Train splits

[NW Mailing List]

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Although emergency applications should only happen in the event of a train separation or a deliberate emergency brake application, unfortunately a transient pressure pulse in the brake pipe can also look like a sudden deep reduction, inducing an "unintended emergency brake application."  Modern systems have reduced this tendency, but it still happens occasionally.
 
Dave Phelps
 
Henry Nase was N&W's head safety man.  When the ABD (W?) brake came out, there
were a multitude of instructions published.  As I recall, the brake pressure had to be
reduced to 20 lbs. and the angle cock gently closed.  According to Nase, a hopper 
train from Lamberts Point was to fill out at Broadway Yard, Petersburg.  Stopping on the
downgrade from Poe, the brakeman waited for the engineer to signal that the pressure
was down to 20 lbs., then he slammed the angle cock shut.  The light engines then
went to City Point Branch Jct. and backed into Broadway Yard.  The valves were
so pressure-sensitive that the brakes released on the train .  The conductor thought the
crew had done a remarkable job of picking up - - - - until the cab rounded the curve at
City Point Branch Jct. and he saw his crew in panic mode.    Harry Bundy 

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