Ford's all-electric F-150 prototype tows 1.25 million pound train

[captaincranky]

"The Westinghouse system uses air pressure to charge air reservoirs (tanks) on each car. Full air pressure signals each car to release the brakes. A reduction or loss of air pressure signals each car to apply its brakes, using the compressed air in its reservoirs"

Being someone who has worked with compressed air all his life, (I'm still "the only kid on the block", with an air compressor, and a full battery of air tools and spray guns), The rather obvious question which comes to mind is, "how many CFM @ how many PSI, does the locomotive's compressor develop, and would a device such as your typical "tow it behind the water department truck", be sufficient to release the brakes on the whole train?

One has to assume the same system is employed on Diesel trucks. IIRC, the compressor on a semi rig wasn't all that big, but you only have 7 axle's worth of brakes to deal with.

 

[cliffordcooley]

"how many CFM @ how many PSI, does the engines compressor develop

That would be the question, and I couldn't tell you. I do know it takes about two to three minutes, charging the brake system on an old Eagle Bus (There is actually two in our yard). That is with the engine running and pumping up the system or using an air compressor with a standard 1/4 inch air line.

Ohh and the bus brakes will not disengage with less than 100 PSI.

 

[captaincranky]

Cliff, they don't shut those Diesel locos down very often. I imagine part of that is keeping the brake system charged.

Something else you have to warm up for quite a while is an F-16. It's just too risky to try a dozen vertical rolls from a cold start. (Or so I've been told).

 

[cliffordcooley]

Cliff, they don't shut those Diesel locos down very often. I imagine part of that is keeping the brake system charged.

Maybe but I was commenting on the absence of one not the presence. There was not a locomotive used during this presentation, so I don't know why we are discussing it.

 

[captaincranky]

Maybe but I was commenting on the absence of one not the presence. There was not a locomotive used during this presentation, so I don't know why we are discussing it.

Not sure, but I think you're the one who started the conversation about the air needed to release the brakes.

I was actually almost done with the topic after I dismissed it as a "publicity stunt".

But since neither you nor I know if a portable gas powered compressor would put out enough air to release the brakes, maybe there was a locomotive hiding at the far end of the train. Once you get the train rolling it will pull the engine along with..

BTW, we weren't really talking about the buses in your yard either, but I went along anyway. (and without any snot).


OR.....Assuming each car has its own air reservoir, you could put a shutoff valve between a locomotive and the cars to be pulled. The loco charges the car's air tanks, you shut the valve, and as long as the diaphragms in the brake cylinders are intact, the brakes should stay off for the duration of the "trial". (I'm being generous calling it a "trial").

 

[cliffordcooley]

OMG - I quoted someone that seemed to be in contradiction to the article and apparently how air brakes actually work. Then you throw it back in my face for adding to your question, when I try to put the topic back on track. Which I have attempted every time I commented. I was attempting to clarify a misconception. There was no intentions of going off-topic. I didn't care to get into a conversation about how the locomotive could be substituted in the effort to release the brakes. As far as I know the brakes were removed from the box cars.

They stated the locomotive was needed to stop the cars.

Even if it's slow, it won't stop immediately, because there's no locomotive to power the air brakes.

I'm stating the locomotive is not needed to stop the cars.

 

[captaincranky]

OMG - I quoted someone that seemed to be in contradiction to the article and apparently how air brakes actually work. Then you throw it back in my face for adding to your question, when I try to put the topic back on track. Which I have attempted every time I commented. I was attempting to clarify a misconception. There was no intentions of going off-topic. I didn't care to get into a conversation about how the locomotive could be substituted in the effort to release the brakes. As far as I know the brakes were removed from the box cars.

They stated the locomotive was needed to stop the cars.I'm stating the locomotive is not needed to stop the cars.

I think it goes without saying that you're right and I'm wrong. In the future, I'll be more considerate by not trying to make you laugh, or carry on a conversation with you. Kay?