[Mushroom]

Metrolink and the ELR stuff is very different. Metrolink have several different types of braking system, one being Magnetic Track Braking, in the event of the tram passing a signal at danger these apply quite viciously, enough to throw you down the tram when stopping from 20mph to 0. Emergency braking when SPADing with authority on the metrolink is determined by the state of the signal. If the signal is ment to be at red, the loops will be energised and passing will cause a brake application. If the signal has failed right side (should be a green but is red) the loops should not be energised and so trams can pass without problems.

On the ELR more often than not the guard will make an emergency brake application, for instance a door being opened on a moving train after leaving the station. This is made with the emergency brake valve in the guards compartment, this destroys the vacuum in the braking system (or air preassure in air braking systems) and so, slams the brakes on. Drivers also make applications if they need to, good example would be discovering an obstruction on the line.

At this point I should say that passenger communication cords on vacuum braked stock. will not make a full applications of the brake, (unlike air braked stock) The brakes only apply half way, the driver stops the train when it is safe to do so.

Emergency brake applications are not to be taken likely and are treated seriously, altho admittedly i am responsible for numerous applications on the ELR when passengers open doors etc.

Hope that helps somewhat
Mark