Why does putting a carriage on rails make it much easier to pull? As in, how were the first trams such an improvement from omnibuses when the same weight was still being pulled?

Question

Why does putting a carriage on rails make it much easier to pull? As in, how were the first trams such an improvement from omnibuses when the same weight was still being pulled?

In: 520

Answer 1

ground wheels = fat

Rail wheels = skinny and more controlled ‘ground’ environment

= way less rolling resistance.