Sheff's Recent Activity
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Sheff replied to the thread North Yorkshire Moors Railway General Discussion.
Why is the cab still in anti-rust primer?
Jun 22, 2026 at 10:28 PM -
Sheff liked Johnb's post in 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 10:22 PM -
Sheff liked Steve's post in the thread Bahamas.
The vacuum brake is about as fail safe as a brake can be unlike an air brake as the triple valve or distributor can fail to operate. It relies on the fact that there are multiple distributors on a train and multiple failure is highly unlikely....
Jun 22, 2026 at 10:21 PM -
Sheff liked LMS2968's post in the thread Bahamas.
Nothing wrong with your memory, Sheff!
Jun 22, 2026 at 6:35 PM -
Sheff replied to the thread Bahamas.
As I understand it, with two pipe air, one pipe acts as a ‘brake controller’ along the length of the train, and via the ‘triple valves’ actuates the brakes on each vehicle, these are then recharged from local reservoirs. With vac, air is admitted...
Jun 22, 2026 at 4:59 PM -
Sheff liked Johnb's post in 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 4:52 PM -
Sheff liked 35B's post in the thread West Somerset Railway General Discussion.
That begs the question of whether the incidents that arise are genuine mistakes, or in fact the outcome of negligent behaviour by person or organisation. When it comes to low bridges, my strong suspicion is that negligent behaviour is the...
Jun 22, 2026 at 1:11 PM -
Sheff 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 10:53 AM -
Sheff liked Johnb's post in the thread Bahamas.
Technically fitted with an air pump and combined brake valve for working air braked trains, the engine and tender will still be steam braked. I understand that the air pump will be located out of sight between the frames rather than under the...
Jun 22, 2026 at 9:09 AM
