Wheel arrangement refers to the configuration of wheels on a vehicle, particularly in trains. It is often denoted using a series of numbers and letters that indicate the number of wheels and their arrangement. For example, the Whyte notation uses a format like 4-8-4, where the first number represents the leading wheels, the second the driving wheels, and the last the trailing wheels. Different wheel arrangements can affect a train's stability, speed, and ability to navigate curves. Common arrangements include 2-8-2 and 4-6-2, each designed for specific purposes, such as freight or passenger transport. Understanding wheel arrangements helps in the design and operation of locomotives and railcars.