emergency braking on steam engines

[cprted]

An emergency stop on a steam locomotive involves a couple of steps. First (and most obviously) the engineer shuts of the throttle and drops the air on the train brake. Then (s)he puts the loco into reverse, which is easier said than done quickly (especially if their is no air pressure left to operate the power reverser). Then the engineer slowly opens the throttle being careful not to lose traction and spin the drivers backwards which will do nothing to slow the train. And while all this is going on on the right side of the cab, the fireman is trying to keep a constant draft through the firebox so as not to blow out the fire if it is a oil burner.

[Anonymous]

Indeed, back in the "old days", an engineer was much more able to "control" his locomotive. Even the older diesels were a much more "manually-operated" piece of equipment. Progress has brought us micro-processor controlled locomotives. Is that a good thing? Ask 10 different engineers that question, and you'll get 10 different answers.
Todd C.

[nfmisso]

THe engineer moves the throttle and reverse lever. There is no automatic connection.

Nigel

[Anonymous]

On modern diesel powered trains when the train goes into emergency braking the engines return to idle. On steam engines what happens ? Does it have some type of blow off valve that stops powering the drivers ? Thanks !