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Dynamic Braking and Steam Engines
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<P>There was a patented system, used widely in Europe, called the Le Chatelier Water Brake, which used the compression of the cylinders for braking effort. As I understand its operation, going down the mountain the reverse lever would be placed in full back motion and the device squirted water into the exhaust chambers of the cylinders which vaporized, providing the retarding force for the pistons. </P> <P>AFAIK the D&RGW was the only US railroad that made wide use of this device. Evidently, it was difficult to keep from sucking exhaust gases through the exhaust nozzles into the cylinders, and it must have been tough on valve gear and rod bushings.</P> <P>Robert A. Le Massena had an article in an issue of the late, lamented VINTAGE RAILS magazine about the Le Chatelier brake.</P> <P>A couple of years back, TRAINS had a mountain railroading issue that covered downhill operations pretty well, including the use of dynamic brakes and retainers.</P> <P>Ol' Ed</P>
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