<Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> Wikimedia Commons has media related to Rack and pinion steering . </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> Wikimedia Commons has media related to Rack and pinion steering . </Td> </Tr> <P> Rack railways are mountain railways that use a rack built into the center of the track and a pinion on their locomotives . This allows them to work on steep gradients, up to 45 degrees, as opposed to conventional railways which rely on friction alone for locomotion . Additionally, the rack and pinion addition provides these trains with controlled brakes, and reduces the effects of snow or ice on the rails . </P> <Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> Wikimedia Commons has media related to Rack and pinion (railway). </Td> </Tr> </Table>

The diameter of a rack in rack and pinion mechanism is