Why do sand is sprayed on railway track by engine?

Almost everyone must travelled in train. It is the most common means of transport. Trains are used for moving both passengers and goods from one place to another. We all know that train is run by a rail engine. Do you know, apart from energy sources, the most important thing to run a train is sand?

Welcome to Engineering Master. In this article we will explain you how sand play important role to run an engine…


Almost everyone knows about train and must have travel in it. Train is pulled by rail engine. The engine sprays sand just before moving. This is required else engine wheel slips and train is unable to move forward.

Greatest effort is required from a rail engine when it starts moving. If the loco pilot applies too much power on wheels, the turning force is applied to the wheel. It greatly exceeds the opposing friction force affected by the surface of the rail, and the wheel will turn without being able to move the train forward. If the loco pilot does not take quick action, then the locomotive can end up stationary with its wheels spinning/slip.

So, to avoid wheel slip, sand is sprayed in the tracks so that it can move forward.

8 Replies to “Why do sand is sprayed on railway track by engine?”

  1. Thanks for another informative web site. Where else could I get that kind of info written in such an ideal way? I have a project that I’m just now working on, and I’ve been on the look out for such information.

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