Author Topic: How do freight car brakes actually work?  (Read 855 times)

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garethashenden

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How do freight car brakes actually work?
« on: March 16, 2019, 01:58:41 PM »
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I understand how the air moves the brake rods, but what’s the actual connection to the trucks? It obviously has to be flexible since the trucks turn but what is it? Is it just a few links of chain or something more advanced? I’ve tried to find pictures but I haven’t been successful yet.

Missaberoad

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Re: How do freight car brakes actually work?
« Reply #1 on: March 16, 2019, 02:14:28 PM »
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Levers and rods, there's also a slack adjuster to account for wear on the pads....

https://docplayer.net/docs-images/50/15671663/images/page_18.jpg

Some cars have truck mounted cylinders but most simply have a lever connecting to the brake beams...
« Last Edit: March 16, 2019, 02:19:02 PM by Missaberoad »
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Spades

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Re: How do freight car brakes actually work?
« Reply #2 on: March 16, 2019, 02:15:09 PM »
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https://www.wabtec.com/uploads/outlinedrawings/Wabtec-Freight-Parts-Catalog.pdf has an illustration and a description of the braking system.

wcfn100

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Re: How do freight car brakes actually work?
« Reply #3 on: March 16, 2019, 02:28:27 PM »
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I went through a bunch of my photos and this might be the best.



Jason

garethashenden

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Re: How do freight car brakes actually work?
« Reply #4 on: March 16, 2019, 06:09:31 PM »
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Well that’s obvious now that I see it! Thanks guys