No doubt this information has been posted before. I imagine, though, there are many like me who find value in revisiting (or visiting for the first time) the .pdf document linked below. It comes from the NRHS, and is entitled "AIR BRAKES - Application and operation."
I've depended on this for a while, to be able to identify the specific type of brake system on all of my 300+ passenger and freight cars. It also helps me, through its profuse illustrations and spare-language but thoroughly illuminating text, identify all auxiliary parts. It has been the best help I've seen, when I choose to update any car's brake system with more accurate detail parts. It provides similar help when building, from scratch or a kit, a new car.
It also helps tremendously, understanding brake systems, from a locomotive to the last car of the train, and how it all works.
My advice: download and keep this document handy while working on your cars. You won't regret it.
You'll find it here: www.nmra.org/sites/default/files/d9o.pdf
Hi navyman636,
Thank you for posting that excellent article! I have been searching for exactly that information, particularly how to arrange the components on my models.
Here is a live link:
https://www.nmra.org/sites/default/files/d9o.pdf
Cheers!!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Thanks for posting the article. I've been wanting to understand how braking systems work, too. This looks very helpful.