In case the connection between the vehicles is broken, full brakes will apply automatically on both remaining train parts. This safety feature is integral to the pressurized air brake system design. Brake pipe needs to be fully pressurized so that the brakes are released. When the brake pipe loses all pressure, brakes get fully applied. This is also one of the disadvantages of the system – before a train can be safely set in motion, it must be pressurized first. The longer the train, the longer it takes to pressurize the system, particularly the auxiliary reservoirs. With long trains, adding extra locomotives can help pressurize the system faster.
Crucial safety feature of the compressed air brake system is that, in case of vehicle connection getting severed, such as due to a {{pll|Derailing|derailment}}, brake pipe pressure will be lost, resulting in automatic full brake application on both remaining train parts. This is integral to the compressed air brake system design.
Revision as of 00:26, 9 March 2025
Crucial safety feature of the compressed air brake system is that, in case of vehicle connection getting severed, such as due to a derailment, brake pipe pressure will be lost, resulting in automatic full brake application on both remaining train parts. This is integral to the compressed air brake system design.
