User Guide

MICROSOFT TRAIN SIMULATOR ENGINEER’S HANDBOOK

TRAIN BASICS | 25

In an air brake system, the force of air pressure in the brake cylinder presses the brake pad against

the wheels, slowing the train.

A system of air reservoirs in each car, connected by a brake pipe that runs the length of the train, are

filled by the main compressor located on the locomotive. The important thing to remember when

operating an air brake system is that you reduce the brake pipe pressure to increase the brake

cylinder pressure, which applies the brakes.

Over the years, there have been many modifications to the traditional air brake system, particularly the

addition of electrical switches and computers to control air flow. The locomotives modeled in Train

Simulator use a variety of systems. See the online Help (press F1) for instructions on using the

brakes on the locomotive you are operating.

Vacuum brakes:

Flying Scotsman

uses vacuum brakes. A vacuum brake system is essentially the

opposite of an air brake system. Steam-powered ejectors create a vacuum in the brake pipe and

brake cylinder. When the vacuum brake handle is set to apply brakes, air moves into the brake pipe

and reduces the vacuum on one side of the brake piston. With this pressure change, the movement

of the piston causes the brake shoes to be applied to the wheels.

1 Driver’s Brake Valve

2 Ejector

3 Vacuum Brake Pipe

4 Vacuum Reservoir

5 Brake Cylinder

6 Brake Rigging

7 Brake Block

8 Wheel

Diagram of Vacuum Brake Cylinder-Brake AppliedDiagram of Vacuum Brake Cylinder-Brake Released

Vacuum Reservoir

Piston

Conncection Brake Rigging

Brake Cylinder

Air allowed into cylinder,

forcing piston up.

Connection to Brake Pipe