Braking techniques on different types of rolling stock?

[DanlovesLNER]

How much braking do drivers normally use on service stops on the class 350 EMU? Let's say the rails are dry, there is no low adhesion and the gradient is 0. Also comment on how much braking at when drivers start to brake and different speeds

 

[driver9000]

Where to brake is what route knowledge is for and even with a multiple unit different factors such as train weight and length can alter your decision making. When I signed 350s I based my braking on an initial 30% in good conditions for a normal stop from high speed adjusting it more or less as required bringing the train to a stand with the brake in the minimum position. The slower the train speed the lighter you can be with the brake.

 

[Razorblades]

Is this a quote from an A-level exam paper?

 

[DanlovesLNER]

Is this a quote from an A-level exam paper?

no

 

[DanlovesLNER]

How much braking do drivers normally use with the 150 153 and 156? Let's say that the gradient is 0, the rails are dry and there are no low adhesio.

 

[D6130]

How much braking do drivers normally use with the 150 153 and 156? Let's say that the gradient is 0, the rails are dry and there are no low adhesio.

I always used step 1 as my service brake under those circumstances, unless running in multiple with a disc-braked unit such as a 158, in which case step 2 is the required first application.

 

[TRAX]

in which case step 2 is the required first application.

Why would that be ?

 

[DanlovesLNER]

How much braking do drivers normally use with the class 375 and 377? Let's say that the rails are dry, there's no gradient and there are no low adhesion.

 

[driver9000]

Tread brake 15x units are based on an initial step 1 (approx 1.5 bar) brake application with step 2 and 3 as required bringing the train to a stand ideally in step 1 but with a quick release and catch to prevent the train jolting. When Northern trialled composite material brake blocks on some former Arriva 153s a step 2 initial brake was required.

 

[D6130]

Why would that be ?

Because on a disc-braked unit step 1 is only a holding brake, for station or signal stops. To obtain any decent amount of braking force you have to initiate the braking in step 2. In the case of a tread-braked unit (141/142/143/144/150/153/155/156) leading a disc-braked unit (158/159) you have to brake on the assumption that the whole train is disc-braked.....otherwise, if you brake in step one, the rear unit will be pushing against the front unit with very little braking power. Unfortunately the necessity to make the initial application in step 2 can lead to wheelslide problems approaching stations and red signals in the leaf fall season.....therefore you have to make your initial application much earlier than usual - preferably at a location with little or no danger of leaf fall - and get your speed well down as soon as possible.

 

[TRAX]

Because on a disc-braked unit step 1 is only a holding brake, for station or signal stops. To obtain any decent amount of braking force you have to initiate the braking in step 2. In the case of a tread-braked unit (141/142/143/144/150/153/155/156) leading a disc-braked unit (158/159) you have to brake on the assumption that the whole train is disc-braked.....otherwise, if you brake in step one, the rear unit will be pushing against the front unit with very little braking power. Unfortunately the necessity to make the initial application in step 2 can lead to wheelslide problems approaching stations and red signals in the leaf fall season.....therefore you have to make your initial application much earlier than usual - preferably at a location with little or no danger of leaf fall - and get your speed well down as soon as possible.

Very interesting, thank you.

 

[Fincra5]

How much braking do drivers normally use with the class 375 and 377? Let's say that the rails are dry, there's no gradient and there are no low adhesion.

Depends on the Driver / The TOC's Braking Policy. Dry, Summers Day, I'd use Step 1 on 377s...

 

[43066]

How much braking do drivers normally use with the class 375 and 377? Let's say that the rails are dry, there's no gradient and there are no low adhesion.

Generally steps 1 and 2, with step 3 “full service” and of course emergency to be used if necessary.

From memory SE’s driving policy prohibits using full service for every station and a driver doing so would be pulled in for a chat. This is due to both passenger comfort concerns and to reduce the risk of station overruns.

 

[DanlovesLNER]

If the sprinters use disc brakes, should i use the same braking technique with the 465, 321 and some older rolling stocks since they also use disc brake?

 

[driver9000]

If the sprinters use disc brakes, should i use the same braking technique with the 465, 321 and some older rolling stocks since they also use disc brake?

150, 153 and 156 have tread brakes, 158 and 159 have disc brakes.

 

[D6130]

If the sprinters use disc brakes, should i use the same braking technique with the 465, 321 and some older rolling stocks since they also use disc brake?

321s have disc brakes and therefore requires the same braking technique.

 

[DanlovesLNER]

Do drivers of the class 465 normally use step 1 first then they increase to step 2 when approaching a station and when stopping they use step 1 or 2 to prevent jerking?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 17 Jul 2025 ==

150, 153 and 156 have tread brakes, 158 and 159 have disc brakes.

So sorry, i meant the 158 and 159

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 17 Jul 2025 ==

and also the class 321