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Question re the VSOE/Belmond Pullmans and air braking

Discussion in 'Heritage Rolling Stock' started by BrightonBaltic, Jan 14, 2020.

  1. BrightonBaltic

    BrightonBaltic Member

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    Am I correct in thinking that the Belmond British Pullman carriages are only air-braked and thus cannot be worked by a vacuum-braked locomotive?

    Can stock with modern air-brakes be worked by a locomotive equipped with an old-school Westinghouse pump?

    All this is related to an alternate history fiction novel I'm writing... it's not a serious consideration or proposal for operation.
     
  2. buzby2

    buzby2 Well-Known Member

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    I'm no expert but I believe "Yes" and "Yes" are the correct answers in general terms for loco-hauled stock.
     
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  3. BrightonBaltic

    BrightonBaltic Member

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    Thanks... so in theory a Victorian/Edwardian loco could move the stock of an incoming charter while the big main-line visitor is unavailable for servicing or other reasons?
     
  4. buzby2

    buzby2 Well-Known Member

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    Theoretically yes, I believe, but if it's a long charter rake it may not have a large capacity Westinghouse air pump to release carriage brakes as required..
     
  5. olly5764

    olly5764 Well-Known Member

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    If it has a Westinghouse pump it can operate modern air braked stock.
    If there is a dual braked diesel coupled inside of it, the diesel can act as a translator so a vac braked loco can operate the train.
     
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