Air Brakes and Train Handling Rules - Alaska Railroad
Air Brakes and Train Handling Rules - Alaska Railroad
Air Brakes and Train Handling Rules - Alaska Railroad
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64 <strong>Train</strong> H<strong>and</strong>lingA. Underst<strong>and</strong>ing Dynamic Brake CharacteristicsDynamic braking is most effective between 18 <strong>and</strong> 28 MPH. Specificcharacteristics of dynamic brakes include:• St<strong>and</strong>ard dynamic brakes can develop 10,000 pounds of retardingforce per axle.• St<strong>and</strong>ard range dynamic braking force normally fades below10 MPH.• Extended range dynamic brakes maintain a high retarding forcedown to 6 MPH before fading.• High capacity dynamic brakes can develop 13,500 pounds ofretarding force per axle.• No dynamic braking will occur if the locomotive brake cylinderpressure reaches 15 to 18 psi.• When an emergency brake application is in effect, continuousdynamic braking maintains retarding force if the locomotivebrake cylinder pressure is below 15 psi.B. Limiting Dynamic Brake Retarding ForceHigh buff force generated by dynamic brake retarding force maycause a derailment or damage the track structure. Therefore, limitdynamic brake retarding force as follows:1. When possible, use the dynamic brake in its most effectiverange—between 18 <strong>and</strong> 28 MPH, depending on the class oflocomotive.2. Do not use locomotive brakes to bunch a train before usingdynamic braking.3. Do not supplement the dynamic brake with locomotive brakes atspeeds above 10 MPH.4. When changing from power to dynamic braking, wait 10 secondsto allow for current decay <strong>and</strong> prevent a surge of dynamicbraking.64-6 ARRC <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Brakes</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Train</strong> H<strong>and</strong>ling Manual June 1, 1996
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