Brake smell

[Marton]

I have noticed recently that when MkIVs brake there is a smell like the original HSTs.

Is this just a new type of brake pad/disc or something else?

 

[BestWestern]

Very likely just the brake pads, most stock will emit a smell when under fairly heavy braking. It's even noticeable on 158's occasionally, just depends if you're sitting where the pong can reach your nostrils!

 

[LE Greys]

I remember that smell, along with an old school joke that one could get high on it.

 

[fgwrich]

If your lucky to catch a loco hauled service behind a 67 these days, they still seem to have similar brake blocks emitting the same smell as the HSTs. God i remember some times on HSTs in the summer, the air con would get it, the open droplights would let it flood in.

Mind you, most of Rivieras Mk2s should also be surely capable of emitting / producing the same results!

 

[bronzeonion]

I'm not sure which would make the most dust, disc brake pads on the MK3's or any other disc braked vehicle or cast iron brake blocks on MK2's or any other tread braked vehicle.

 

[Temple Meads]

Had a bit of a brake stink on the up Night Riviera between Plymouth and Exeter tonight/this morning, not that unusual for the up NR..

 

[Sir_Clagalot]

you cant beat the smell of a hot UIC low friction brake pad!!!

 

[D365]

i remember that smell, along with an old school joke that one could get high on it.

hyperrr

 

[dstrat]

Couple of weeks ago I had a couple of trips on the ECML...right at the front of the front carriage going north when braking hard from speed on the approach to stations....absolutely stank and I mean extremely bad. To the point that I would be holding back the cough trying to preserve my manliness It was to the point that I didnt need to look or listen to tell if the train was slowing down...just smell.

I could have got the same train by chance but I have no idea...all i know is I've never smelt it like that. Smelt good apart from the cancer tho

 

[trentside]

I've been on East Coast services where other passengers have asked staff what the smell is - some were quite alarmed by the burning smell. My most recent encounter, however, was on the A Stock Farewell tour on the Metropolitan Line - with the windows open and the frequent braking the smell was apparent for much of the day!

 

[PaxVobiscum]

I could have got the same train by chance but I have no idea...all i know is I've never smelt it like that. Smelt good apart from the cancer tho

I wouldn't worry about the safety of the materials used in brake pads - I'm sure they are asbestos they can get.

 

[Mikey1984]

Nice to know I'm not the only one who fondly remembers the 125s unique smelly brakes.
It was almost a rubbery kind of smell.
Was all part of the experience. That and being told off for playing with the ashtray built into the arm of the seat.
Happy days