Re: Aus Railways loco brake systems

["Foamer?? Not Likely !!" <locopads@senet.com.au>]

mpp_editor@my-dejanews.com wrote:
> 
> > I'm trying to find some info on the brakeing systems used by Aus Railway loco's,but I haven't had much luck.Anyone out there know much about them?
> > Thanx in advance.
> > David Rowe
> >
> >
> Where do we start. I can tell you the following about modern day locos.
> 
> The most popular sytem in use over the last 25 years has been the 26L system.

... this is true ....

> These are found on  422s, 442s, 47s, 80s, 81s, 85s and 86s.

... and CL, AL (Before MK) 700, Vic C and X (later ones) and WAGR L...
> 
> The B7 brake valve was fitted to the folowing locos:  44s, 45s, 46s, 48s, and > the 49 class locos.

... and 830, DA, CK, 600.  The A7EL is also in use on some of these. 
868, 869 and 870 had a Davies Metcalfe self lapping brake valve fitted.
The 'B' in 'B7' refers to the self lapping independant brake. The 'A' in
'A7' refers to an independant brake that is not self lapping.  The
automatic portion remains the same....
> 
> The latest brake valve used by Freightcorp is the 30ACDW. and it is mounted flat in front of the driver and is commonly referred to as the desktop control setup. It is found in the 82s and 90s respectively.  This system is very different in the fact it is electronically controlled 

... No I'm afraid not - try relay and pilot air valves! One pressure
against another (but that is the basis of the whole Westinghouse system
anyway!).  

The C-2-W relay valve, 30-CW module, a H-5-A Relayair Valve, several
double check valves, a WL triple, a P-2-A,  an A-1 Charging Cut Off
Pilot, and an MU-2-A valve all contribute, but apart from the dynamic
interlock, NONE of the above are electronic.

The 30ACDW is not really all that different to the 26L to operate - the
handle positions are basically the same - turned on one side - but the
valve is MUCH cleaner and MUCH quieter in operation.  The fundamental
difference between the 30ACDW and all other Westinghouse valves before
it, is that this type, at no time, directly comes into contact with
brake pipe pressure - it is all controlled by relay .....

>to a certain point with all the brake valves and relays located on a special rack locoated inside the compressor compartment.

 ... on the brake rack - which is conveniently located near an air
source.  Twin stack driers also play a part....

> I am not sure on the NRs and would welcome some National Rail drivers to comment on their locos.
> 
... by the way, seeing as they are creating a lot of talk lateley the
250/100/280/300/400/2300 classes have SEM brake (Westinghouse E.P.)...

> Anyone else from different states also like to add their comments.

... Just Did! .....

> I hope this helps
> 
> Stuart Ellis
> 
... So do I .....   :-)