The Montreal Metro is actually derived from the Paris one. These trains do in fact also run on steel rails like a regular subway in addition to their tires. read more
These trains do in fact also run on steel rails like a regular subway in addition to their tires. In this case though, the flanged wheels (which are bolted on behind the rubber tires, making them difficult to observe) serve more as a redundant guidance device than a source of traction. read more
Railroad ties in the United States vary in length depending on their purpose. Most ties under plan track are either 8 feet 6 inches or 9 feet. The differentiation there is mostly dependent on the preference of the railroad purchasing them. read more
Geared locomotives do exist, but typically have a third "toothed" rail, and are meant to run up steep mountains. However, just because its not practical to run a train off the tracks doesn't mean that it doesn't have wheels, it just won't work well. some locomotives actually do have "steering" though this is for the purposes of reducing track wear. read more