Independent brake is a {{pll|Braking Overview|braking system}} type designed as a way to stop, or slow down, individual {{pll|Rail Vehicle Types|motorized rail vehicles}}. Similarly to {{pll|Train Brake|train brakes}}, independent ones use mechanical {{pll|Brake Shoes|brake shoes}} controlled by {{pll|Air Brake System Overview|compressed air}}. However, they only serve a particular vehicle and not the entire train. Because their working volume is smaller than that of a train brake, pressure equalization is quicker, so independent brakes are more practical to use when the vehicle is running solo.
Similarly to {{pll|Train Brake|train brakes}}, independent ones use mechanical {{pll|Brake Shoes|brake shoes}} controlled by {{pll|Air Brake System Overview|compressed air}}. However, they only serve a particular vehicle and not the entire train. Because their working volume is smaller than that of a train brake, pressure equalization is quicker, making independent brakes more practical to use on solo vehicles.
Latest revision as of 12:41, 18 March 2025
Similarly to train brakes, independent ones use mechanical brake shoes controlled by compressed air. However, they only serve a particular vehicle and not the entire train. Because their working volume is smaller than that of a train brake, pressure equalization is quicker, making independent brakes more practical to use on solo vehicles.
