ABTH Manual Railtown PDF

Air Brake & Train Handling
Manual
Version 1.0 January, 2009
Railtown State Historic Park
AIR BRAKE & TRAIN HANDLING MANUAL

Air Brake Fundamentals
The railroad air brake is a combination of mechanical devices operated by compressed air and controlled pneumatically, which acts to press a brake shoe against a wheel. Its purpose in train handlingistocontrolspeedandslack,stopthetrainandtoholditstopped.Itaccomplishesthisby dissipating the inertial energy of a moving train or locomotive by creating a frictional drag, or retardingforce,onthewheels,thuspreventingacceleration,reducingthetrainsspeed,stoppingits movement,orholdingitstopped,asdesired.
A Brief History
Thefirsttrainairbrakesystemwasintroduced in the mid1800s, and was known as the straightairbrake.Thissystemutilizedanair pipethroughthelengthofthetrainandflexible connectionsbetweeneachcar,calledthebrake pipe, which was connected directly to brake cylinders on each car. Using a valve on the locomotive,theEngineercontrolledthebraking forcebyraisingandloweringairpressureinthe brake pipe, and thus in each brake cylinder. This was a tremendous improvement over the previous practice of Brakemen jumping from car to car on a moving train to apply hand brakes.However,thestraightairbrakehadone major limitation: if the train broke in two or if thebrakepipeburstorleakedbadly,thebrakes simply failed to apply. George Westinghouse, inventor of the straight air brake, quickly realized this limitation and developed what he called the automatic air brake, which functionedontheoppositeprinciple:thebrake pipe was charged with compressed air to release the trains brakes, and its pressure was reducedtoapplythem.Theobviousadvantage to this system was its failsafe nature: if the brake system was charged, and brake pipe pressure was lost for any reason, the brakes wouldautomaticallyapply,notfail.Bythelate 1800s,allrailroadsintheUSwererequiredby law to equip their trains with automatic air brakes. Though the reliability and features of themodernautomaticairbrakehaveimproved significantly, it continues to operate on Westinghousessamebasicprinciple.
Page 2 of 44 Version 1.0 January, 2009 Copyright 2009 Wayne m. Penn
Overview of System Function

The air brake system on each car must be charged with compressed air in order to function. An air brake system that is not chargedissaidtobedry,andwillnotfunction. Thebrakepipeischargedwithcompressedair fromthelocomotive.Acontrolortriplevalve on each car senses the increase in brake pipe pressure and charges the auxiliary reservoir and emergency reservoirs on the car from the air in the brake pipe. Any air pressure in the brake cylinder is released to the atmosphere. The brake system is fully charged when pressureinthereservoirsoneachcarisequalto the pressure in the brake pipe and the brake pipe is charged to the setting of the regulating (feed)valveonthelocomotive. To make a normal brake application, the Engineer makes a service reduction of the pressure in the brake pipe using the automatic brake valve. This is also called a service application, as the brake pipe pressure is reducedatacontrolled,orservice,rate.Oneach car, the control valve senses the reduction in brake pipe pressure and directs air from the auxiliaryreservoirintothebrakecylinderuntil air pressure in brake pipe and auxiliary reservoir are again approximately equal. This results in a brake application proportionate to theamountofthereduction.Additionalservice reductions result in proportionate increases in brake cylinder pressure until full equalization occurs. This is the point at which pressures in the auxiliary reservoir and the brake cylinder are equal and air will no longer flow between them. Further service reductions beyond this pointwillnotresultinincreasedbrakecylinder pressureorbrakingeffort. Toreleasethebrake,theEngineerrechargesthe brakepipeusingtheautomaticbrakevalve.Air flowsbackintothebrakepipeincreasingbrake pipe pressure. On each car, the control valve senses the increase in pressure and responds again by charging the cars air reservoirs and exhaustingpressureinthebrakecylindertothe atmosphere. Should the brake pipe pressure drop suddenly at a rapid or uncontrolled rate, an emergency applicationofthebrakeswillresult.Thiscanbe in response to the Engineer placing the automatic brake valve in the EMERGENCY position, from the opening of a conductors valveonalocomotiveorcarsoequipped,from the brake hoses between cars parting or bursting, from a control valve assuming the emergencypositionduringaserviceapplication (knownasanundesiredemergency,orUDE), from the opening of an angle cock too quickly whencuttingairinonacar,orfromanyother source which causes a sudden and rapid reduction of brake pipe pressure. When this occurs, most control valve designs respond by connecting both the auxiliary and emergency reservoirs to the brake cylinder, resulting in a higher overall cylinder pressure than can be achieved with a full service application. In addition, most control valve designs open the brake pipe to the atmosphere, reducing the brake pipe pressure even more rapidly and causing the control valves on adjacent cars to assume the emergency position in quick succession. This speeds the emergency application down the length of the train. Once an emergency application has been initiated from any source, theres no stopping it. An emergencyapplicationcannotbereleaseduntil the train has stopped and all control valves reset,aprocessthatcantakeseveralminutes.
KEY FACT: Variations in the brake pipe pressure cause the train brakes to apply or release. The rate at which the pressure in the brake pipe drops determines whether a service or an emergency application results.
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Version 1.0 January, 2009 Copyright 2009 Wayne m. Penn
Friction & Adhesion in Braking

Heat Brake Shoe Pressure Adhesion Retarding Force Friction Tractive Effort (locomotive) or Inertial Motion (cars)
30% Coefficient of Friction: 3000 lbs. of Pressure produces 900 lbs. of Retarding Force
Friction is required to both move and stop a locomotiveandtrain.Frictionbetweenthewheel and rail is adhesion. A locomotive, through its tractiveeffort,convertshorsepowerintopulling power. This tractive effort is limited by adhesion. Likewise, adhesion between a wheel and the rail, combined with friction from a brake shoe, produces a drag force that retards therotationofthewheels. Inertial motion is stored energy. Any attempt to retard or dissipate this energy through friction produces heat. Therefore, not only must the railroad braking system produce the required retarding force, it must also dissipate the heat generated by the process. Locomotive and car wheels have a very high capacity to absorb and radiate the heat created by braking. However, under extreme conditions, it is possible to overheat both the wheels and the brake components.Thiscouldcauseabrakefailure,ora failureofthewheel&axleassembly,whichcould resultinaderailment. Coefficient of Friction is the percentage of the pressureofthebrakeshoepressingagainstthe wheel that is converted into Retarding Force. Twotypesofbrakeshoesareinusetoday:cast ironandcomposition.Composition,orcomp shoes, are common on modern equipment, but canalsobefoundonhistoricalequipment.Cast
ironshoesaregenerallybeingphasedoutofuse onmodern equipment, butarestill commonon historicalequipment.Castironand compshoes haveverydifferentbrakingcharacteristics.With either style of shoe, the coefficient of friction decreases as the speed of wheel rotation increases. Conversely, as the speed of wheel rotation decreases, the coefficient of friction increases. However, with cast iron shoes, the difference in braking effort between higher and lowerwheelspeeds issignificant, whereas with comp shoes this difference is much less. Therefore, with cast iron shoes, a much higher braking force, or heavier brake application, is required at higher wheel speeds, which, if left unadjusted as the speed decreases, would increase in retarding force, most likely to the point of wheel slide. With composition shoes, the difference in friction between higher and lower wheel speeds is not as great, and the braking effort over any range of wheel rotation speedsremainsrelativelyconstant.
KEY FACT: Friction between brake shoe & wheel must not exceed the friction between wheel & rail or sliding wheels will result. A sliding wheel delivers less retarding force than a rotating wheel with a brake properly applied, while causing damaging flat spots on the wheel. Wet or bad rail tends to reduce adhesion & can result in sliding wheels unless braking effort is properly managed.
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Characteristics of Compressed Air

Compressedairismeasuredinpoundspersquareinch,orpsi.Thisrelatestheamountofstored energyincompressedairtothenumberofpoundsitexertsononesquareinchofsurfacearea.
KeyThingstoNoteAre: Compressedairexertsforceequallyinalldirections. Whencompressed,airisheated. Ascompressedairexpands,itwillcool. Thepressureofairinaclosedcontainer,whenheated,willincrease. Thepressureofairinaclosedcontainer,whencooled,willdecrease. Allaircontainssomeamountofmoistureintheformofwatervapor. The warmer the air, the greater its potential to hold water vapor. However,warmairdoesnotautomaticallycontainmoremoisture. Thecoolertheair,thelessmoistureitcanhold.Aswarmairiscooled, itswatervaporwillcondenseintowater. Airpropagates,ortravels,throughabrakepipeatabout600feetper second. Air pressure vented from a small opening in a container or vessel is willdropfirstatthelocationclosesttothevent.Pressureintherestof the container will tend to remain higher than that in the immediate vicinity of the vent until the vent is closed. At this point the pressure throughoutthecontainerwillequalize.Inanelongatedvessel,suchas abrakepipe,thischaracteristicismorepronounced.
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Air Flow Properties

When a charged brake pipe is exhausted from a single source, such as from the locomotive brake valve, air nearest the exhaust point drops in pressure first, followed by the air behind it in the system.Thistendstocausethebrakesnearesttheexhausttoapplyfirst.Thebrakesfarthestfromthe exhaust port will apply much more slowly. If a brake pipe is vented from several places along its length, the pressure drops much more uniformly and the brakes apply more rapidly and evenly throughoutthelengthofthetrain.
CHARGINGTHEBRAKEPIPE:
Airflowingintothebrakepipefromthelocomotivewillbuildpressureontheheadendfirst.Thistendstocausethe auxiliaryreservoirsontheheadendtochargefasterthanthoseontherear.
Airpressurerisesthroughoutthelengthofthebrakepipe.Onlongtrainsthepressureontherearwillnotriseashigh aspressureontheheadend.Thebrakepipeis,however,fullycharged.Thisisknownasbrakepipegradient.
MAKINGAREDUCTION:
Duringabrakepipereduction,airtendstoreduceinpressureattheheadendfirst.
BRAKEPIPEPRESSUREREDUCED:
Airpressureequalizesthroughthelengthofthebrakepipe.
BRAKESRELEASED:
Asthebrakesarereleased,thechargingprocessstartsagain.
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Equalizing Valve & Reservoir

The earliest versions of the automatic brake valve vented brake pipe air directly to the atmosphere. As train lengths and brake pipe volumes grew, a bounceback effect resulted whenthebrakevalvewasclosedaftermakinga service reduction. This happened because air flowing down the brake pipe towards the exhaust vent had momentum and when suddenlycutoff,ashockwavewouldbounce back down the length of the brake pipe. This resultedinbrakepipepressureattheheadend of the train rising as it sought to equalize, resulting in the undesired release of brakes on the head end or sometimes the entire train. Westinghouse fixed this problem by adding a small reservoir called the EQUALIZING RESERVOIR(ER)tothesystem.TheERactsas a master volume for the brake pipe and whateverpressureisintheERisduplicatedin the brake pipe. During a service reduction, the automatic brake valve now directly vents air only from the ER. Attached to the ER is an EQUALIZING DISCHARGE VALVE with a tapered exhaust port controlled by an EQUALIZING PISTON. This combination of elements controls the cutoff of air discharging from the brake pipe during a service application so as to absorb the momentum of air rushing towards the exhaust vent and prevents a bounceback wave of air pressure downthelengthofthebrakepipe. When making a service brake application, the Engineer now reduces air pressure in the ER, notthebrakepipe.TheERvolume,beingmuch smaller than the volume of the entire brake pipe, is easier to control than venting air directly from the brake pipe. Reducing the pressure In the ER reduces the pressure in CHAMBER D, over the top of the equalizing piston.Thepressureinthebrakepipeforcesthe piston upward, opening the equalizing discharge valve, exhausting brake pipe air to the atmosphere until pressure in the ER, and thus Chamber D, is just slightly higher than that of the brake pipe. This will then force the equalizing piston back downward, closing the equalizingdischargevalve.Thetapereddesign of discharge valve slows the velocity of the exhausting air as it closes and prevents any bouncebackfromoccurring.Thelargervolume of the brake pipe takes longer to vent than the equalizing reservoir, varying from a few secondsonshorttrainstoaminuteormoreon longer trains. This difference can be observed on the equalizing reservoir and brake pipe gauges in the cab, and be heard as brake pipe air exhausts from the equalizing discharge valveunderneaththebrakevalve.
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Principles of Equalization
Pressurizedair,likewater,isafluidandwillflow,alwaysfollowingthepathofleastresistancefrom higherpressuretolower.Inthestudyanduseofrailroadairbrakes,atmosphericpressureisalways consideredtobezero. Equalizationisthepointatwhichairpressuresintwoconnectedvolumesareequal,andairwillnot flowfromonevolumetotheother.Thepressureatwhichequalizationwilloccurisdirectlyrelated tothecomparativesizesofthevolumesandtheoriginalpressuresofthetwovolumes. Three pairs of volumes are illustrated below. Each volume on the left is charged to 70 psi. The volumesontherightcontainzeropsiandarenotconnectedtothechargedvolumesontheleft.In thetoppair,thevolumesareofequalsize;inthemiddle,theemptyvolumeisonehalfthesizeof thechargedvolume;inthebottomexample,theemptyvolumeistwicethesizeofthechargedone:
70 PSI 0 PSI
70 PSI
0 PSI
70 PSI
0 PSI
Whenthepairsareconnected,airflowsfromthehigherpressureinthechargedvolumetothelower pressureintheemptyvolumeuntilequalizationoccurs.Noteontheillustrationatwhichpressures equalization occurs: only when the volumes are the same size does equalization occur at half the original pressure. When a larger volume flows to a smaller volume, equalization occurs at higher pressure;whenasmallervolumeflowstolargerone,equalizationoccursatapressurelowerthan halftheoriginalpressure:
35 PSI
35 PSI
60 PSI
60 PSI
25 PSI
25 PSI
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Effects of Piston Travel on Equalization

Considering the principles of equalization, and the relationship in size between the auxiliary reservoirandthebrakecylinder,itisevidentthatthelengthofcylinderpistontravelwillaffectthe pressure at which the brake cylinder and auxiliary reservoir will equalize. Assume a beginning brakepipepressure,andthusauxiliaryreservoirpressure,of70psi.
Auxiliary Reservoir 70 psi 50 psi 0 psi 50 psi Brake Cylinder Atthestandardbrakecylinderpistontravelof eight inches, full equalization occurs at 50 psi.Thismeansthatwithafullservicebrake application, the maximum brake cylinder pressure froma 70psi brake pipewill be 50 psi.Thisistheintendedresult,andthecars foundation brake rigging is engineered to maximize brake performance around this figure.
Equalize at 50 psi.
Normal 8-inch piston travel
Auxiliary Reservoir 70 psi 60 psi 60 psi Equalize at 50 psi. 0 psi
Brake Cylinder Now picture a piston travel that is adjusted too short. That same 70psi brake pipe, and thus auxiliary reservoir pressure, will result in a brake cylinder pressure of 60psi. This createsagreaterbrakingeffortthanintended for the circumstances, and could result in slidingwheels.
Short 6-inch piston travel
Auxiliary Reservoir 70 psi 40 psi 0 psi
Brake Cylinder Ifpistontravelisadjustedtoolong,theexact oppositewilloccur.Foranygivenbrakepipe reduction,thebrakecylinderpressurewillbe lowerthannormal,andtheresultingbraking effortwillbedegraded.
40 psi
Equalize at 50 psi.
Excessive piston travel
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Effects of Brake Pipe Pressure on Equalization

Aswehaveseen,thepressureatwhichequalizationoccursvariesbasedontherelationshipofsize between the two volumes. Full equalization is the point at which pressures in the the two volumes,inourcasetheauxiliaryreservoirandthebrakecylinder,areequalandairwillnolonger flowbetweenthem.Normally,fullequalizationresultsfromafullservicereductionofthebrakepipe. At this point, further service reductions in brake pipe pressure will not result in increased brake cylinderpressureorbrakingeffort.Butwhathappensifweincreasethepressureofthebrakepipe, andthusthepressureintheauxiliaryreservoir?Assumingnormalpistontravel,thefollowingwill betrue:
70 psi From a brake pipe pressure of 70psi, full equalization is achieved with a 20psi brake pipe reduction and results in a maximum servicebrakecylinderpressureof50psi. 50 psi 0 psi 50 psi
Byincreasingthebrakepipepressureto90 psi, full equalization will now occur with a 26psi reduction, and result in a maximum service brake cylinder pressure of 65psi. This is a braking effort increase of about 30%overa70psibrakepipe.
90 psi 65 psi
0 psi 65 psi
Further increasing brake pipe pressure to 110psi now results in a full equalization pressure of 78psi. This is achieved with a 32psireductioninbrakepipepressure.This is approximately a 20% increase in braking effortovera90psibrakepipe.
110 psi 50 psi
0 psi 50 psi
Note that for any brake pipe pressure of 70 psi or higher, the brake cylinder pressure developed with normal piston travel will be 2.5 times the amount of the reduction, up to the point of full equalization. As the setting of the brake pipe pressure in increased, the pressure at which full equalization occurs also increases, and thus the total brake cylinder pressure available for service braking. However, regardless of brake pipe pressure, the 2.5 x (amount of reduction) formula remainsconstantforservicebraking.Thismeansthata5,10or20psireductionwillalwaysproduce thesamebrakecylinderpressure,regardlessoftheoperatingbrakepipepressure.
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Air Brake System Components

Control Valves
To apply and release the brakes and charge a trains air brake system, each car and locomotive is equipped with a CONTROL VALVE, sometimes known as a Triple Valve on older equipment. The term Triple Valve refers to the three functions it performs: charge, apply and release the brakes. As triple valve design and function advanced, it evolved into two or more portions mountedonamanifoldknownasapipebracket,allofwhichbecameknownasacontrolvalve. Thebrainoftherailroadairbrake,thetripleorcontrolvalveautomaticallysenseschangesinbrake pipepressureandrespondsbycharging,applying&releasingthebrakes.
PLAIN TRIPLE (right): The first widely successful control valve, the plaintripleperformedonlythebasicfunctionsofcharging,applyingand releasing the brakes. As train lengths grew, the plain triple suffered from an inability to apply and release the brakes uniformly on long trains. Brakestendedtosetupquicklyontheheadend,butmoreslowlyonthe rear end, and release on the head end first, while brakes on the rear releasedslowly.Thisoftenresultedinsevereundesirableslackaction.
SCHEDULE K (left & below): Ktype brake equipment was developed around 1900 in response to demands placed on air brake performance by growing train lengths. It was a significant improvement over the plain triple in thatitpropagates,orspeedstherateatwhichareductiontravels thelengthofthebrakepipebyventingasmallportionofbrakepipe airtotheatmosphereduringaninitialservicebrakeapplication.This is known as quick service, and applies the brakes more quickly andevenlythroughthetrain.TheKalsoslowsthereleaseofbrakes ontheheadendofatraintobettermatchtheslowerreleaserateof brakesontherear.Thesefeaturesreducedundesiredslackactionandimprovedtrainhandling.Ina significant safety improvement, the Kvalve also introduced higher brake cylinder pressure in an emergencyapplicationbyventingbrakepipeairdirectlyintothebrakecylindertocombinewiththe auxiliary reservoir volume. This increases brake cylinder pressure in emergency over that achievable in a fullservice application, and speeds the emergency application down the train. K equipment is characterized by its single unit configuration (right),althoughitscomponentscan also be applied separately. While usedonsomepassengerequipment, ScheduleKwasdesignedprimarily foruseonfreighttrains.
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Schedule LN:
Last of the Triple Valve designs, LN was derived from the Kstyle valve but developed for use on passenger equipment. It introduced advanced features making it suitable for passenger train use, mostnotablyGRADUATEDRELEASE.Italsohasa QUICK ACTION feature and higher brake cylinder pressure in emergency. Graduated Release is the abilityofthetriplevalvetomodulateorgraduate thebrakesoff,aswellason.However,thisfeatureis notusedonfreightequipment.
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Schedule UC:
UC is one of the most common types of air brake equipment found on historic passenger cars. It is the first design to utilize the CONTROL VALVE concept, where several separate components combine to perform the functions of the triple valve, plus a number of other more advanced features. Its innovative features include QUICK SERVICE, QUICK ACTION, selectable GRADUATED RELEASE, rapid recharge to allow for quick release and reapplications of the brake, and depletion protection, which reduces thepossibilityofairbrakefailureduetodepletionofauxiliaryreservoirpressure.
Quick Service vents a small amount of brake pipe air to the atmosphere during an initial service application, which speedstheapplicationdownthelengthofthetrain. QuickActionopensthebrakepipedirectlytoatmosphereduringanemergencyapplication,rapidlydepletingthebrake pipepressuretoobtainaquickemergencyapplicationthroughtheentiretrain.Theemergencyreservoirisalsoconnected totheauxiliaryreservoirvolume,whichresultsinahigherbrakecylinderpressurefromanemergencyapplicationthanis possiblewithafullservicebrakeapplication. GraduatedRelease,whenenabled,permitstheincrementalbrakerelease,aswellasapplication. Depletion Protection automatically initiates an emergency application if the brake pipe pressure drops below approximately50psi.Thisisintendedtoprotectthetrainshouldthebrakesystembecomedepletedthroughleakageor,a morelikelyscenario,overcyclingthebrakes.Overcyclingcandepleteauxiliaryreservoirpressureifinsufficienttimeis allowedtorechargethesystembetweenbrakeapplications.UCistheonlyequipmentwiththisfeature.
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AB-Type Brake Equipment:

ABtypecontrolvalvesarethegenesisofmodernfreightcar air brakes. Though applied primarily on freight equipment builtafterWWII,ABbrakeequipmentissometimesapplied on passenger equipment in tourist or demonstration train operations.ABconsistsofthreeportions: PIPE BRACKET: to which the service and emergency portionsarebolted. SERVICE PORTION: controls the desired charging of the reservoirs and the service application and release of the brakes. Attached to the service portion is the release valve, whichpermitsmanualreductionordepletionoftheauxiliary andemergencyreservoirs. EMERGENCYPORTION:controlstheemergencyapplicationofthebrakesandtheQuickAction feature, which opens the brake pipe to the atmosphere during an emergency application. It also combinesbothcompartmentsofthecombinedauxiliaryandemergencyreservoirstogiveahigher brakecylinderpressureinemergency. AB equipment introduced or further developed a number of significant improvements over previoustriplevalvedesigns,including: ImprovedQuickService:ensuresapromptresponsetoserviceapplications.Duringinitialservice applications,theABvalveventsasmallamountofbrakepipepressuretotheatmosphere,resulting inanevenandquickapplicationdownalongtrain. Combined Auxiliary & Emergency Reservoir: Combines the service reservoir and emergency reservoirfunctionsintoasingle,unitizedreservoirwithtwoseparatechambers. High Emergency Brake Cylinder Pressure: By combining both the volumes in the combined reservoir,a20%higherbrakecylinderpressureinemergencyisachieved.
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Basic Control Valve Operation

To apply and release a trains brakes and charge its air brake system, each car and locomotive is equippedwithaCONTROLVALVE(sometimescalledaTripleValveonolderequipment).The termTripleValvereferstothethreefunctionsitperforms:charge,applyandreleasethebrakes. Astriplevalvedesignandfunctionadvanced,itevolvedintotwoormoreportionsmountedona manifoldknownasapipebracket,allofwhichbecameknownasacontrolvalve.Thebrainof therailroadairbrake,thetripleorcontrolvalveautomaticallysenseschangesinbrakepipepressure andrespondsbycharging,applyingorreleasingthebrakes,asdesired. Controlvalvesuseasystemofpistonsand/ordiaphragmsattachedtointernalvalvesandporting mechanisms.Thesepistonsanddiaphragmsusedifferentialairpressurebetweenthebrakepipeand the auxiliary reservoirs to open and close the valves and ports, admitting and exhausting air pressuretoandfromtheappropriatechambersinordertoapplyandreleasethebrakes.
FeedGroove
Emer.Res. Brake Pipe Pressure LESS THAN Brake Pipe Pressure
Aux.Res.
Brake Cylinder
Exhaust
BrakePipe From Locomotive BrakeValve
RELEASE&CHARGING(above):Whenthebrakepipeiscompleteandtheautomaticbrakevalveisinthe RUNNINGposition,airflowsfromthemainreservoirstothebrakepipethroughtheFEEDVALVE,which reduces main reservoir pressure to the operating pressure of the brake system. Air then flows through the branchpipeoneachcarandtothecontrolvalve.Asthebrakepipepressurerisesabovethatintheauxiliary reservoir, air pressure forces the piston into its charging position. In this position, air flows from the brake pipe,throughtheFEEDGROVEandintotheauxiliaryandemergencyreservoirs.Thebrakecylinderisalso connectedtotheatmosphere,exhaustinganypressureitholds.Becausethefeedgroveopeningissmall,the brakepipewillchargemorequicklythanwilltheairreservoirsoneachcar.Therefore,thebrakesystemmay appeartobefullycharged,butairmaystillbeflowingintothereservoirs.Thebrakepipeisconsideredfully charged only when the pressures in the brake pipe and auxiliary reservoirs on each car are equal and the brakepipepressureontherearofthetrainiswithin5psiofthefeedvalvesetting.Fullychargingadrytrain canrequireconsiderabletime,asmuchasfivetosevenminutespercar,dependingontrainlength.
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SERVICEAPPLICATION(below):TheEngineermovestheautomaticbrakevalvehandlefromtheRELEASE positiontotheSERVICEposition.Thisexhaustsairfromtheequalizingreservoir,whichopenstheequalizing valveandreducesthebrakepipepressurealikeamount.Asthebrakepipepressuredropsbelowthepressure in the auxiliary reservoir, the higher auxiliary reservoir pressure forces the piston forward, which closes off thebrakecylinderexhaustandconnectstheauxiliaryreservoirtothebrakecylinder.
Emer.Res. Aux.Res.
Brake Cylinder
Exhaust
BrakePipe
LAP(below):Airflowsintothebrakecylinderuntilpressureintheauxiliaryreservoirisjustslightlylower than the reduced brake pipe pressure. Brake pipe pressure now pushes the piston into its LAP position, closingoffallconnectionsbetweenthebrakepipe,theairreservoirsandthebrakecylinder.
Emer.Res. 90 PSI Aux.Res. 80 PSI
80 PSI
Exhaust
BrakePipe
Brake Cylinder 10 PSI
KEY FACT: Additional service reductions of brake pipe pressure will cause the control valve to again pressures in the auxiliary reservoir & the brake cylinder are equal, & air will no longer flow from the
move into the service position, until full equalization occurs. Full equalization is the point where air reservoir to the cylinder. Further reductions from this point will not result in an increase of braking power!
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SERVICERELEASE(seeRELEASE&CHARGINGillustration):Toreleasethebrake,theEngineerrecharges thebrakepipebyplacingthebrakevalveintheRELEASEorRUNNINGposition.Airthenflowsbackintothe brakepipeandreturnstoitsoperatingpressure.Thisagainconnectstheauxiliaryreservoirstothebrakepipe, rechargingthemtobrakepipepressure,andexhauststhebrakecylindertotheatmosphere.
KEY FACT: Following a SERVICE reduction, the control valve will assume the RELEASE position if the cause an undesired release by inadvertently allowing brake pipe pressure to rise even slightly.
brake pipe pressure rises only about 1.5-psi above auxiliary reservoir pressure. Care must be taken not to
EMERGENCYAPPLICATION(below):Ifanemergencyratebrakepipereductionoccursfromanysource, thecontrolvalveassumestheEMERGENCYposition,whichconnectsboththeauxiliaryandemergency reservoirstothebrakecylinder.Thelargervolumeofairfromthesecombinedreservoirsproducesahigher brakecylinderpressurethanisavailablewithaFULLSERVICEapplication.Controlvalvesalsoopenavent valve,whichisalargedirectpassagefrombrakepipetoatmosphere.Connectingthebrakepipetothe atmosphereateachcontrolvalvecausesadjacentcarstorapidlyassumetheEmergencypositionaswell, acceleratingtheapplicationofthebrakes.
Emer.Res. Aux.Res.
Exhaust
HigherBrake Cylinder Pressure
BrakePipe
KEY FACT: Following an emergency application, the vent valve will remain open for up to several minutes, preventing the engineer from releasing the brakes before the train stops. Do not attempt to release the brakes following an emergency application for at least two minutes, or until it is known that the vent valves have all closed. If, when attempting a release, air can be heard blowing from under a car, it is likely that a vent valve is still open. Wait a little longer before attempting to recharge the brake pipe.
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Steam Locomotive Brake System Components

AIR COMPRESSORS: Steam locomotives are equippedwitheitherSINGLEPHASEorCROSS COMPOUNDsteamdrivenaircompressors TheSINGLEPHASEaircompressoristheoldest design of steamdriven air compressor. It has a singlesteamcylindermountedverticallyabovea single air cylinder. The lower air cylinder is ribbedtofacilitatecooling.Itisdualactingas each stroke, whether up or down, compresses air, i.e.: the compression stroke downward is alsotheintakestrokefortheupwardcycle,and viceversa.Areversingvalveisencasedontopof the steam cylinder. This design works well, but is limited in capacity and efficiency when charginglargeamountsofairforlongtrains.
CrossCompoundAirCompressor
pressure air cylinder and is further compressed bythesteamexhaustingfromthehighpressure side to the low pressure steam cylinder, thus compounding the air compression cycles and theuseofsteam.
SinglePhaseAirCompressor
CROSSCOMPOUND air compressor improved onthesinglephasedesignbyusingsteamtwice, thus increasing its efficiency, and by significantly increasing delivery volume. This compressorusestwophasesofsteamexpansion andofaircompressionandworksasfollows:air is first drawn into the low pressure air cylinder andcompressedtoaninitiallowpressurebythe high pressure steam cylinder, which uses steam atboilerpressure.Theairthenflowstothehigh
AirCompressorGovernors: LEFT:DuplexRIGHT:SinglePressure
COMPRESSOR GOVERNORS: To control the air compressor and main reservoir pressure, a governor of either the single pressure or Duplex type is used. The single pressure type simply maintains a constant main reservoir pressure. The duplex type maintains a high low range of main reservoir air pressure, thus reducingcompressorcycling.
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A-1 Locomotive Brake Equipment
A1 is a very early type of automatic air brake equipment and is found only on the oldest of preservedlocomotives.Itisthesimplestformof automatic air brake and may or may not come withindependentlocomotivebrakecontrol. G6AUTOMATIC BRAKEVALVE: Provided to apply and release the train and locomotive brakes. Its positionsare,lefttoright: RELEASE, RUNNING, LAP, SERVICE and EMERGENCY. It has no HOLDING feature. The function of these positions is explained under the 6ET Equipmentdescribedinthefollowingsection. OPERATION: Referring to the above diagram, compressed air flows from the SINGLE PHASE AIR COMPRESSOR, at left, to the MAIN RESERVOIRS, #3 and #4. Here the heated compressed air cools and moisture precipitates out, collecting in the reservoirs (which must be manually drained periodically). Air pressure in
themainreservoirsisregulatedbytheSINGLE PRESSURE COMPRESSORGOVERNOR,attop left. This governor measures air pressure in the main reservoirs and cycles the compressor as neededtomaintainthedesiredpressure,which is normally between 110 125 psi. Air at main reservoir pressure then flows to the ENGINEERS BRAKE VALVE. From the brake valve,theEngineerchargesthebrakepipe.The FEED VALVE regulates air pressure flowing to the brake pipe, and is normally set to maintain 90 psi (refer to local air brake instructions to determine the correct pressure for your particularoperation).Airinthebrakepipeflows tothePLAINTRIPLEVALVEonthelocomotive and charges the DRIVER BRAKE RESERVOIR, whichfunctionsastheauxiliaryreservoirforthe locomotive. To apply the brakes on the engine, the Engineer makes a reduction in brake pipe pressure using the Engineers brake valve. The triplevalvesensesthisreductionandadmitsair from the driver brake reservoir to the DRIVER BRAKE CYLINDERS. To release the brake, the Engineerrechargesthebrakepipebyplacingthe Engineers Brake Valve in the RELEASE or RUNNINGposition.
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6-ET Locomotive Brake Equipment

By far the most common equipment on steam locomotivesisSchedule6ET.Itissimilarto,but more sophisticated than, the older, simpler A1 equipment.The #6and#14 equipmentsapplied todiesellocomotiveswerederivedfrom6ET.It functionssimilarlytothesequencedescribedfor A1 equipment on the previous page, but includes a HOLDING brake valve position and anindependentlocomotivebrake functionwith brakecylinderpressuremaintaining. RUNNING:Connectsthebrakepipetothefeed valve,whichreducesmainreservoirpressureto the desired brake pipe pressure. This is the normalpositionforrechargingandreleasingall brakes,andwhenrunning. HOLDING: Recharges the brake pipe to the feed valve setting and releases the train brakes, butholdslocomotivebrakes,ifset,applied. LAP: Closes all brake pipe connections. Holds thebrakepipeatthedesiredreduction,butdoes notmaintainitagainstleakage. SERVICE: Vents EQUALIZING RESERVOIR (CHAMBER D) air pressure to the atmosphere, causingtheEQUALIZINGVALVEtoopenand reduce brake pipe pressure a like amount. This appliesthebrakesonthetrainandlocomotivein proportiontothereduction. EMERGENCY:Opensthebrakepipedirectlyto the atmosphere causing a rapid, uncontrolled reduction of brake pipe pressure and thus an emergencyapplicationofthebrakes.
H6AutomaticBrakeValve Engineersautomaticbrakevalvepositionsare: RELEASE: Connects the brake pipe directly to the main reservoirs, bypassing the feed valve, while holding an automatic set of locomotive brakes applied. Used primarily for charging a long dry train. If left in this position, the brake pipecouldbecomeovercharged,thatis,charged to a pressure greater than the setting of the FEED VALVE. To alert the Engineer, a distinctive hiss is audible when the H6 handleisintheRELEASEposition.
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AIR BRAKE & TRAIN HANDLING MANUAL S6INDEPENDENTBRAKEVALVE(right): The independent brake valve operates the locomotivebrakesseparatelyfromtheautomatic brakevalve,thusindependentlyfrombrakeson the train. It is used primarily to control the engine when running light, for holding a train or locomotive stopped, for switching and for spotting the train or engine. Its secondary use canbeforcontrollingslack,trimmingastop,for shortterm speed control or for emergencies. However, the independent brake must not be used for extended downgrade speed control otherwise the driver tires could overheat and comeloosefromthewheelcenters. TheS6spositionsandfunctionsare: RELEASE: Forestalls or releases (bails) an automatic application of the engine brakes, either service or emergency, following a brake pipereduction.Thisisaspringloadedposition; thehandlemustbeheldinpositionmanuallyor itwillsprintbacktotheRUNNINGposition. RUNNING: Normal position to carry the independent brake valve when running. Releases an independent application of the engine brakes, but not an automatic or emergencyapplication. LAP: Closes all connections in the valve and holds the selected application of the engine brakeapplied.Unliketheautomaticbrakevalve, thispositionwillholdtheenginebrakecylinder pressureconstantagainstminorleakage. SLOW APPLICATION: Normal position for applying the independent brake, and for holding the brake applied when the train or engine is stopped. Produces a smooth but responsive buildup of locomotive brake cylinder pressure up to the independent brake REDUCINGvalvesetting. QUICK APPLICATION: As its name implies, produces a rapid increase of brake cylinder pressure, up to the setting of the independent brake REDUCING valve. This is also a spring loaded position; the handle must be in position manually or it will spring back to the SLOW APPLICATIONposition.
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AIR BRAKE & TRAIN HANDLING MANUAL M3FEEDorREDUCINGVALVE(right):Two M3pressureregulatingvalvesareutilizedwith 6ET applications: one to regulate brake pipe pressure, called the FEED VALVE; the other to limit independent brake cylinder pressure, called the REDUCING VALVE. In both applications, the M3 valve takes in main reservoir pressure and maintains output pressure at its adjusted setting, typically 90 psi for brake pipe and 3545 psi for independent brakecylinderpressure. #6DISTRIBUTINGVALVE(below):Theheart of the 6ET system is the DISTRIBUTING VALVE, which is typically mounted under the Engineers side of the locomotive cab. This multifunction device is the locomotives CONTROL VALVE and applies, holds and releasestheenginebrakesinresponsetoinputs from the automatic and independent brake valves, as well as changes in brake pipe pressure.Thedistributingvalvereadscontrol air pressure from the independent brake valve and relays the same pressure into the locomotive brake cylinders directly from the main reservoir. This replaces the more basic functions of the earlier A1 equipment. Most notably, rather than relying on a limited auxiliary reservoir volume to supply air to the engine brake cylinders, the distributing valve usesthevirtuallylimitlesssupplyofairfromthe main reservoirs, which gives it the ability to maintaincylinderpressureagainstleakage.
M3FEEDorREDUCING Valve
6ETAIRBRAKEGAUGES(below):
Two DUPLEX AIR BRAKE GUAGES, each indicating two separate functions, provide the Engineer with information needed to manage the air brake system. On the larger gauge, the redhandindicatesMAINRESERVOIRpressure and the black hand indicates EQUALIZING RESERVOIRpressure.Onthesmallergauge,the red hand indicates BRAKE CY LINDER pressureonthelocomotiveonly,whiletheblack handpointstotheactualBRAKEPIPEpressure. Gaugesizeandconfigurationmayvarybetween locomotives, but the arrangement of pointers shouldalwaysremainthesame.
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No. 6 & 14 Systems Operation
6ETPipingDiagram Referringtotheabovediagram,compressedair flowsfromtheAIRCOMPRESSOR,upperright, to the MAIN RESERVOIRS (MR). Here the warm compressed air cools and moisture precipitates out, collecting in the reservoirs (which must be periodically drained). Air pressureinthemainreservoirsisregulatedbya DUPLEX AIR COMPRESSOR GOVERNOR, shown to the left of the compressor. This governor monitors MR air pressure and cycles the air compressor on and off as needed to maintainitbetween110and125psi.MRairthen flows to the AUTOMATIC BRAKE VALVE by tworoutes:onefeedingMRpressuredirectlyto thebrakevalve,andtheotherthroughtheFEED VALVE which reduces MR pressure to selected brake pipe pressure. MR air also flows directly totheDISTRIBUTINGVALVE,andthroughthe REDUCING VALVE to the INDEPENDENT BRAKEVALVE. INDEPENDENT BRAKE OPERATION: To apply the brakes on the engine only, the Engineer moves the independent brake valve handletotheSLOWor QUICK APPLICATION position until the desired brake cylinder pressure is obtained, as indicated on the brake cylinder pressure gauge, then back to the LAP position. Sir from the independent brake valve flows to the distributing valve, which responds by admitting MR air directly into the brake cylinders to match the pressure of the input air pressure. Due to the large volume of air required to fill the locomotive brake cylinders, utilizing a distributing valve to relay air pressure from the MR to the locomotive brake cylinders results in a more rapid buildup of locomotive cylinder pressure than could be achievediftheindependentbrakevalvefedthe locomotive brake cylinders directly, and also maintainscylinderpressureagainstleakage.
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AIR BRAKE & TRAIN HANDLING MANUAL To release an independent application of the brakes, the Engineer moves the independent brakevalvehandlefromtheLAPpositiontothe RELEASE position. This vents control air pressure to the atmosphere. If the Engineer desires only reduce the independent brake application but not fully release it, the independentbrakevalvehandlemaybemoved back to the LAP position to retain any desired brake cylinder pressure. The distributing valve will respond by reducing locomotive brake cylinderpressuretothatselectedbytheEngineer. AUTOMATICBRAKEOPERATION:Fromthe automaticbrakevalve,theEngineerchargesthe brake pipe by placing the handle in either the RELEASE or RUNNING position. Air flows from the automatic brake valve into the brake pipeandthencetothedistributingvalveonthe locomotiveandchargesitstwocontrolvolumes, whichfunctionastheauxiliaryreservoirforthe locomotive. Absent any control air pressure input from the independent brake valve, the distributing valve will release the locomotive brakes. If control air input is present from the independent brake valve but is less than the maximum allowable brake cylinder pressure, the distributing valve will release any pressure in the locomotive brake cylinders to match that of the control air pressure input. Air from the automatic brake valve then flows through the brake pipe to the CONTORL VALVES on each car, which sense the increase in pressure and operate to charge the cars auxiliary reservoirs from the brake pipe and release any brake cylinderpressure. OVERCHARGED BRAKE PIPE: When the automatic brake valve is in the RELEASE position, unregulated MR pressure flows directly to the brake pipe. While this may be useful in charging a long, dry train, the brake pipe could become overcharged if the brake
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valve is left in this position too long. OVERCHARGED BRAKE PIPE is a condition where the air pressure in the brakepipe and in the auxiliary reservoirs on each car is higher than the setting of the locomotive feed valve. Whentheautomaticbrakevalveisplacedinthe RUNNINGposition,anoverchargedbrakepipe will gradually leak down to the set pressure of thefeedvalve,resultinginareductioninbrake pipepressureandsubsequentapplicationofthe brakes.Thiscreatesasituationwherethebrakes are applied but the brake pipe is at its fully charged state, leaving no pressure differential with which to release the brakes. Should this occur, the condition can be corrected by one of thefollowingprocedures:
1. Secure the train against unintended

movement. Initiate an EMERGENCY application from the automatic brake valve. After the appropriate timeout interval, recover the emergency application in the normal manner by placing the brake valve handle in the RUNNINGposition.Ifthebrakesdonot fully release on each car, repeat this processuntiltheydo.
2. If the above procedure is not effective,

then initiate another emergency application of the brakes to deplete the brake pipe pressure to zero. Ensure the train is properly secured against unintended movement, then manually drain about half the air pressure from each auxiliary and supply reservoir on everycarinthetrain.Thenrechargethe system from the automatic brake valve usingonlytheRUNNINGposition.After allowingsufficienttimeforthesystemto fully recharge, perform a brake test to verify proper application and release beforeproceeding.
AIR BRAKE & TRAIN HANDLING MANUAL SERVICEBRAKEAPPLICATION:Toobtaina SERVICEbrakeapplication,movetheautomatic air brake valve handle from RUNNING to SERVICE and observe the EQUALIZING RESERVOIRgaugeinthecab.Whenthedesired reduction in pressure is achieved, move the handletoLAPtocloseoffallportsinthevalve. Additionalreductionsmaybemadebymoving the handle from LAP back to SERVICE, then back again to LAP, as desired. In the SERVICE position,EQUALIZINGRESERVOIRpressureis vented to the atmosphere. This causes the EQUALIZING DISCHARGE VALVE to vent brake pipe pressure to the atmosphere at a controlled or service rate of reduction. (See page 9). As brake pipe pressure reduces, the locomotive distributing valve will apply the enginebrakesinproportiontothereduction. RELEASEofanAUTOMATICAPPLICATION: Independent Brake Release: Following a service brake application, a locomotive brake application may be forestalled or released by momentarily holding the INDEPENDENT BRAKE VALVE handle in the RELEASE position. This position is springloaded on the brakevalvequadrantsothehandlemustbeheld heremanuallyoritwillreturntotheRUNNING position. In RELEASE, the independent brake valve signals the distributing valve to release anyairpressureintheenginebrakecylinders. RunningPosition:Movingtheautomaticbrake valve from LAP to RUNNING feeds MR air to the brake pipe through the FEED VALVE. As brake pipe pressure increases air flows to the distributing valve and to the control valves on each car. The control valves then release each carsbrakecylinderpressureandrechargetheir auxiliaryreservoirs.Unlessanapplicationsignal ispresentfromtheindependentbrakevalve,the distributing valve will also release any air pressureintheenginebrakecylinders. Holding Position: Functions the same as RUNNING except that HOLDING signals the distributingvalvetoretainenginebrakecylinder pressurewhilethebrakepipeisrecharged. EMERGENCY BRAKE APPLICATION: To reduce the brake pipe pressure as quickly as possibleandobtainanEMRGENCYapplication, swiftly move the automatic brake valve handle toEMERGENCY.Inthisposition,CHAMBERD and the EQUALIZING DISCHARGE VALVE are bypassed and the brake pipe is connected directly to the atmosphere through a large opening. This produces a rapid, uncontrolled reduction in brake pipe pressure which causes each cars control valve to assume its EMERGENCYorQUICKACTIONpositionand immediatelyapplymaximumbrakingeffort. RELEASEofanEMERGENCYAPPLICATION: Once initiated, an emergency brake application cannot be released until the train has stopped and VENT VALVES on each car have closed. Control valves so equipped assume QUICK ACTION during an emergency application which open vent valves that connect the brake pipe directly to the atmosphere. This helps speed an emergency application down the length of a train. Following an emergency application,ventvalvesremainopenforatleast 60 to 90 seconds, during which time the brake pipe cannot be recharged. Once vent valves have closed, the automatic brake valve should be placed in RUNNING on most train consists to recharge the brake pipe. On longer trains or on trains requiring a high volume of air to recharge, the automatic brake valve may be placed briefly in RELEASE; however, the Engineer must remain attentive to actual brake pipe pressure as indicated on the gauge and move the handle to RUNNING before creating an OVERCHARGED BRAKE PIPE condition.
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Diesel Locomotive Brake Systems

Diesellocomotiveairbrakesystemstypicallyconsistof: AIRCOMPRESSORthatprovidespressurizedairinsufficientvolumestooperatethe trainsairbrakesystem; MAINRESERVOIRStostorecompressedairtooperatetheairbrakesystem. ENGINEERS BRAKE VALVES to operate the train and locomotive brake systems eitherindependentlyorinconjunctionwitheachother. LOCOMOTIVE CONTROL VALVE to apply and release the locomotive air brakes in responsetoinputsfromtheEngineer.
Diesellocomotiveairbrakesystemsaretypicallyconfiguredasfollows:
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26-C Brake Equipment

The 26C locomotive brake valve is a contemporary self lapping type that provides a brake pipe reduction proportionate to the movement of the brake valve handle intoanapplicationzone,ratherthanbackandforthbetween SERVICE and LAP positions. The equipment also has a PRESSURE MAINTAINING feature that maintains brake pipepressureatanygivenlevelofreductionagainstminor leakagethatmayoccurinthebrakepipe.Thisfeatureworks by feeding air to the brake pipe at whatever pressure is in the equalizing reservoir, regardless of the amount of reduction or minor leakage in the brake system. Without pressuremaintaining,evenminorleakageinthebrakepipe would continue to reduce its pressure, causing a heavier applicationofthebrakesthandesired. The 26L type automatic brake valve positions and their functions,fromlefttorightare: RELEASE: Charges the brake pipe and the equalizing reservoir to the pressure set by the TRAINLINEAIRREGULATINGVALVE,which releasesthebrakes MINIMUM REDUCTION: Reduces equalizing reservoir pressure 57 psi, which reduces brake pipe pressure a like amount. Initiates QUICK SERVICE feature of control valves on the train and results in about 10 psi. of brake cylinder pressureoneachcar. SERVICE or APPLICATION ZONE: Movement into this zone from left to right further reduces equalizingreservoirandbrakepipepressure. FULL SERVICE: The position at which brake pipe equalization will occur and maximum service brakingeffortisobtained. SUPPRESSION:Afullserviceapplicationisobtainedinthispositionandanyoverspeedorsafety controlbrakeapplication,ifequipped,willbesuppressed. HANDLEOFF:Allconnectionsinthebrakevalveareclosedinthisposition,andthehandlemay beremoved;brakepipepressureisgraduallyreducedtozero. EMERGENCY: Known as the Big Hole, this position opens a large and direct opening between the brake pipe and the atmosphere, causing a sudden and uncontrolled reduction in brake pipe pressure; also resets the brake valve following an emergency application from another source.
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AIR BRAKE & TRAIN HANDLING MANUAL SA26 INDEPENDENT BRAKE VALVE: A self lapping, pressuremaintaining independent brake is mounted below the automatic brake valve handle and provides independent control of the locomotive brakes separate from an application of the train brakes.Thebrakevalvehastwopositions:RELEASE, at the far left of the quadrant, and FULL APPLICATION, at the far right of the quadrant. In betweenthesepositionsistheAPPLICATIONZONE. Trainline Movement of the handle to the right into this zone Regulating provides increasingly higher locomotve brake Valve cylinder pressure until full application is obtained. Thepressuremaintainingfeaturewillmaintainbrake cylinder pressure at the desired pressure against allowable leakage. A QUICK RELEASE or bailoff SA-26 Independent feature is incorporated into the valve whereby an Brake Valve automatic brake application may be released on the locomotiveonlybydepressingtheindependentbrake valve handle downward. Bailingoff reduces locomotive brake cylinder pressure to the value called for by the position of the handle in the APPLICATION ZONE. If the handle is in the RELEASEposition,locomotivebrakecylinderpressurewillbereducedtozero. TRAINLINEREGULATINGVALVE:LeftoftheEngineersautomaticbrakevalveistheTrainLine Regulating Valve, or air pressure adjustment valve. This adjusts the level of air pressure fed to the equalizingreservoirandthusthebrakepipe.ThelocalAirBrakeRulestypicallyspecifytherequired brakepressuresettingforthisvalve. CUTOFFPILOTVALVE:TwoorthreepositionvalvewithINandOUT,orFRT,PASSandOUT positions, located on the front of the Engineers automatic brake valve. Cuts the automatic brake valve IN or OUT. The PASS position cuts in a GRADUATED RELEASE feature sometimes used withpassengerequipment.Whencutout,itdisablespressuremaintainingandallhandlepositions exceptEMERGENCY, whichisalwaysfunctional.Theautomaticbrakevalveis cutoutwhenunit trailsinamultipleunitconsist,andwhenperformingairbraketests.
MU2A M/U SELECTOR VALVE: Sets up the #26

equipment independent brake to operate as the lead unit in a locomotive consist, or to function properly as a trailing unit when connected to a lead locomotive equipped with a brake schedule other than 26L. This valve is usually located on the backside of the locomotive control stand and it is crucial that thisvalvebesetproperlyfortheintendedservice.
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Operation of the Equipment

Compressed air for the operation of both locomotive and train air brakes is provided by theaircompressoronthelocomotive.Onadiesel locomotive, the compressor is driven off of the main engine. A governor loads and unloads the compressor, as needed, to maintain pressure in themainreservoirsbetween110to140psi. Air, along with any water vapor it contains, is drawn into the compressor and compressed, significantly raising its temperature. From here, thehot,moistairisdischargedintoasystemof piping known as COOLING COILS, which are designed to radiate the heat away. As the air travels through this piping, any water vapor will begin to condense into water. On diesel locomotives, one or more filters or water separatorsareusuallylocatedatorneartheend of this piping to trap and remove this water. Typically these filters and separators will be equippedwithanAUTOMATICBLOWDOWN to periodically drain any accumulated water away.Theair,nowcooleranddrier,thenenters theMAINRESERVOIRSforstorage.Thestored air will continue to cool in the main reservoirs, causing more water vapor to condense. Thereforethereservoirsareoftenequippedwith additional moisture drains, either manual or automatic,todrainoffaccumulatedwater. From the main reservoirs, air flows to the Engineers 26C automatic brake valve and the SA26independentbrakevalves.Theautomatic brake valve controls brakes on both the locomotive and train; the independent brake valvecontrolsthebrakeonlyonthelocomotive orthemultipleunitlocomotiveconsist. CHARGING THE SYSTEM: When the brake pipe is complete on a train and the 26C brake valve is placed in the RELEASE position, air flowsfromthemainreservoirstothebrakepipe through the TRAINLINE REGULATING VALVE that regulates main reservoir pressure to the operating pressure of the brake system, which is 90psi for most railroad operations. However, consult local operating rules or instructions for the proper brake pipe pressure settingforyourterritory. Air then flows through the brake pipe, to the CONTROLVALVEonthelocomotiveandeach car in the train, which senses the increase in pressure and moves into its charging position. In this position, air from the brake pipe flows through the control valve into the AUXILIARY and EMERGENCY RESERVOIRS. Each cars brakecylinderisalsoventedtotheatmosphere, releasinganypressureitmayhaveheld. INDEPENDENT BRAKE OPERATION: When anindependentbrakeapplication ismadefrom the SA26 independent brake valve, control air pressureissentdirectlytotheJRELAYVALVE independentofanybrakepipeactivity.
JRelayValve The JRelay valve supplied with 26C air brake equipment applies and releases the locomotive brakes in response to control air pressure input
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AIR BRAKE & TRAIN HANDLING MANUAL from the independent brake valve or the locomotivecontrolvalve.TheJRelaymaintains brake cylinder pressure against any leakage usingmainreservoirairasitssupplyvolume. If the SA26 handle is in the APPLICATION ZONE during an automatic brake application and the brake cylinder pressure corresponding with the position of the independent handle is greater than that of the automatic application, brake cylinder pressure will be increased to the greatervalue.MovingtheSA26handlebackto the release position will reduce locomotive brake cylinder pressure to that corresponding withtheautomaticbrakeapplication. Depressingtheindependentbrakevalvehandle activates the QUICK RELEASE or BAIL feature which, in turn, activates the quick release portion of the locomotive control valve. When the bail is actuated, the position of the independentbrakevalvehandleinthequadrant will override an automatic or EMERGENCY APPLCIATION of the locomotive. If the independent brake valve handle is in the RELEASE position when the bail is actuated, locomotive brake cylinder pressure will be reducedtozero.Iftheindependenthandleisin the APPLICATION ZONE and the bail is actuated, brake cylinder pressure will adjust to correspondwiththepositionofthehandle. SERVICE APPLICATION: To initiate a service application, the Engineer moves the automatic brake valve handle from the release position to theMINIMUMREDUCTIONpositiononthe26 C quadrant. This will reduce pressure in the EQUALIZINGRESERVOIRbetween5and7psi, causing the EQUALIZING DISCHARGE VALVEtoreducethebrakepipepressurebythe same amount. This will initiate the QUICK SERVICE function on control valves so equipped which will vent a small volume of brakepipeairdirectlytotheatmosphereateach control valve location, and speed the initial buildupofbrakecylinderpressureoneachcar. KEY FACT: After the initial service reduction, additional brake pipe service reductions can be obtained by moving the brake valve handle further into APPLICATION ZONE of the 26-C quadrant. This will cause the control valves on each car to increase brake cylinder pressure a corresponding amount until FULL EQUALIZATION occurs. Full equalization is the point at which air pressures in the auxiliary reservoir & the brake cylinder are equal & air no longer flows from the reservoir into the cylinder. Further brake pipe pressure reductions from this point will not result in increased braking power! RELEASE of SERVICE APPLICATION: To releaseaserviceapplicationofthebrakes,move the 26C handle all the way to the RELEASE positionatthefarleftofthequadrant.Airthen flows into the brake pipe as described under CHARGING THE SYSTEM, affecting a release ofthebrakes. KEY FACT: With the CUTOFF PILOT VALVE properly set to the IN or FRT position, partial movement of the brake valve handle from the APPLICATION ZONE towards the RELEASE position will not increase brake pipe pressure nor affect a release of the brakes. However, if the cutoff pilot valve is set to the PASS position, partial movement of the brake valve handle from the application zone towards the release position WILL INCREMENTALLY INCREASE BRAKE PIPE PRESSURE & RELEASE THE BRAKES, BUT WILL NOT FULLY RECHARGE THE SYSTEM. THIS COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS!
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AIR BRAKE & TRAIN HANDLING MANUAL KEY FACT: Following a service reduction, a control valve will assume its release position if the brake pipe pressure rises only about 1.5-psi above auxiliary reservoir pressure. Care must be taken not to cause an undesired release by inadvertently allowing brake pipe pressure to rise even slightly. EMERGENCY APPLICATION: If an emergencyrate brake pipe pressure reduction occurs from any source, the EMERGENCY PORTION of the locomotive control valve initiates QUICK ACTION. This opens a VENT VALVE in the emergency portion, connecting the brake pipe directly to the atmosphere throughalargedirectopening.Rapidventingof brake pipe air causes adjacent cars emergency portions and vent valves to rapidly propagate the emergency rate brake pipe pressure reduction through the train. The emergency portion then connects the emergency reservoir to the brake cylinder, which, along with the volume of air in the auxiliary reservoir, combines to create a higher overall brake cylinderpressure.Ifthereservoirswerecharged to 90 psi, cylinder and reservoir equalization will occur at about 77 psi. in an emergency application, 13 psi. more than a full service application.Thequickactionvalveslowlyvents avolumeofairpressurethroughachokewhile holding the vent valve open. After about 70 seconds the vent valve will close. Brake pipe pressurecannotbegintoberestoreduntilallof the vent valves on the train have closed. Therefore, a running release of an emergency applicationisnotpermitted. KEY FACT: From a brake system fully charged to 90 psi., a full-service brake application is achieved with a 26 psi. brake pipe reduction. This is the point at which the auxiliary reservoir & brake cylinder pressures equalize & will yield a brake cylinder pressure on each car of about 64 psi. In an emergency application, the control valve combines the volumes of both the emergency & auxiliary reservoirs, resulting in about 77-psi of brake cylinder pressure on each car.
CRITICAL KEY FACT About 26-C Pressure Maintaining

The MINIMUM REDUCTION position of the 26-C brake valve automatically makes a 5 - 7 psi reduction in EQUALIZING RESERVOIR pressure which results in a corresponding drop in brake pipe pressure. This activates the QUICK SERVICE feature on each car & obtains about 10-psi of brake cylinder pressure. However, we know that a reduction as light as 1.5-psi will activate the control valves on each car, so why dont we just make a 2 or 3 psi reduction to initiate quick service? Heres why: remember that in quick service the control valve on each car vents a tiny amount of brake pipe air to the atmosphere. This reduces brake pipe pressure throughout the train about 4 to-6 psi. Recall that PRESSURE MAINTAINING reads equalizing reservoir pressure & feeds air to the brake pipe to match it. If the Engineer were to reduce equalizing reservoir pressure only 3-psi & the corresponding drop in brake pipe pressure activated quick service on each car, the ensuing 4 to 6-psi drop in brake pipe pressure would leave the brake pipe pressure lower than that of the equalizing reservoir. Pressure maintaining would then immediately raise the brake pipe pressure back up to match the original 3-psi reduction. This condition would release the brakes, but leave the Engineer believing a minimum application was indeed set on the train.
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Schedule 6 & 14 Diesel Locomotive Brake Equipments

Schedule6anditsvariant#14predatethedevelopmentofthe26C system and are common on older, preserved locomotives in operation.Schedule6equipmentcameinseveralversionsincluding 6BL,6DS,6SLand14EL,allofwhichareoperatedessentiallythe same.Alluseavariantofthe#6automaticbrakevalvewhich,unlike the selflapping 26C, is a manually lapping valve requiring movementofthehandlebetweentheSERVICEandLAPpositionsto affectandholdaservicebrakeapplication. A more detailed description of system functions is found in the Schedule6&14TypeSystemsOperationsectionofthismanual. #6&#14typeautomaticbrakevalvepositionsandtheirfunctions,fromlefttorightare: RELEASE: A large and direct connection between the MAIN RESERVOIR and the equalizing reservoir and brake pipe. Bypasses the FEED VALVE and provides maximum volume air flow into the brake pipe. If left in this position, the brake pipe may become charged to a pressure greater than that of the feed valve setting, resulting in an OVERCHARGED BRAKEPIPEcondition. RUNNING:Normalpositionforchargingthebrakepipeand releasing all brakes. In this position air from the main reservoir flows to the equalizing reservoir and brake pipe throughtheFEEDVALVE,therebychargingthesystemtothe pressure set by this valve. The feed valve maintains a predetermined pressure in the brake pipe and equalizing reservoiragainstallowableleakage. HOLDING:FunctionsthesameasRUNNINGpositionexcept thatitholdslocomotivebrakesappliedwhilechargingandreleasingthetrainbrakes. LAP:ClosesallportsinthebrakevalveandholdsbrakesappliedafteraSERVICEapplication.Does notmaintainagainstbrakepipeleakage,whichcancausefurtherreductioninbrakepipepressure. SERVICE: Vents pressure in CHAMBER D above the equalizing piston to the atmosphere in a controlled manner. Brake pipe pressure then raises the equalizing piston and brake pipe air is exhausted through a control orifice to the atmosphere until pressure in brake pipe and the equalizingreservoirarethesame. EMERGENCY: Used to obtain themost rapidand heavybrake application possible. Connects the brake pipe directly to the atmosphere causing a rapid, uncontrolled drop in brake pipe pressure. Thisinitiatesanemergencyapplicationofthetrainbrakes.
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AIR BRAKE & TRAIN HANDLING MANUAL Schedule6independentbrakevalvesmaybeof theselflappingormanuallappingtype: SELFLAPPING (left): The selflapping independent brake valve has two positions: RELEASE, at the far left of the quadrant, and FULL APPLICATION, at the far right of the quadrant. In between these positions is the APPLICATIONZONE.Movementofthehandle to the right into this zone provides increasingly higher locomotve brake cylinder pressure until full application is obtained. A PRESSURE MAINTAINING feature will maintain brake cylinderpressureatthedesiredpressureagainst allowable leakage. A QUICK RELEASE or bail off feature is incorporated into the valve whereby an automatic brake application on the locomotive only may be released by depressing the independent brake valve handle downward. Bailingoff releases the automatic application on the locomotive consist and reduces locomotive brakecylinderpressuretothevaluecalledforbythepositionofthehandleintheAPPLICATION ZONE.IfthehandleisintheRELEASEposition,locomotivecylinderpressurewillbereducedtozero. MANUAL LAPPING: The laptype independent brakevalvehasfourpositions: RELEASE: Releases an automatic applicationonthelocomotiveonly. brake
RUNNING: Releases an independent brake application and is the normal position in which thebrakevalveiscarried. LAP: Closes all ports on the brake valve and holds a independent application of the brakes againstallowablebrakecylinderleakage. SLOWAPPLICATION:Appliestheindependent brakeatanormalorservicerate. QUICKAPPLICATION:Utilizesaslightlylarger port opening in the brake valve to obtain a somewhat more rapid application of the independentbrake.
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Other Air Brake Components & Their Functions

Trainbrakesconsistofindividualcarbrakeapparatus,connectedbyasingleairlineknownasthe brakepipe,which,combinedwiththelocomotivesindependentairbrake,formthecompletetrain brake system. Each car is typically equipped with the following, or some other similar, air brake systemcomponents: AIR BRAKE GAUGES (right): The most important information sources the Engineer will refer to are the locomotive air gauges. These provide information on the statusofthemostimportantsystemtheEngineeruses:the brakes. These gauges are called duplex gauges, each with a red and a white needle, and each display two functions.ThegaugeontheleftwillalwaysdisplayMAIN RESERVOIR pressure (RED needle) and EQUALIZING RESERVOIR pressure (WHITE needle). The gauge on the rightwillalwaysdisplaytheBRAKECYLINDERpressureofthelocomotive(REDneedle)andthe BRAKE PIPE pressure (WHITE needle). Note that the equalizing reservoir and brake pipe indicationsarealwaysonseparategaugesandtheneedlesarebothwhite. ANGLECOCK(left):valveateachendofthecartocloseoffthebrake pipe.Anglecocksaretheonlyairvalveonrailroadequipmentthatare open when the handle is inline with the flow of air; other air cocks, such as branch pipe cutout cocks, are open when their handles are perpendicular,or90degrees,fromtheflowofair; DIRT COLLECTOR/CUTOUT COCK (right): a combination air filtering andcutoutvalvelocatedonthebranchpipebetweenthebrakepipeanda carscontrolvalve.Usedtocutoutacarsairbrakesfromthesystem. BRAKECYLINDER(left):acylinderand piston which, when filled with compressed air, imparts its force on the foundation brake rigging to apply the brake shoes against the wheel. The cylinder shown in the photo is applied, with the piston rod extendedoutfromthecylinderbody.
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AIR BRAKE & TRAIN HANDLING MANUAL DEAD ENGINE DEVICE: Facilitates the movement of a dead locomotive in a train. This feature will charge the mainreservoirsfromthebrake pipe,whichpermitstheengine brakestoworkasifitwereacarinthetrain.Thedeviceconsistsofastrainer/checkvalveandcut out cock in a connection between the brake pipe and the main reservoir. This feature is normally cutout.However,whencutin,themainreservoirswillchargefromthebrakepipe,thusproviding airtooperatethebrakes. FOUNDATIONBRAKERIGGING(below):asystemofrodsandleversthatconnectthebrake cylindertothebrakeshoesandpressthemagainstthewheels
JRELAY VALVE (right): Air pressure relay valve supplied with 26C locomotive air brake equipment. Applies and releases the locomotive brakes in response tocontrolairpressureinputfromtheindependentbrake valve or the locomotive control valve using main reservoirairasitssupplyvolume.
Page 35 of 44
MAIN RESERVOIR AUTOMATIC BLOWDOWN (right): a device on most diesel locomotives attached to the main reservoirs to automatically drain off accumulated moisture in thetanks.

RETAINING VALVE (left): a valve on the end of the brake cylinder exhaust pipe which permits the retention of air pressure in the brake cylinder when the brakes are released. Usedforbrakingonlongorheavygrades.
TRUCK CUTOUT COCKS (not shown): Located under the running board above eachtruckisableedtypecutoutcockwhichwillcuttheaircommunicationtothat trucksbrakecylindersout.Thisistobecutinatalltimesduringnormaloperation. Thebrakesonalocomotivetruckshouldneverbecutoutunlessofaseverefailure oftheairbrakesystemthatmakesitunsafetomovetheunitunlessonetruck,and normorethanonetruck,iscutoutofthesystemanditsbrakesdonotapply.
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General Principles
of
Air Brake & Train Handling

Charging the Brake Pipe
Auxiliary, emergency and control air reservoir volumes on cars and locomotives are charged throughsmallopeningsinthecontrolordistributing valvecalledchargingchokes orchargingports. Because these openings are small by design, air pressure in the brake pipe will usually rise to its operatingpressuremorequicklythantheairreservoirsoneachcar.Therefore,thebrakepipegauge inthelocomotivemayindicatethedesiredpressure,butairmaystillbeflowingintothereservoirs on each car. This can give the Engineer a false impression that the brake system is fully charged when,infact,itisnot. KEY FACT: The brake system is fully charged ONLY when air pressure in both the brake pipe & the air reservoirs is equal to the operating pressure set by the regulating valve on the locomotive & air is no longer flowing from the automatic brake valve into the brake pipe.
Time to Propagate Application

FromthetimetheEngineermakesaninitialservicereduction,brakecylinderpressureonthefirst carisinitiatedinaboutfiveseconds,andinitialbrakecylinderpressureisachievedonthefirstfew cars in the train in about 15 seconds. However, on the last car of a 50car train, it will be seven seconds before the brake even begins to apply and closer to 20 seconds before 10psi of brake cylinderpressureisachieved. KEY FACT: Keep in mind that the longer the train, the longer it will take the cars on the rear end to react to an automatic brake application.
Downgrade Train Control

A characteristic of regular Railtown train operations is typically the short two or three car train operatedoverrelativelyheavygrades.Onlongertrains,theforcebetweentheflangesandtherail creates very noticeable curve drag, reducing the rate at which the train accelerates. Heavy trains tendtoacceleratemoreslowlythanlighttrainsduetotheirgreatermassandthustheirresistanceto changes in their state. A short train can accelerate quickly while drifting downhill because of the lackofcurvedragandreducedmass. Controlling train speed on downhill grades can be challenging. Gravity is pulling the train downgrade and braking effort and curve drag are retarding the trains acceleration. Theoretically, theseforcescanbebalancedandatrainsspeedmaintainedconstant.Inthistheoreticalscenario,the trainstartsoutonthedowngradewiththebrakesreleasedandtheengineerallowsittoaccelerateto
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AIR BRAKE & TRAIN HANDLING MANUAL asafespeed.Theengineerthenmakesabrakeapplicationtochecktheacceleration.Ifthebrakesare applied to the theoretical optimum, the speed of the train will be held perfectly in check with the pullofgravityonthedowngradeandremainconstant.Thetrainissaidtobebalanced;however, inactualpractice,especiallywithshorttrains,thisisrarelypossible. What usually occurs is this: as the train accelerates downgrade, the engineer makes one or more brakepipereductionstochecktheacceleration.Thebrakesapplyandthespeedofthetrainbegins todecrease.Insteadofbalancing,however,thetraingraduallyslowstoaspeedbelowtheoptimum desired. The engineer then initiates a brake release and the train begins to accelerate again, necessitating another brake application. On a long downgrade, it is necessary to cycle the air brakesonandoff:releasethebrakes,thespeedbuilds,applythebrakes,thespeeddecreases.The frequency of brake cycling must be minimized, and the time between applications maximized, to give the reservoirs on the cars time to recharge between each application. If needed, there is a reserve margin of air in the brake system if not fully recharged. Be aware, however, that each successive brake application without full recharge will be potentially less effective than the previous. If overcycling continues, eventually brake effectiveness could diminish beyond the minimumrequiredtocontrolspeedorstopthetrainonthedowngrade. Tolimittheamountofbrakingcyclesneededtocontrolthetrain,retainersareused.Thefunctionof retainersistoslowthereleaseofairpressurefromthebrakecylindersandtoretainafewpoundsof air and thus some braking effort or drag. The use of retainers on downhill grades allows the engineer to reduce the number of braking cycles needed to control the train speed. Retainers are usuallysetbeforeheavydowngradesandreleasedwhenthegradeallows. Anengineermustconstantlybeawareofthegradesandcurvesinordertocontrolthespeedofthe train.Ifagradelevelsofforacurveisencountered,lessbrakingeffortisrequired.Conversely,an increasinggradeortangenttrackrequiresmorebrakingeffort.Familiarityovertheterritoryhelps theengineertoanticipatethebrakingneeds,butevenoverfamiliarterritory,conditionscanchange thataffecttrainbraking. Tohandleatrainwell,anengineermustuseallsenses.Whiledriftingdowngrade,itishelpfulto listen to the noise of the running gear or rail joints to determine if the train is accelerating or decelerating. Running a train is more intuitive than intellectual. Since the brakes do not apply or release immediately, anticipating the braking needs is a skill that must be learned. Proficiency in trainhandlingonlycomesthroughexperience.
Managing Slack
Smoothtrainhandlingdependsontheabilitytocontrolslackandanunderstandingofhowto prevent it from running in or out harshly. Slack action is controllable by exercising forethought in the use of power, train and engine brakes, and sand. The heavier the engine andthelongerthetrain,thegreaterthecarerequiredfortheeffectivemanagementofslack.
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Emergency Brake Applications

Shouldcircumstancesrequire,donothesitatetouseanemergencybrakeapplicationtoobtainthe quickest possible stop. If such a situation arises, quickly move automatic brake valve handle to emergencyposition.Automaticbrakevalvehandlemustbeleftinemergencypositionuntilthetrain stops. After making an emergency brake application, close the throttle and open sanding valve in case engine is not equipped with automatic emergency sanding. Continue use of sand by manual sander,ifnecessary,untilthemovementstops.Thisisimportanttopreventwheelslideasasliding wheelwillnotproduceasquickastopasarollingwheelwiththeheaviestpossiblebrakeapplied thatrailadhesionwillpermit. Incaseanemergencybrakeapplicationoriginatesfromanysourceotherthanthebrakevalve,the automaticbrakevalvehandlemustbeplacedinemergencyposition.Whenevertheautomaticbrake valvehandleisplacedinemergencypositionitmustbeleftthereuntiltrainstops.Donotattemptto releasebrakesuntilatleast70secondshaveelapsed. Ifthedynamicbrakeisinusewhentheemergencyapplicationoccurs,caremustbeusedtocontrol thelocomotivebrakecylinderpressurebymeansoftheindependentbrakevalveinordertoprevent wheelsliding.
NEVER, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, ATTEMPT TO RELEASE AN EMERGENCY BRAKE APPLICATION BEFORE THE TRAIN COMES TO A STOP!
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Air Brake & Train Handling Rules

GeneralRules:
A. Nevermovecarsorengineswithoutairbrakescutin,chargedandtested,exceptwithinyards ormechanicalfacilitiesandthenonlywhenothersafeguardsareprovidedtoensurethesafe handlingofequipmentorrollingstock. B. Brakepipepressureregulating(feed)valvesshallbemaintainedat90psiatalltimes. LocomotiveMainReservoirpressuremustbemaintainedatleast15psiabovefeedvalve settingatalltimes. C. Condensationmustbeblownfromthepipefromwhichairistakenbeforeconnectinghouse airorlocomotiveairtotrain. D. Airbrakesmustnotbedependedupontosecureequipmentfromundesiredmovement. E. Setasufficientnumberofhandbrakes,and/orusechocksorskates,asnecessarytosecure equipmentfromunintendedmovement. F. BottlingtheAir,orclosinganglecocksonbothendsofastandingcutofcars,isprohibited.
AB1.0
OperativeBrakes
Airbrakesonallcarsinatrainmustbeoperativeunlesstheyfailenroute.Carswithfailedairbrakes maycontinueinservicetothenearestlocationwhererepairscanbemade,providedairbrakeson nofewerthan85%ofcarsinthetrainareoperative.Otherwise,carwithfailedairbrakesmustbeset outatthenearestpossiblelocation. Undernocircumstancesshallacarknowntohaveinoperativeairbrakesbehandledattherearend ofatrainunlessacrewmemberisinpositiontooperatethehandbrake.
AB2.0
AB2.1
AirBrakeTests
LocomotiveAirBrakeTest
PerformaLocomotiveAirBrakeTestbeforemovingwhen: a. Firsttakingchargeofalocomotiveorlocomotiveconsist. b. Locomotiveconsistischanged. c. Operatingendischanged. LocomotiveAirBraketestprocedure: 1. 2. 3. 4. Securelocomotivetopreventunintendedmovement. Ensuremainreservoirsarefullycharged. Fromground,observeapplicationandreleaseofindependentbrake. Makea10psireductioninbrakepipepressureandobservetheapplicationandreleaseof automaticbrakefromground.TestindependentbrakeQuickReleaseorBailOfffeature.
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AIR BRAKE & TRAIN HANDLING MANUAL AB2.2 InitialTerminalAirBrakeTest
Onlypersonsproperlyqualifiedmayperforminitialterminalairbraketests. PerformanInitialTerminalAirBrakeTestwhen: a. Trainisoriginallymadeupordispatchedatthebeginningoftheoperatingday(initial terminal),oratrainisreceivedininterchange. b. Trainorconsisthasbeendisconnectedfromairsourceformorethantwohours. c. Thetrainconsistischanged.However,anInitialTerminalAirBrakeTestisnotrequiredifthe trainconsistischangedonlyby: Changingorrepositioningmotivepower(includingchangingends); Removingacarorsolidblockofcarsfromthetrain; Removingorchangingthecaboose; Inanyofthesecases,performanApplicationandReleaseTestasdescribedinRuleAB3.2. InitialTerminalinspectionandtestprocedure: 1. Fullychargebrakesystemuntilbrakepipepressureonlastcariswithin5psiofthefeedvalve settingonthelocomotiveandairfromautomaticbrakevalvehasstoppedflowingintothe brakepipe. 2. Inspecttrainairbrakesystem: Verifyanglecocksareproperlypositioned. Verifyairhosesareingoodcondition,properlycoupledandnotleaking. EnsureallretainingvalvesareintheEXHAUSTposition. 3. Uponreceivingpropersignal,makea20psireductionfromtheautomaticbrakevalve. 4. Oncebrakepipeexhauststops,wait60secondsforbrakepipepressuretoequalize,thencut outorlapautomaticbrakevalve. 5. Waitanadditional60seconds,thentimebrakepipeleakageforoneminute.Leakagemustnot exceed5psi/min. 6. Verifybywalkinginspectionthat: Brakesapplyoneachcar. Pistontraveliscorrect. Brakeriggingdoesnotbindorfoul. Brakeshoesalignproperlywithwheels. Uponreceivingpropersignal,rechargebrakepipeandverifythatbrakesreleaseoneachcar. Releaseverificationmaybecompletedbyrollbyinspectionoftrainbyaqualifiedperson.Verify thatallhandbrakesarereleasedbeforemovingtrain. Handheldairgaugesusedforairbraketestsdonotrequireperiodicinspectionsbutmustfunction properly.Defectivegaugesmustberemovedfromserviceandnotuseduntilrepaired.Donotleave gaugescoupledtoairhosefollowingthecompletionoftest.
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AIR BRAKE & TRAIN HANDLING MANUAL AB2.3 ApplicationandReleaseTest
AnApplicationandReleasetestmayonlybeperformedontrainsthathavepreviouslyreceivedan InitialTerminalBraketestandhavenotbeendisconnectedfromanairsourceformorethanfourhours. ConductanApplicationandReleaseTestwhen: a. b. c. d. Changingorrepositioningmotivepower(includingchangingends); Acabooseischanged. Acarorsolidblockofcarsisremovedfromthetrain. Helperlocomotivesareremovedfromthetrain.
Note:SeeRuleAB2.5forprocedureswhenaddinghelperlocomotives. ApplicationandReleasetestprocedure: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Fullychargebrakesystem. SetretainingvalveonrearcartoEXHAUST. Makea20psibrakepipereductionwiththeautomaticbrakevalve. Verifythatbrakesontherearcarapply. MoveautomaticbrakevalvetoRELEASEposition. Verifythatbrakesontherearcarrelease. RunningAirBrakeTest
AB2.4
ConductaRunningAirBrakeTestonpassengercarryingtrains,regardlessoftypeofequipment,when: a. b. c. d. TraindepartsanylocationfollowinganInitialTerminaloranApplicationandReleasetest. Locomotive,enginecreworoperatingendshavebeenchanged. Anyanglecocksorcutoutcocksinthetrainhavebeenclosed. Amovingtrainstrikesanydebrisonthetrack.
RunningAirBraketestprocedure: 1. 2. 3. 4. Beginrunningbraketestassoonastrainspeedwillpreventstalling. Makea10psibrakepipereductionandbailoff(release)independentbrake. Verifybrakeapplicationcreatesnoticeableretardingforcebeforereleasingbrakes. Stoptrainimmediatelyifbrakingforcefeelsinadequate.Determineandcorrectcausebefore proceeding.
NOTE1: Before proceeding, perform an Initial Terminal Air Brake Test on any train that fails a RunningAirBrakeTest.Oncemoving,immediatelyperformaRunningAirBraketestagain. NOTE2:Iftrainisbeingshovedorcarsarebeinghandledaheadofengineandacrewmemberonthe pointofmovementhascontroloftheairbrakes,theRunningAirBrakeTestmustbeperformedbythe crewmemberonthepointofmovementutilizingtheairbrakecontrolsprovidedforthemovement. Engineer must verify brake pipe continuity by observing the drop and restoration of brake pipe pressureontheproperairbrakegaugeinthecab.
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AIR BRAKE & TRAIN HANDLING MANUAL AB2.5 AddingHelperLocomotives
Exceptincaseofemergency,airbrakesmustbecontrolledfromleadinglocomotiveatalltimesand automaticbrakevalvescutoutonalltrailinglocomotives. 2.5.1 AddingHelperLocomotivetoHeadEnd: 1. Priortoaddinghelperlocomotive,makea20psibrakepipereductionfromtheroad locomotive. 2. Couplehelperlocomotiveandstretchcoupling. 3. Makea20psibrakepipereductiononthehelperlocomotive. 4. Cutoutautomaticbrakevalveontrailinglocomotive(s). 5. Connectbrakepipehosesandopenanglecocks. 6. Fullyrechargebrakepipefromhelperlocomotive. 7. PerformApplicationandReleaseTestasoutlinedinAB2.3;verifybrakesontrailing locomotive(s)applyandreleaseautomatically. 2.5.2 AddingHelperLocomotivetoRearEnd: Helperlocomotivesmustnotbecutinbehindoccupiedcaboose. 1. Priortoaddinghelperlocomotive,makea20psibrakepipereductionfromtheroad locomotive. 2. Couplehelperlocomotive(s)andstretchcoupling. 3. Makea20psibrakepipereductiononhelperlocomotive(s)andcutoutautomaticbrakevalve. 4. Connectbrakepipehosesandopenanglecocks. 5. Fullyrechargebrakepipefromleadlocomotive. 6. PerformApplicationandReleaseTestasoutlinedinAB2.3;verifybrakesonhelper locomotive(s)applyandreleaseautomatically. 2.5.3 AddingHelperLocomotiveMidTrainorBehindRoadLocomotive: 1. Priortoaddinghelperlocomotive,makea20psibrakepipereductionfromtheroad locomotive. 2. Sethandbrakesontrainasnecessary. 3. Cuttrainandcoupletohelperlocomotive(s);stretchcoupling. 4. Make20psibrakepipereductiononhelperlocomotive(s)andcutoutautomaticbrakevalve. 5. Connectbrakepipehosesandopenanglecocks. 6. Rechargebrakepipefromleadlocomotiveandtestautomaticbrakebeforemoving;verify brakesonhelperlocomotive(s)applyandrelease. 7. RecoupletotrainandperformApplicationandReleaseTestasoutlinedinAB2.3;verify brakesonhelperlocomotive(s)applyandreleaseautomatically.
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AB3.0
UseofRetainingValves
WheredesignatedbySpecialInstructionorGeneralOrder,retainingvalvesonwestwardpassenger carryingtrainsshallbesettotheHIGHPRESSUREpositiononnotfewerthanonecarineverythree ofallcars,withnotlessthanoneretainingvalvesetunderanycircumstances.Whentrainconsistsof lessthanthreecarsandasingleretainingvalveisused,itmaybesettotheSLOWDIRECTposition attheEngineersrequest.Atalltimes,useofadditionalretainersshallbeatthediscretionofthe Engineerandmustbesetpromptlywhenrequested. WheredesignatedbySpecialInstructionorGeneralOrder,retainingvalvesonwestwardtrainsnot carryingpassengers,andconsistingentirelyoffreightequipmentoramixofpassengerandfreight equipment,shallbesettotheHIGHPRESSUREpositiononnofewerthan25%ofallcars.Atall times,useofadditionalretainersshallbeatthediscretionoftheengineerandmustbesetpromptly whenrequested. Exceptwhenmovingalightlocomotive,orlocomotiveandcabooseonly,whereuseofretaining valvesisrequired,valvesshallbesetonnofewerthanonecarregardlessoftrainconsistlength.
AB4.0
PistonTravel:
Brakecylinderpistontravelmustbeadjustedwithinacertainrangeforbrakestobeeffective. Pistontravelshallbeadjustedasfollows: FreightCars: Minimum:6inches Maximum:8.5inches
PassengerCars: DieselLocomotives: SteamLocomotives:
Minimum: 8inches Maximum:10inches Minimum: 3.5inches Maximum:6inches Minimum: 4inches Maximum:6inches
Page 44 of 44

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Air Brake & Train Handling

Version 1.0 January, 2009

Railtown State Historic Park

AIR BRAKE & TRAIN HANDLING MANUAL

Page 2 of 44 Version 1.0 January, 2009 Copyright 2009 Wayne m. Penn

Railtown State Historic Park

AIR BRAKE & TRAIN HANDLING MANUAL

Overview of System Function

Railtown State Historic Park

AIR BRAKE & TRAIN HANDLING MANUAL

Friction & Adhesion in Braking

Railtown State Historic Park

AIR BRAKE & TRAIN HANDLING MANUAL

Characteristics of Compressed Air

Railtown State Historic Park

AIR BRAKE & TRAIN HANDLING MANUAL

Air Flow Properties

Railtown State Historic Park

AIR BRAKE & TRAIN HANDLING MANUAL

Equalizing Valve & Reservoir

Railtown State Historic Park

AIR BRAKE & TRAIN HANDLING MANUAL

Railtown State Historic Park

AIR BRAKE & TRAIN HANDLING MANUAL

Effects of Piston Travel on Equalization

Normal 8-inch piston travel

Auxiliary Reservoir 70 psi 60 psi 60 psi Equalize at 50 psi. 0 psi

Short 6-inch piston travel

Auxiliary Reservoir 70 psi 40 psi 0 psi

Brake Cylinder Ifpistontravelisadjustedtoolong,theexact oppositewilloccur.Foranygivenbrakepipe reduction,thebrakecylinderpressurewillbe lowerthannormal,andtheresultingbraking effortwillbedegraded.

Excessive piston travel

Railtown State Historic Park

AIR BRAKE & TRAIN HANDLING MANUAL

Effects of Brake Pipe Pressure on Equalization

110 psi 50 psi

Railtown State Historic Park

AIR BRAKE & TRAIN HANDLING MANUAL

Air Brake System Components

Railtown State Historic Park

AIR BRAKE & TRAIN HANDLING MANUAL

Railtown State Historic Park

AIR BRAKE & TRAIN HANDLING MANUAL

Railtown State Historic Park

AIR BRAKE & TRAIN HANDLING MANUAL

AB-Type Brake Equipment:

Railtown State Historic Park

AIR BRAKE & TRAIN HANDLING MANUAL

Basic Control Valve Operation

Emer.Res. Brake Pipe Pressure LESS THAN Brake Pipe Pressure

BrakePipe From Locomotive BrakeValve

Railtown State Historic Park

AIR BRAKE & TRAIN HANDLING MANUAL

Brake Cylinder 10 PSI

Railtown State Historic Park

AIR BRAKE & TRAIN HANDLING MANUAL

HigherBrake Cylinder Pressure

Railtown State Historic Park

AIR BRAKE & TRAIN HANDLING MANUAL

Steam Locomotive Brake System Components

Railtown State Historic Park

AIR BRAKE & TRAIN HANDLING MANUAL

A-1 Locomotive Brake Equipment

Railtown State Historic Park