Tender brakes

[selector]

Are the tender brakes on a steamer typically operated in conjunction with the independent, as in, will the independent necessarily operate the tender's brakes as well, or is the tender considered part of the consist and only responds to an application of the train brake?

Crandell

[daveklepper]

My experience is that tender brakes were operated by the independent, not by the train-line brakes.

[selector]

Dave, I asked in the Prototype Information forum under Model Railroad Magazine, and a gentleman who operated steam in Canada in the 50's has responded.  The tenders were considered part of the independent application.

Crandell

[daveklepper]

I will admit my esperience is with a switcher, not a road loco.   Some other replies might be helpful.

[K4sPRR]

Referencing two different publications, Karen Parkers book on steam locomotives and an early 1900's series book, Basic Steam Locomotive Maintenance, the tender was a part of the independent brake in part due to how the tender is a "semi/permanent" attachment to the locomotive.  The way the tender is braced to the locomotive they function as a single unit.  Also, in some cases brakes were also applied to the pilot or lead truck, this generally had to be a two axle type.   The trailing truck having brakes was more common and frequently used.