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Some locomotive types were more prone to this phenomenon than others. Also, the effect is much more likely to occur with a heavier train or where the rail surface is compromised, for example, during wet or icy weather, or when there is oil or leaves on the track.
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from a 'cold start', or stopping position. However, if the power of a locomotive vastly exceeds its weight, then an imbalance ensues which causes the violent spinning of the
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with the flanges and rims of wheels, which reduces adhesion with the surface of the rails, and a general loss of traction on steep gradients when pulling heavy loads.
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The greatest effort is required from a locomotive when starting. At this time, if the engineer applies too much power to the wheels (i.e., for a
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which automatically reduce the power supplied to the wheels if wheelspin is detected.
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too far) the turning force applied to the wheel will greatly exceed the opposing
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The causes of locomotive wheelslip vary, but the predominant factor lies in the
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usually when starting from stationary, but can also affect an engine in motion.
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can be dropped on the rails to improve adhesion. Modern
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159:force affected by the surface of the
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194:Other causes include the contact of
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