For only being a 32-page book, there is a lot of information on railroad wheels presented.
Keep your cars rolling with The Basics of Railroad Wheels, 2nd Edition. It provides a solid foundation of wheels and a discussion of basic inspection techniques. The first portion of the book presents the history of the wheel, a synopsis of the the AAR's role with the design and engineering of today's wheels, a quick glimpse of the two main manufacturing methods used on modern wheels, and an introductory study of AAR wheel classes and their respective service life.
The later section of the book will help with identifying wheels and performing basic inspection techniques for railroad wheels.
Contents:Introduction, History, Standardizing Wheels, pp. 1-3,Wheel Tread and Flange Profile, pp. 4-5,The Wheelset, pg. 6,Differentiating Wheels, pp. 7-12,Rim Thickness, pp. 11-12,Markings, pp. 13-15,Reducing Wheel Failures, pg. 16,Inspecting Wheels for Defects, pp. 17-19,Wheel Defects, 20-29,Welding Around Wheelsets, Conclusion, Appendix, pp. 30-32.
Simmons-Boardman, softcover, 32 pages, 11 x 8.5, B&W illustrations and text.