What are the application and release time of the US trains brake?
It all depends on the length of the train, and believe it or not, the weather. Longer trains and colder weather dimini***he efficiency of the trainline air brake. More variables than I can say in a short post.
Todd C.
The upper limit is the speed of sound, about 1000 ft per second, since it is an air pressure wave that signals the brakes to set and release. So, for a mile long train, it takes at least 5 seconds for the application or release signal to reach the rear of the train. On top of that, you have to add the time it takes for the brake valve to react, plus the time it takes for the air to flow from the car’s air reservior into the brake cylinder (application) or the brake cylinder to vent completely (release), which will vary depending on the amount of brake applied.
-Don