11-22-2009, 06:46 PM
Everyone:
I appreciate the discussion on brakes! I am a bit astonished that I didn't have a clue about braking and how a train stops. Thanks to everyone for enlightening me.
As I am thinking, it seems that the brakes on the locomotive would not be all that effective in stopping a train. Just like in pulling, the limiting factor would be the friction of the locomotive wheels on the track. With a heavily loaded train, if we could jam the locomotive brakes on, locking up the wheels, I am sure that the inertia of the rest of the train would simply push the loco down the rails, squealing and grinding.
I appreciate the discussion on brakes! I am a bit astonished that I didn't have a clue about braking and how a train stops. Thanks to everyone for enlightening me.
As I am thinking, it seems that the brakes on the locomotive would not be all that effective in stopping a train. Just like in pulling, the limiting factor would be the friction of the locomotive wheels on the track. With a heavily loaded train, if we could jam the locomotive brakes on, locking up the wheels, I am sure that the inertia of the rest of the train would simply push the loco down the rails, squealing and grinding.
Three Foot Rule In Effect At All Times