Brake Slug

[rjtul]

What is the purpose of the brake slug X82, shown in the Winter 2007 "Classic Trains"

[WSOR 3801]

To add braking power.  Usually yard switching is done without air on the cars. When kicking cars, when signaled, the engine consist needs to stop quickly.  Sometimes the cut of cars is fairly heavy (20+ loads), over the capacity of the engines alone to stop it.  The brake slug adds extra brakes.   Sometimes the crew will put air on 5-6 cars to help with braking.

[rjtul]

Thanks for the info. I had never heard the term until reading yesterday.

[CPRail modeler]

There is a difference between slugs and sleds (braking slugs). A slug is used with another locomotive to provide better tractive effort, while a sled is used for more braking power yet no tractive effort. A slugs traction motors could probably be disabled, typically making it a sled used for braking power.

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

Brake sleds are relatively rare.  SP cut down two or three of its Train Masters to brake sleds, most others may have been freight cars that were ballasted and fitted with extra air connections to tie into the independent brake.