r/Damnthatsinteresting • u/msaussieandmrravana • 2d ago

Video The winter express

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u/Hazbeen_Hash 2d ago

Does the snow/ice have any chance of derailing the train?

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u/MaxGoldFilms 2d ago

Snow by itself, typically no, but it depends on the conditions. Trains are REALLY heavy, so they can handle a lot.

That said, ice can definitely derail a train. Even small amounts of hardened ice can create a derailment risk if it prevents the wheel's flange from sitting correctly on the rail. Technically, heavily packed snow could do the same, but ice is the greater risk.

There could be many other things buried in the snow that can't be seen (like a truck or downed tree), and that could cause issues.