New Railroad Car Wheel

Join Our Community of Science Lovers!


On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.


Archibald C. Ketchum, of New York City, has invented a new railroad car wheel, by which all parts of the wheel, which are sub-jected to friction upon their becoming worn, can be takei out and replaced by others. The spokes, hub, and rim of the wheel are formed of separate parts, the hub and rim being of cast-iron, and the spokes of wrought iron. Dovetailed recesses' or slots are cut laterally in the inside of the rim and outside of the hiib for the reception oi the spokes, which are formed to fit very accurately. The spokes are then rivetted to the rim, and a heavy ring is shrunk upon the hub to prevent the spokes from moving from their position in the slots. The rim is chilled to obtain the requisite degree of hardness for the face and flange, and taking the whole together it forms a most substantial as well as durable wheel. Few wheels constructed, in separate parts have the requisite amount of strength to work safely, but this is so put together that it forms a very strong wheel. Measures have been, ta" "n by the inventor to secure a patent.

Scientific American Magazine Vol 8 Issue 37This article was published with the title “New Railroad Car Wheel” in Scientific American Magazine Vol. 8 No. 37 (), p. 292
doi:10.1038/scientificamerican05281853-292f

It’s Time to Stand Up for Science

If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.

I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.

If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.

In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.

There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.

Thank you,

David M. Ewalt, Editor in Chief, Scientific American

Subscribe