July 8, 2013 -- Aftermath of Lac-Mégantic Train Derailment

ZenGum · 07-09-2013, 12:25 AM

Here's my first Captain Hindsight moment:

Why do train brakes work that way?

Truck brakes (also called Bendix brakes) work the opposite way: you have to put pressure in the system to release the brakes, not to activate them. That way, if there is a leak and the system fails, all brakes slam fully on immediately. This is why you occasionally see massive 22-wheel skid marks down the highway.

Why the bleep do trains have brakes that release when the system fails?

07-09-2013, 12:25 AM	#11
ZenGum Doctor Wtf Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Badelaide, Baustralia Posts: 12,861	Here's my first Captain Hindsight moment: Why do train brakes work that way? Truck brakes (also called Bendix brakes) work the opposite way: you have to put pressure in the system to release the brakes, not to activate them. That way, if there is a leak and the system fails, all brakes slam fully on immediately. This is why you occasionally see massive 22-wheel skid marks down the highway. Why the bleep do trains have brakes that release when the system fails? __________________ Shut up and hug. MoreThanPretty, Nov 5, 2008. Just because I'm nominally polite, does not make me a pussy. Sundae Girl.

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