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G'day BW and Philip,
Yes, the Westinghouse air brake was a marvelous invention back in the 1880s.
But, it does have limitations.
Nothing is air tight, and air can eventually leak off.
BW, surely yer newbie emu sets have Spring Parker brakes ?
Securing an old smog hollow red rattler against movement was a challenge.
But, modern day smog hollow emu sets have spring parkers that apply through out the train.
With the A7EL and B7EL brake valves here on older weasels and electric locos, you could not rely on a train brake application to keep the train stationary for any long period.
That being IF the loco brakes were insufficient to hold the train stationary.
Sufficient hand brakes had to be applied to the train.
But, the self maintaining feature of the 26L brake valve, we could rely on the train brake application.
Supposedly.
But, create any sudden back pressure in the train brake pipe, and them brakes can release.
But, I can tell you from personal experience, being underneath a wagon attempting to rectify an air brake problem is NOT fun under any circumstances.
When you find that part of the brake rigging has collapsed into the four foot.
Especially where you are BY YERSELF (DOO), in the dark, and that train is standing on a steep grade.
And, the weasel brake valve is the Davies Metcalfe M9A.
You are constantly wondering if the brakes will hold.
Nothing is perfect.
But, I did survive intact that nite.
Steve.
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