AboutChris Holliday Expertise Questions related to contemporary passenger rail vehicles and their technology, including subway, light rail, commuter and intercity rolling stock. Includes all vehicle systems and features along with integration of the vehicles into the general railroad system.
Experience I have over 22 years of experience in the passenger rail vehicle business as both an engineering manager at a car builder and as a provider of engineering services to commuter railroads and transit agencies in the US. I have worked to apply the latest technologies to passanger rail equipment. I have worked with leaders in our industry to develop and establish Standards and Recommended practices.
Expert: Chris Holliday Date: 3/12/2008 Subject: railcar air brakes
Question Hello
This is additional information for my original question.
I am trying to convert a dining car from a D-22 brake control valve to an ABDW brake control valve. The rail car currently has an "F" type relay valve which we want to change to a "J" series relay valve.
We understand that Ringling Bros circus train has done many of these type of conversions. We were wondering which type relay valve they used but we have been unable to find anyone to talk to.
Thank you
Bob Freedman
NV State RR Museum
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Your question was
"I would like to know what type of RELAY valve is used with a truck mounted 10 (ten) inch brake cylinder. This is used on an older UP passenger car.
Thanks
Bob F"
and was asked on 03/10/2008
Answer Thanks for your question.
It appears you may be looking to upgrade the brake valve in order to move this car in regular freight trains, to move the car in Amtrak trains, or perhaps to take advantage of the six year COT&S cycle. The Ringling Bros. trains have been converted primarily to enable proper brake function on the very long train that they run. The more typical upgrade path would involve an ABDX or ABDXL valve, which are updates from the ABDW. It is not clear why you want to change the F relay valve to a J Relay valve.
I can put you in touch with an individual who is a certified AMTRAK Private car brake inspector who is very familiar with these issues and is willing to discuss these options with you. If you would like to obtain this person's contact information, please send a message to my personal E-mail account: cholld@aol.com, and I will put you in touch with him.
