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Bahamas

Discussion in 'Steam Traction' started by daveannjon, May 11, 2024.

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  1. Phil Bartlett

    Phil Bartlett New Member

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    Fiddling with the brake valve is n0t good practice. I once had a drive of an EQ braked loco on a train of ballast hoppers, and my instruction was don't drop her below 18 inches unless you want to stop. I recall many old hand and not so senior drivers on DMMUs, and actua;ly have a few drives myself . Obviously the high vacuum gave really quick brake release, but if you had zour braking points you could achieve some really could stops, and shave minutes of delay if you knew what you were doing.
     
    Phil Bartlett, Jun 27, 2026 at 11:42 PM
    #41
  2. Steve

    Steve Nat Pres stalwart Friend

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    Dropping the vacuum to 18” is doing nothing more than taking up the clearance between the brake shoes and the wheel. You need to go below that to get any braking. I always preferred vacuum to air brakes but that may simply be due to the fact that most of my driving has been on vacuum braked trains. When riding with other drivers I’ve noted that a lot of them see-saw the vacuum brake application valve which I consider to be a poor practice.
     
    Steve, Jun 28, 2026 at 12:10 AM
    #42
  3. Johnb

    Johnb Nat Pres stalwart

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    My comment was of course based on what I’ve seen drivers do as an observer on the footplate, can you actually maintain a level of vacuum without constant adjustment?
     
    Johnb, Jun 28, 2026 at 9:16 AM
    #43
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