3-step brakes and pulse modulated EP brakes

[darwins]

Hello,

Could anyone give me an idea of the brake cylinder pressures for steps 1, 2, 3 and Emergency for the Westcode 3 step brake and also some idea of the full service and emergency brake cylinder pressures with the pulse modulated brake. I realise they may be different for different units, but would like to get some idea.

Thanks

Darwin

 

[slidingdoors]

Depends on passenger loading as well as normal coach weight (e.g pantograph coaches being heavier so running more bar). An empty 315 in the Driving coach (the only gauge you’ll typically see unless prepping) actually corresponds quite closely with the step numbers. Step 1 just above 1 bar, step 2 around 2 bar etc.. (Westcode)

 

[Irascible]

From one of the manuals, a 158 empty would be 0.85/1.8/2.8 bar ( step 3 & emergency are the same as far as pressure goes ) and fully loaded 1.25/2.5/3.5, so the answer is pretty much "yes".

Will look for the rest of it when I have a moment.

 

[hexagon789]

Hello,

Could anyone give me an idea of the brake cylinder pressures for steps 1, 2, 3 and Emergency for the Westcode 3 step brake and also some idea of the full service and emergency brake cylinder pressures with the pulse modulated brake. I realise they may be different for different units, but would like to get some idea.

Thanks

Darwin

The Class 150/2 driver's instructions gives:

Step 1 - 1 bar unloaded, 1.5 bar fully loaded

Step 2 - 2 bar unloaded, 3 bar fully loaded

Full Service - 3 bar unloaded, 4.5 bar fully loaded

Emergency - 3 bar unloaded, 4.5 bar fully loaded


Essentially it depends on how many passengers are travelling, the load compensation can increase the brake cylinder pressure by up to 50%