Author Topic: Eames Train Brakes - Official Work Thread  (Read 129089 times)

James Patten

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Re: Eames Train Brakes - Official Work Thread
« Reply #210 on: December 31, 2023, 05:04:19 PM »
That's what the noise from the shop annex was!

Dante Lakin

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Re: Eames Train Brakes - Official Work Thread
« Reply #211 on: March 14, 2024, 07:10:57 AM »
How can I get involved in this project?

Jason M Lamontagne

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Re: Eames Train Brakes - Official Work Thread
« Reply #212 on: March 14, 2024, 03:56:38 PM »
Dante: YES!!! I'd love to get you involved.  Let's find a time to connect on it- there are many aspects of the project which can use many different skill sets.  Let's connect asap on it.  I'll text.

Thank you!
Jason

Dante Lakin

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Re: Eames Train Brakes - Official Work Thread
« Reply #213 on: March 30, 2024, 06:57:28 PM »
Today there was a work session on the vacuum brakes, primarily consisting of myself, Dom Nesta, Nick Anderson and Chris Belbin with guidance from Jason.

What we did was build a brake pipe connector, using components previously made. Using a previously built brake pipe connector we were able to test which height their brackets should be, relative to the height of the main pipe. On top of this we were able to test orientation, hose length and at which angle the hoses should bend, coming from the top of the pipe. What we found was that with a U bend from the top, and at a slight angle (pivoting along the center of the main pipe) we were able to have the hoses match up nicely, while retaining their abilities to easily disconnect should a train uncouple. On other vacuum systems the hoses come out at 135d, but attempting that angle we found that the hoses we have are too long.

Another part of the project we accomplished was measuring sections of pipe which will be used for Coach 3's vacuum piping. These pipes are 21' long, and using about one and a third of those pipes we got it lined up how we needed for Coach 3, leaving space on both north and south sides for two tees. One tee will be used to lead to the reservoir on each truck. The other will be used for the "conductor's module." The conductor's module will give gauge readouts for reservoir pressure and train pipe pressure per truck, as well as an emergency brake valve. These will all be on the outside of the cars, and mounted high enough as to not interfere with the historic look of our cars without the utmost scrutiny.

We are all planning to get together again for at least one day of the SWW if anyone would like to tag along. Right now the focus is most likely going to be on making the brake hose stands. All in all we will need 13, while it might seem unlucky at first it's due to needing six pairs and one for engine 9's rear tank.
« Last Edit: March 30, 2024, 10:12:24 PM by Ed Lecuyer »

Jason M Lamontagne

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Re: Eames Train Brakes - Official Work Thread
« Reply #214 on: March 30, 2024, 08:27:01 PM »
Thank you to Dante and today’s entire brake team!  It’s like a vacuum brake crew just fell out of the sky!  Dante’s initiative in asking to help on brakes served as the glue for today’s effort.  The crew worked very effectively together.

We now have essentially 5 teams working on our vacuum brake system: Vacuum Pots: Jonathan, Randy, Joseph and myself; truck-mounted brake installation: Jerry and Carlos; rolling stock plumbing installation: Dante and crew; engineering review: Wes C and various other brake program participants; control stands: myself assisted by Jonathan, Harold, Ron, Rick K, and a couple others. 

We hope to be service testing the system by mid summer.

Thanks
Jason

Dante Lakin

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Re: Eames Train Brakes - Official Work Thread
« Reply #215 on: April 29, 2024, 03:00:00 PM »
A huge shoutout goes to Dom Nesta and Nick Anderson who have been able to go above and beyond in planning and executing the planning for the vacuum plumbing. Both of them, aided by Chris Belbin measured each car we plan to fit with vacuum, and Dom really took charge cutting down, reaming and threading a long section of piping into a load of 2ft sections for the brake pipe stands. All four of us together got it down to a process on Saturday evening.

We now have most of what we need for Coach 3 to get the plumbing fitted, we're "just" missing hangers and the conductor stands that will sit on each end of the car. If we're able to keep progressing at this rate Coach 3 should be able to be tested by mid-summer, if not even sooner ;)