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pinboy3niner

(53,339 posts)

11. But the grade shouldn't even be an issue if the brakes are set properly, right?

Reply to MicaelS (Reply #9)

Thu Jul 11, 2013, 06:48 PM

Jul 2013

I'm curious about how the railroad specifies how many manual car brakes should be set in a consist of a given length/weight and in a given situation. They must have at least some internal operational rules that apply.

I appreciate the insight that you and other DU railroaders have to offer.

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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