How long and how far does it take for a train that does coal to come to a complete stop?

Answer 1

That a rather ambiguous question with many variables...

At 60mph a standard loaded coal train can take 5280ft (one mile) or MORE.

Obviously, a 600 ton train (for instance) hauling coal takes about the same braking distance of a 600 ton train hauling general freight -- doesn't matter what the commodity is.

The variables of course being train speed, weight, whether its on a grade, whether or not dynamic braking is being used or just air brakes, and how many locomotives are on the train.

Answer 2

You are right KD, actually everyone is right. I AM a freight RR engineer so I really know how long it takes to stop.

Here in the East, coal trains are limited to either 40 mph or 50 mph, depending on some variables.

The three main variables influencing the stopping distance of ANY vehicle are: mass (how many tons are moving as a unit), speed (and the rate of gain or loss of speed), and grade (is the mass moving uphill or downhill). Weather can have an influence when wet, icy, or very cold. Sight distance has literally no effect when considering stopping a train of any kind...by the time I can see an object, identify that it is something I'd rather not hit, apply the air brakes and stop...I will be well past the object with my locomotives.

The air brake system works very well, but is not capable of applying immediately. The signal to each car to apply brakes is sent via the brake pipe, that hangy-downey-hosey looking thing between each car below the couplers. It takes 8-9 seconds for the air signal to travel a mile, the average lenght of a coal train in our territory. Once the 8-9 seconds elapse (and I have already travelled 1/10th of a mile or so) then the brakes actually start gripping the wheels slowing the train.

Sometimes someone will say "Don't you have emergency brakes? Why don't you use them?" We do have emergency brakes which will stop the train a little faster, but use of them is not without risk. Occasionally a train will not stop evenly and will literally rip itself in two or three segments due to unusually severe buff and draught forces throughout the train as it tries to stop. Whatever I do to my coal train of an average 100+ cars (at 140 tons each, that's 14,000+ tons, not 600 like the one guy said), it has to be glass smooth and easy as can be to ensure no broken couplers.

It takes a mile or more to stop a loaded freight train, somewhat less if the cars are all empty.

Answer 3

It really depends on how much weight is on the train. Too, some coal trains have other locomotive engines they are pulling as well. So it really depends on the weight factor. Loaded or unloaded...TRAINS DO NOT STOP ON A DIME!!! It could take sometime before the train comes to a full stop! PLEASE DO NOT TRY TO OUTRUN AN ONCOMING TRAIN. Not only does it effect someone's family if they are killed but it also has a huge effect on the engineer and conductor as well!!!

Answer 4

From a speed of one eight of a mile per hour with 67 cars weighing in at about 94,000 lbs each, it takes 2 seconds and four and a half feet.
Point is you must have weight and speed to even begin.
If loaded train sees something on track, he must plan on hitting it if he is going very fast. It takes further to stop than he can see

Answer 5

it can take upto one mile depending on the amouint of hoppers on it, this is due to the follow on weight of the cargo pushing the train even although the driver has braked,
every hopper has its own brakes to assist and normally in the uk anyway you have two locomotives in tandem to assist with the braking
the driver can not make it stop quicker in an emergency situation,, so my advice is keep well clear