Engines set up for MU sometimes have as many as five brake line hoses on each side. Even accounting for only five (on a given end) ever being used at once, that seems like three too many.
I figure there's one for the train line automatic brakes, and one for the independent brakes in the loco consist. What are the other three for?
Still in training.
Along with the 27 pin MU cable and (big) brake pipe, you generally have 3 on each side (same 3 on both sides, hyou only need to hook up one of each if you're hooking them up, which you may or may not depending on circumstances/rules):
MR hose which connects all the main reservoirs together so it's like having one big main reservoir.
Actuating hose which allows the all the locomotives connected with such to be "bailed off".
A&R (apply and release) hose that makes all the locomotives connected with such to apply/release their independents together.
Some older engines had a sanding hose that I guess controlled sanders. That's all electronic and through the 27 pin MU cable now.
On some engines you may see another electric cable for ECP brakes.
Slug mothers will have additional connections for slugs.
The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.
zugmannAlong with the 27 pin MU cable and (big) brake pipe, you generally have 3 on each side (same 3 on both sides, hyou only need to hook up one of each if you're hooking them up, which you may or may not depending on circumstances/rules): MR hose which connects all the main reservoirs together so it's like having one big main reservoir. Actuating hose which allows the all the locomotives connected with such to be "bailed off". A&R (apply and release) hose that makes all the locomotives connected with such to apply/release their independents together. Some older engines had a sanding hose that I guess controlled sanders. That's all electronic and through the 27 pin MU cable now. On some engines you may see another electric cable for ECP brakes. Slug mothers will have additional connections for slugs.
Back in the late 80's early 90's CSX tried to link the slug fuel tank to the mother so as to decrease the fueling frequency for the mother-slug combo. Eventually they gave it up as a failed experiment. I don't know what specific problems were encountered that caused the failure of the experiment.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
Some earlier locos had five hoses on each side in addition to the train lined automatic brake hose. The ones mentioned above plus a sand foward and a sand reverse hose.
Passenger units had a signal whistle in the cab that ran off of another hose trainlined through the passenger cars for the use of the conductor in signaling the engineer. This hose was usually located next to the automatic brake hose.
The passenger units also had a heavy metal steam connector to provide steam heat and in some cases air conditioning to the train.
Thanks, guys.
Back when you had different locomotive brake equipment, you had different requirements to MUing the hoses.
Here's a chart from the RI Air Brake and Train Handling Instructions on how to MU the different brake equipment.
Rock Island Air Brakes (archive.org)
Today, with only 3 hoses it's a lot easier. Just make sure you don't cross the hoses.
Jeff
The gladhands on main reservoir hoses are backwards from the rest, so you can't mix them up with the other two (though I'm sure some has tried).
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-an Articulate Malcontent
Now to confuse us --------- The ACS-64s, SC-44s and ilk all have a new connection. If you look at their front you will see above the HEP both sides connections a small connector is located . Appears to be some type of fiber optic connection but have my doubts ?
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