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| Fastbrake https://www.rypn.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=31264 |
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| Author: | PCook [ Fri Apr 22, 2011 9:40 am ] |
| Post subject: | Fastbrake |
I have recently been on some projects that have the Wabtec Fastbrake system installed, the first time I have had the opportunity to work with this system. Fastbrake is a unitized air brake system with the main operating components mounted on a rack that is usually located under the cab floor on a diesel roadswitcher. The automatic and independent are a combined unit that mounts in a small rectangular opening or on a flat surface with appropriate holes for the cables to be connected on the back side. The thing that is impressive about this system is that it eliminates virtually all of the control air piping. The connector between the automatic/independent and the component skid is a factory assembled electrical cable with Canon plug connections. The inside of the control stand in back of the automatic/independent is empty except for that cable. It would seem to me that this system has significant potential for historic equipment that needs to be operable and compatible with modern requirements. The space requirement for the equipment skid is minimal, likewise the space requirement for the automatic/independent is minimal, and the cable connector system allows great flexibility in component placement and cable routing without having to rip up a lot of structure to allow clearance and accessibility. It could easily be put through a small conduit, making replacement (an unlikely event anyways) a simple operation. I realize this is not technically "preservation" but I think the system has so much potential that folks involved in restoration of historic equipment need to be aware of its availability. Without getting into a lot of details let me just offer in advance of criticism that there is no conflict of interests in my telling you about this system. I retired from Wabtec last year, and I never worked for the division that makes this unit. The first time I saw this equipment was a few weeks ago. PC |
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