitzutragen their weight and to lead them at high speeds on the track. In modern locomotives only driving axles in trucks are housed so that the entire mass of the vehicle contributes to the adhesion. Even at high speeds lead bogies the vehicle safely in the track.

With steam locomotives and steam railcar is running axles can best be seen, because only driven axles have visible linkage. The term is also used in diesel locomotives and electric locomotives and railcars.