In this article,we give both qualitative and quantitative explanations of why a train stays on itstrack, in spite of
perturbations that could cause it to derail.We show that train stability originatesfrom the conical shape of the
wheels,which gives rise to a restoring normal force in response to alateral disturbance.We first demonstrate translational
stabilization in a simple situation where therails are assumed frictionless and the steering motion of the wheel
is neglected.We then develop amore comprehensive model, taking friction and steering into account.We show that
rolling frictioncouples the rotational motion to the translational motion,enhancing overall stability.Finally,we find
approximate formulae for the parameters governing stability,and show good agreement withparameters of a real railway
coach.