Hand Crank on Shoreliner

[WillFoster]

I was in a Shoreliner car waiting to depart Grand Central the other evening.

Between 5 and 10 minutes before we were to depart I saw a conductor pull what sounded like a geared hand crank in the vestibule of the car.

 

What was he doing? Was he releasing the parking brake?

[Amtrak7]

I was in a Shoreliner car waiting to depart Grand Central the other evening.

Between 5 and 10 minutes before we were to depart I saw a conductor pull what sounded like a geared hand crank in the vestibule of the car.

 

What was he doing? Was he releasing the parking brake?

 

Releasing the handbrake.

[WillFoster]

Amtrak7 thanks for your quick reply.

 

If the crank was being release how come it was like pulling up on a hand brake in a car?

as if it was clicking on stops? If it was released why did it not operate like a cars brake, when one presses the button, and just go slack? If its cranked to release how does one know that it's not dragging?

 

I just find it interesting that in these modern times our mass transit system still rely on a mechanical system.

[Truckie]

I just find it interesting that in these modern times our mass transit system still rely on a mechanical system.

 

Just because the times are modern doesn't mean the Shoreliners are.

[metsfan]

Some cars still have a wheel, others have a crank.

 

- A

[WillFoster]

Thanks metsfan.

 

To rephrase... why would releasing the brake have gear stops. I understand that there are stops when applying. However when releasing isn't it all or nothing? Why would the hand lever click as its releasing? Is there degrees of released? Do the conductors sometimes what the breaks applied a little?

[metsfan]

It's like a ratchet, so you can release and apply in steps and take a break so your hands/arms don't fatigue.

A

[WillFoster]

Thanks Mets fan,

 

That makes sense. If you know why is there resistance on both the apply and release actions? Are you pushin a piston or something that releases the shoes from the wheels?

[Joe]

Thanks Mets fan,

 

That makes sense. If you know why is there resistance on both the apply and release actions? Are you pushin a piston or something that releases the shoes from the wheels?

 

No, in fact the whole system is especially designed so that you do not move the brake cylinder piston while applying or releasing the handbrake.

[WillFoster]

Thanks Joe,

 

Can you expand on why ones hand would get tired while releasing the system? I can understand while adding resistance but not releasing.

[Joe]

Thanks Joe,

 

Can you expand on why ones hand would get tired while releasing the system? I can understand while adding resistance but not releasing.

 

The ratchet exists in both directions because sometimes you might not want to release the handbrake all the way. For example, if a single car had to be moved with the brakes cut out, you would want to leave a little handbrake applied so that the car will not roll too freely. I've moved a car like that...keeping the handbrake slightly-applied just to have some drag.

 

On streetcars, the handbrake release is seldom so fine-controlled. Usually the release is "full".

 

Lastly, on a SMEE, if I remember correctly, the handbrake release cannot be graduated, it's just a direct full release.

[INDman]

Lastly, on a SMEE, if I remember correctly, the handbrake release cannot be graduated, it's just a direct full release.

 

Yep, on a SMEE, one you pull the release lever you let it all go unless it jams. When you do release it, you hear a big thud.

[Joe]

Ah, so I remembered right then. I've only applied the handbrake on 6688 once, and that "THUD" when you pull on the release lever was quite noticeable.

[INDman]

Ah, so I remembered right then. I've only applied the handbrake on 6688 once, and that "THUD" when you pull on the release lever was quite noticeable.

 

I still have some of the old bulletins about that hand brake and the hand brake indication lights from when the SMEEs were retrofitted.

[Joe]

Does 6688 have it?

[INDman]

Does 6688 have it?

 

Have what?

[Joe]

The handbrake tied into the indication circuit?

[INDman]

The handbrake tied into the indication circuit?

 

I'll haave to find it, but I think it is on it's own train line circit.

[WillFoster]

I get it.

 

So the conductor is probably ratcheting the lever until it stops... indicated that it is fully released?

[Joe]

I get it.

 

So the conductor is probably ratcheting the lever until it stops... indicated that it is fully released?

 

Yes, once the handbrake is fully released, the staff will stop rotating and all you'll hear is CLICK CLICK CLICK.

[WillFoster]

Ok... one last question.

 

I hear a click click click, from what is said above, when the brake is being released.

 

Joe,

 

You mention all I will hear is CLICK CLICK CLICK but the lever wont will be stopped. What is then making this clicking sound?

[Joe]

The clicking happens only after the handbrake is released. The clicking is the ratchet mechanism. It's designed such that when the handbrake can be further released, it will spin the staff. However, once the brake is fully released, the staff will not rotate any further. Since the staff doesn't rotate, the ratchet mechanism just keeps clicking.