What Are These Called?

Discussion in 'Off Topic' started by JohnnyK98, Sep 18, 2019.

  1. JohnnyK98

    JohnnyK98 Well-Known Member

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    Hey everyone, I wanted to know what those tubes are in the front of the train? I know one of them is for connecting to another locomotive or train and helps with the brakes, and once it disconnects it stops the cars automatically. There appears to be 6 tubes, with 3 on each side. Is this for connecting to other locomotives as well? More power/strength?

    Also, I've seen videos of the tube snapping and it looks extremely dangerous, does anyone have experience with these? Looks like you can lose a hand if the thing pops!

    EDIT: Also! What is the 'base' piece called? The thing that actually holds up the train? Thank you!
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Sep 18, 2019
  2. Matto140

    Matto140 Well-Known Member

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    [​IMG]

    The 3 hoses that run between the units enable the control of all units as one. The hoses are, from the coupler out, MR (main reservoir) ACT (actuating) and BC (brake cylinder). The MR hose couples all of the main reservoirs in the units together, creating one large reservoir to increase air capacity and share the load among the air compressors of each unit. ACT and BC hoses control Independent brake on units together. The ACT hose is pressurised when the engineer bails off, to release the brakes on all units. The BC hose is pressurised according to the degree of braking effort the engineer has selected. However, there is no direct connection between the brake cylinders on the different units.
    Sanding and other signal lines are on newer locos controled by electric MU cable.

    Edit note: Added little description, for better understanding!
     
    Last edited: Sep 19, 2019
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  3. JohnnyK98

    JohnnyK98 Well-Known Member

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    Thank you so much! And thanks for making the little graphic too, super helpful!
     
  4. LastTrainToClarksville

    LastTrainToClarksville Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for the diagram, but your description and the labels on the picture don't match up.
     

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