Working Hand Brakes updated Video

[AlkemScaleModels]

I posted a short video demonstrating the working brakes for my civil war era box cars using photo etched parts. There is additional info on my blog. These are working quite well, but a little more tweaking is in order.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

So when is someone going to do working Air Brakes?

You need them in O scale when grades (and expensive trains) are involved.

[seusscaboose]

So when is someone going to do working Air Brakes?

Dad's got em' in Live Steam...

I wonder if htey are done in O Scale...

[AlkemScaleModels]

First we need a 1/48th scale working compressor.  The equations for the pneumatics might not scale at the same ratio as the model unless you play with the working fluid density. It might not be physically possible to make true  "scale" working air brakes.

All the brake components in my model are about scale size. I need to work on the tolerances of the brake shoe clearances to get them a bit tighter, but it basically works like the real ones. The ratchet mechanism is much simplified on the model. It is the friction in the brake shaft holder that holds the chain.

[DKS]

How are they released?

[AlkemScaleModels]

Turn the brake wheel in the opposite direction. Spring action pulls the brakes back.

[John]

You are a sick man  ;D .. I say that "in awe"

[DKS]

So it's all based on friction. Got it.

[AlkemScaleModels]

So it's all based on friction. Got it.

Brakes = Friction

[DKS]

Brakes = Friction

I meant the brake release. Since you don't have a ratchet and pawl, then the brake handle must be turned in the other direction to release the brakes, right?

[AlkemScaleModels]

I meant the brake release. Since you don't have a ratchet and pawl, then the brake handle must be turned in the other direction to release the brakes, right?

Yes.  I etched a ratchet but it is too small to work.