Freight trains use 90 psi (with maybe an exception of 105 here or there) and the cars have to be provided with air by the engine(s). If the engineer has applied the brakes more than he wants to, he has to release the brakes completely and then, with less air in the air hoses, apply them again. Amtrak uses 110 psi and the passenger cars can provide themselves with air. If the engineer has applied the brakes more than he wants to, he can ease up on them without releasing them completely due to that.
Why don't Frieght trains and Amtrak use the same kind of brakes? To me, it seems like frieght companies would want to use the same kind of brakes that Amtrak does. Another thing I would like to know is why Amtrak's frieght cars use 90 psi instead of 110.
Why don't Frieght trains and Amtrak use the same kind of brakes? To me, it seems like frieght companies would want to use the same kind of brakes that Amtrak does. Another thing I would like to know is why Amtrak's frieght cars use 90 psi instead of 110.
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