Author Topic: Brake function  (Read 26503 times)

snowdog

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Brake function
« on: April 11, 2024, 10:26:45 AM »
Hey all,

Looking for guidance on the brake function. Specifically, when activated, is it supposed to work like a brake? When I press the brake button, I see the percentage increasing but I don't get brake action. Where can I go to get info on this or does the brake function not work that way?

TIA - Bryan

ON28

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Re: Brake function
« Reply #1 on: April 11, 2024, 06:38:00 PM »
The throttle has to be set at 0 for the brake to work. Makes no sense.

snowdog

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Re: Brake function
« Reply #2 on: April 12, 2024, 06:00:26 AM »
Thank you ON28

I was aware of the throttle setting but I was hoping there was a setting I missed. That's to bad.

CPRail

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Re: Brake function
« Reply #3 on: April 12, 2024, 01:50:51 PM »
Hey Bryan,

Can you advise what action are you trying to achieve? Braking down from mainline speeds? Action like the TCS Drive Hold?

I think it's more like an independent brake vs. a train brake.

My layout is mostly switching, and "mainline" speeds are low. I set my accel & decel at 10%. If you then set load to say 20% (dependent on locos - some need more load), I find you can lower the throttle setting and as it's adjusting to your setting, you can use the brake. I generally use it for that last little bit, like during a coupling, or stopping after/before a switch point. I also use manual notching, so I can control the engine sound independently from the actual speed.

Hope that helps!

Ian Lisakowski
Modelling CP Rail & VIA in the early 80's

ON28

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Re: Brake function
« Reply #4 on: April 12, 2024, 08:16:54 PM »
As Ian said, during slow speed switching I'll hit the brake up to 100% and hold it there, then throttle down until the brake takes effect, which is to say an immediate dead stop.

KPack

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Re: Brake function
« Reply #5 on: April 13, 2024, 12:45:50 AM »
Load/momentum has a large effect on the brake action.  The higher the load, the longer it will take to brake.  And you'll need to hold the brake button down....as soon as you release it at all brake action ceases.

ON28

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Re: Brake function
« Reply #6 on: April 14, 2024, 03:23:46 PM »
I cap some locos at 75% of top speed account ham-handed operators, but also enhances braking action, at least to me.

snowdog

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Re: Brake function
« Reply #7 on: April 16, 2024, 12:22:16 PM »
Hey all,

I've been in RP for a while, I'm trying to operate more realistically. Case in point, when rolling down a grade, dynamic brakes does not function as dynamic brakes (yes, I'm aware it's a sound). So I thought I'd add braking to the lead locomotive to simulate braking action but that does not work. Also, the brakes do not hold when accelerating from a stop (similar to the load function). There is the premise to my question. Thanks for the inputs.

Bryan