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Johnb's Recent Activity

  1. Johnb replied to the thread Bahamas.

    Modern air brake systems use a more sophisticated distributor valve allowing gradual brake release and a faster emergency application. I’m not a driver and stand to be corrected but I would think the operation is a lot more smooth than a vac...

    Jun 22, 2026 at 10:10 PM

  2. Johnb replied to the thread Bahamas.

    Maybe it isn’t which is why I used the term future proof

    Jun 22, 2026 at 4:32 PM

  3. Johnb replied to the thread Bahamas.

    I didn’t know that, I’ve always assumed that the faster action was because of the additional brake pressure

    Jun 22, 2026 at 4:04 PM

  4. Johnb liked LMS2968's post in the thread Bahamas.

    The different air / vacuum (air pressure in reverse) are compensated by the use of bigger cylinders for a vacuum system so equalising the brake effort. A vacuum brake can be just as effective as an air system although slower acting, hence the...

    Jun 22, 2026 at 4:01 PM

  5. Johnb replied to the thread Bahamas.

    Vacuum brakes certainly are effective, less complicated and easier to maintain than a two pipe air system although less efficient as the maximum braking force is limited to atmospheric pressure, about 15psi I think. The air brake train pipe is...

    Jun 22, 2026 at 2:30 PM

  6. Johnb liked pete12000's post in the thread Bahamas.

    We also have a Facebook page with pictures showing progress on the overhaul.. And of course a shop Shop - The Bahamas Locomotive Society any income from sales or donations helps with the overhaul or why not join us?

    Jun 22, 2026 at 9:46 AM
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