Diesel Locomotive?

Question

What is the air pressure maintained in a modern Diesel locomotive ?

Answer 1

Errrrr, no. The locomotive reservoirs are in the neighborhood of 130 or 140 psi, but the brake pipe is generally charged to 90 psi in the United States. Amtrak might use 110 for their passenger equipment, but I'm not sure on that one. Remember that the pressures change as they move between different reservoirs and cylinders, since the volume ratios play into the design of the brake systems.

"Hybrid" is also the wrong word to use, I think. The mechanical energy is converted to electric, but there's no blending of the two. The motors are strictly electric.

Answer 2

Well, Diesel locomotives are acutally hybrids. The diesel engine runs a generator to actually power the train, getting off track there, but to answer your question. Generally about 120-150 psi and its for the brakes. The brakes need the pressure NOT to be applied. When the conductor uses the brakes it bleeds off the pressure to engage the brakes OR in the event that the air lines fail, the brakes come on automatically.

Answer 3

Highball gets a Highball from Hoghead and at least one vote for best answer.

He is also correct that passenger equipment is run at 110 psi, except for when longer than 25 cars, such as in one of the Barnum and Bailey Circus Trains. These are actually mixed consists of both passenger and freight equipment, but the 25 car limit would apply even if entirely passenger equipment.

Not all passenger equipment is new generation Amtrak cars and locomotives. Ya gots to know da air............ highball is on the way.

Answer 4

The locomotive main reservoirs are 130-150 depending on the unit and railroad. The brake pipe gets 70-90 pounds for freight, and 110 pounds for mainline passenger.

Yes, they run air tools real fine :)

Answer 5

Per Car??? Each car has its own tanks and holds the pressure. I would say at least between 80 and 120 psi. !! Did I get it correct??