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Wounded Bear

(58,574 posts)

3. That is how air brakes work on trucks...

Reply to Kelvin Mace (Original post)

Thu Jul 11, 2013, 01:41 PM

Jul 2013

I do not know if they are different on trains, but I have read commentary on another thread that says it is the opposite, and that pressure needs to be maintained, meaning that they are more like hydraulic brakes on cars.

Don't know, though. But it seems to fly in the face of 'common sense' to be that way.

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18 replies

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Can someone address what seems to me a bald-faced lie about the train derailment? [View all] Kelvin Mace Jul 2013 OP

Well, if it is a blunt lie as may be the case, then Berlum Jul 2013 #1

You are correct, I think. For safetly, if air pressure drops then brakes engage. NYC_SKP Jul 2013 #2

That is how air brakes work on trucks... Wounded Bear Jul 2013 #3

If it came out of Burkhardt's mouth it's probably a bold faced lie cali Jul 2013 #4

This Wikipedia article supports that idea. MineralMan Jul 2013 #5

Post removed Post removed Jul 2013 #6

Based on my 17 years working as a Trainman and Conductor.. MicaelS Jul 2013 #7

Very informative, thanks, now I get it when they say there were not ENOUGH brakes angstlessk Jul 2013 #8

You mean a siding? MicaelS Jul 2013 #9

Thank you, I have asked this question on some venues and never gotten an answer.. angstlessk Jul 2013 #10

But the grade shouldn't even be an issue if the brakes are set properly, right? pinboy3niner Jul 2013 #11

Well its one of those "CYA" type of things. MicaelS Jul 2013 #15

Okay, I work for a major railroad but don't have any Jazzgirl Jul 2013 #12

News reports said there was a shutdown device on the outside of the locomotive pinboy3niner Jul 2013 #13

It is VERY simple to shut down a locomotive diesel engine. MicaelS Jul 2013 #16

Nice post (nt) The Straight Story Jul 2013 #14

Thank you. n/t MicaelS Jul 2013 #17

OK, then what I thought was a brilliant fail safe design apparently isn't. Kelvin Mace Jul 2013 #18