To say that trains are large is a bit of an understatement. Everyone knows this, but what most people don’t know is that the average train weighs between 100 and 200 tons and generates 6000 to 7000 horsepower. ‘Large’ doesn’t even begin to cover it!
Are you stumped when trying to purchase parts to resupply a train? Or are you renovating one of these metal beasts?
You probably want some tips on how to generate enough force to power it. That’s where dynamic braking comes in.
Here, we’re going to tell you about dynamic braking and how it can work for you!
What Is Dynamic Braking?
Before you can learn how dynamic braking helps the train work, it’s first essential to understand what it is. Even though trains have been improving over the decades, dynamic braking has been constant throughout time. That’s how you know it’s a tried-and-true method!
The traction motors in the train are what slow it down and bring it to a stop. It doesn’t use any additional electricity to make the train stop, which is excellent for both utility and simplicity. Plus, the train can stop this way—no matter what speed it’s going or traction it has!
How Does It Work?
Trains use electricity to move along the tracks, and the conductor controls how the electricity works. For dynamic braking, the conductor pulls a lever that makes the electricity in the train distribute into the traction motors more. This helps control the heavy train when it slows down.
Dynamic braking is really safe for this reason. There’s a lot of control in where the train goes and how slowly and safely its stops are. Because of this, the train will not stop so abruptly or quickly as to injure someone or destroy goods in transit.
Click here to check out great prices and variety on the parts that will make dynamic braking possible.
Braking And Your Engine
The main engine in the popular Diesel locomotive is a cylindrical two-stroke engine. These are 760 cubic inches in volume, so a lot is going on in these monstrosities.
This generates a ton of power, of course, but the thing that makes it even more significant than it sounds? This is only one small part of the full engine.
As you can imagine, these engines are powerhouses. With 3200 horsepower, you can’t go wrong. This makes dynamic braking even better. More energy output from the train leads to greater control over its brakes!
Hit The Brakes!
Dynamic braking is a safe and easy way to make a train slow down and stop at the pace it’s supposed to. It’s also efficient because it redistributes the electricity that’s already in the train.
Now that you know all about how dynamic braking works visit our contact page to learn how you can implement this knowledge effectively in locomotive renovations.
All aboard!