As another reviewer noted, there are numerous braking mistakes in the train sequence. As he noted, air pressure is used to hold the brakes OFF, not on. When pressure in the line is lost the brakes set automatically. In addition the loco had dynamic braking built in, when the control is thrown to the brake positions (as it is when coming down long grades) the wheel motors become generators and this power is sent to resistors in the top of the loco. By doing this the generators are loaded and apply braking action. Another thing is---if none of the car brakes were set, then why was there sparks coming from ALL the train wheels? The story was a little far-fetched but the train sequence was a disaster.
2 Reviews
Major Problem
goddancredmond6 November 2013
Warning: Spoilers
I usually like this show, mainly because of the quirky characters. Some of the plots are a bit far far-fetched, but I can usually live with that.
This one went way too far in unbelievability. The writers do not have a clue as to how air brakes work. I would rate this show a Zero if that was possible.
First of all, disconnecting the "glad hand" couplers would not result in loss of air pressure in the lines. They are self-sealing. Now, it is possible that they were tampered.
Next, the compressed air generator is on-board the locomotive and will still produce air pressure.
Most telling is the fact that air brakes are not applied by using air pressure. The braking action is the result of lack of sufficient air pressure. Thus, if the compressed air system is inoperative, braking starts automatically.
Finally, there is a master electrical disconnect switch to cut power from the generator to the wheel motors. Once disconnected, those motors would also act as addition braking power.
The NCIS-LA writers owe us all an apology for their extremely shoddy research.
This one went way too far in unbelievability. The writers do not have a clue as to how air brakes work. I would rate this show a Zero if that was possible.
First of all, disconnecting the "glad hand" couplers would not result in loss of air pressure in the lines. They are self-sealing. Now, it is possible that they were tampered.
Next, the compressed air generator is on-board the locomotive and will still produce air pressure.
Most telling is the fact that air brakes are not applied by using air pressure. The braking action is the result of lack of sufficient air pressure. Thus, if the compressed air system is inoperative, braking starts automatically.
Finally, there is a master electrical disconnect switch to cut power from the generator to the wheel motors. Once disconnected, those motors would also act as addition braking power.
The NCIS-LA writers owe us all an apology for their extremely shoddy research.
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