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One embodiment of the invention relates to an apparatus for configuring a wheel associated with a train. The apparatus comprises a tool configured to engage the wheel; a compound slide system for positioning the cutting tool in at least two axes; and a computer control coupled to control the compoun

One embodiment of the invention relates to an apparatus for configuring a wheel associated with a train. The apparatus comprises a tool configured to engage the wheel; a compound slide system for positioning the cutting tool in at least two axes; and a computer control coupled to control the compound slide system. The compound slide system is controlled so that the wheel is configured in accordance with a profile.

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1. A method of profiling a wheel while attached to a railcar or locomotive on a rail, the method comprising: disengaging the wheel from the rail, the wheel being attached to the railcar or locomotive;attaching a lathe machine to the rail;rotating the wheel using a motor associated with the locomotiv

1. A method of profiling a wheel while attached to a railcar or locomotive on a rail, the method comprising: disengaging the wheel from the rail, the wheel being attached to the railcar or locomotive;attaching a lathe machine to the rail;rotating the wheel using a motor associated with the locomotive; andprofiling the wheel in accordance with a stored profile in the lathe machine. 2. A method of profiling a wheel while attached to a railcar or locomotive on a rail, the method comprising: disengaging the wheel from the rail, the wheel being attached to the railcar or locomotive;attaching a lathe machine to the rail;rotating the wheel; andprofiling the wheel in accordance with a stored profile in the lathe machine, the profile being a standard profile of a standard flange profile or a narrow flange profile. 3. An apparatus for configuring a wheel associated with a train, the apparatus comprising: an interface configured to secure the apparatus to a rail associated with a train track;a tool configured to engage the wheel;a compound slide system for positioning the cutting tool in at least two axes; anda computer control coupled to control the compound slide system, wherein the compound slide system is controlled so that the wheel is configured in accordance with a profile,wherein the interface includes a member having a first end coupled to the apparatus and a second end configured to engage an opposite rail, the member being configured to limit the movement of the apparatus in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the rail. 4. A method of profiling a wheel while attached to a railcar or locomotive on a rail, the method comprising: disengaging the wheel from the rail, the wheel being attached to the railcar or locomotive;attaching a lathe machine to the rail, the lathe machine including a compound slide system for positioning the cutting tool in at least two axes and a computer control for controlling the compound slide system, the compound slide system including a first motor and a second motor, the first motor for adjusting position in an X axis and the second motor for adjusting position in a Y axis;rotating the wheel; andprofiling the wheel in accordance with a profile stored in the computer control of the lathe machine. 5. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the interface is configured to ride on top of the rail associated with the wheel being engaged by the tool. 6. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the interface includes a locator device configured to be placed along an edge of the rail associated with the wheel being engaged by the tool. 7. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the interface includes at least one clamp configured to engage the rail. 8. The method of claim 1 wherein the lathe machine includes a compound slide system for positioning the cutting tool in at least two axes and a computer control for controlling the compound slide system, the computer control storing the profile. 9. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the interface includes a leveling mechanism that allows the apparatus to be selectively leveled when secured to the rail. 10. The method of claim 1 wherein the profile is a standard profile of a standard flange profile or a narrow flange profile. 11. The method of claim 8 wherein the compound slide system includes a first motor and a second motor, the first motor for adjusting position in an X axis and the second motor for adjusting position in a Y axis. 12. The method of claim 2 wherein the lathe machine includes a compound slide system for positioning the cutting tool in at least two axes and a computer control for controlling the compound slide system, the computer control storing the profile. 13. The method of claim 4 wherein the step of rotating the wheel comprises using a motor associated with the locomotive to rotate the wheel. 14. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the tool is a lathe cutting tool. 15. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the compound slide system is releasably attachable to a rail. 16. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the computer control receives at least four positions associated with the wheel. 17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the at least four positions include at least one of a top of a flange of the wheel, an outer edge of the wheel, a first tread position of the wheel, and a second tread riding position. 18. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the tool is a high grade carbide lathe cutting tool. 19. The apparatus of claim 18 further comprising: a motor for engaging the wheel. 20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the motor is engaged via a bolt and sprocket or via a friction drive.