Lever Brake System Train Car
Overview
A lever brake system is a type of brake system used on trains. It is a mechanical system that uses a lever to apply pressure to the brake shoes, which in turn press against the wheels to slow down or stop the train.
Lever brake systems are relatively simple and inexpensive to maintain, and they have been used on trains for over a century. However, they are not as powerful as other types of brake systems, such as air brakes or hydraulic brakes, and they can be difficult to operate in cold weather.
Components
A lever brake system consists of the following components:
- Brake shoes: The brake shoes are made of a hard, durable material, such as cast iron or steel. They are attached to the wheels of the train.
- Brake levers: The brake levers are connected to the brake shoes. When the brake lever is pulled, it forces the brake shoes to press against the wheels.
- Brake rigging: The brake rigging is a system of rods and levers that connects the brake levers to the brake shoes.
- Brake handle: The brake handle is located in the cab of the train. When the brake handle is pulled, it activates the brake rigging, which in turn forces the brake shoes to press against the wheels.
Operation
When the brake handle is pulled, the brake rigging is activated, which in turn forces the brake shoes to press against the wheels. The brake shoes create friction with the wheels, which slows down or stops the train.
The amount of braking force is determined by the amount of pressure that is applied to the brake shoes. The more pressure that is applied, the greater the braking force.
Advantages
- Simple and inexpensive to maintain
- Reliable
- Easy to operate
Disadvantages
- Not as powerful as other types of brake systems
- Difficult to operate in cold weather
- Can be noisy
Applications
Lever brake systems are used on a variety of trains, including:
- Freight trains
- Passenger trains
- Locomotives
- Streetcars
Conclusion
Lever brake systems are a simple, reliable, and inexpensive type of brake system that has been used on trains for over a century. While they are not as powerful as other types of brake systems, they are still effective at slowing down or stopping trains.
