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Originally Posted by steam for ever
It is noted that Diesels have bad braking systems compared to steam.
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This is a muddled and very misinformed thread!
Do you
really think that they would allow a poorer braking system in this Health & Safety crazy world that we live in?
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Steam locos ceased major production in 1960, and so 50 years of technology has passed, yet still the standard of stopping power has not become better than steam locomotives.
I find this terrible.
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And you source for this is what? Where is your data? I'm afraid that this is utter tosh. If there were a single incident where the brakes on a train were substandard due to poor design the subsequent enquiry would say so. The signalling system in this country requires trains to be able to slow down in accordance with the length of signal sections. If brakes were as bad as you say trains would be running by signals all the time due to poor brakes - and they're NOT! The media would have a field day, so it would be well publicised and we'd never hear the end of it.
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The reason for the problem is that now disc brakes are used which can overheat and lose effectivness, whereas steam locos had brake pads which worked by directly pressuring the tyres.
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Which would be why they use cooling rotors on the axles. Disc brakes can suffer from fading if they are used heavily, but they are an excellent system - that's why you find them on cars and lorries too.
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Now something must be done and if we must have diesels and Electrics, at least improve the standards as the lack of effort here is appalling.
Anyone with me on this?
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Ah, now you mention Electric trains. Most new designs in the last 20 years have included Rheostatic brakes, which can best be described as vicious ! They are extremely efficient and effective. To compare these to a vacuum brake is crass.
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What is important, is there a solution?
Can we not have direct pressure brakes on modern traction?
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Disc brakes are excellent. The only acknowledged advantage that tyre braking has over disc systems is that in leaf fall and railhead contamination situations the brake shoe cleans the tyre surface.
I have to say that I find this a very strange attitude for an ENGINEER to have. There isn't a single fact in the whole thread. No comparison of stopping distances, brake forces, or even mention of locomotive types. VERY untechnical.