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How do train drivers know when to brake?

Traffic lights, or rather trainline lights. Well before the train gets anywhere near the station it has lights that tell it to slow down, and stop. Depending on which lights are lit, depends on the drivers actions.



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a magnet on the track, when the train runs over the magnet it will warn the driver to stop; a transmission loop that tells the train the signal is red, this will trigger the train computer to apply the brake.

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Trackside signals control entry into and out of each block and also warn trains when the line ahead might be occupied and if they must reduce speed. Just like on a road, there are also speed limit signs, reducing speeds in built up areas and where there are hazards.

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The motor man and conductor can look out the window to make sure nobody was leaving or entering the train. In some stations mirrors and cameras help out. The key thing though is that the doors are equipped with travel detection so that if they cannot close they will reopen.

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Traffic lights, or rather trainline lights. Well before the train gets anywhere near the station it has lights that tell it to slow down, and stop. Depending on which lights are lit, depends on the drivers actions.

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Trains can't stop quickly or swerve. The average freight train is about 1 to 1¼ miles in length (90 to 120 rail cars). When it's moving at 55 miles an hour, it can take a mile or more to stop after the locomotive engineer fully applies the emergency brake.

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Does the Train Conductor Sleep on the Train? In a word, no. Neither the conductor nor the engineer is allowed to sleep on the train. They must be awake and alert throughout their entire shift.

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Its primary purpose is to alert persons and animals to an oncoming train, especially when approaching a level crossing. They are often extremely loud, allowing them to be heard from great distances. They are also used for acknowledging signals given by railroad employees, such as during switching operations.

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Trains have the right-of-way because they cannot quickly stop for a motorist at crossings or for trespassers on the tracks. The average freight train, traveling at 55 MPH, takes anywhere from 1 to 1½ miles to stop.

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The signalling system is used to direct a train on to a particular route. A train follows set routes along the tracks, with the signalling system often used to communicate these routes to the driver.

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- One long whistle-like sound can be heard when the train is coming to a halt, and the engineer applies the air brakes. - Two long honks mean that the train has released the brakes and is ready to continue its journey.

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The reason that trains honk their horns so much at night is because it's dark and the trains aren't so easy to see. Even though the lights are on, we sometimes can't see them coming, especially around the many blind curves near or ahead of the train station.

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Its primary purpose is to alert persons and animals to an oncoming train, especially when approaching a level crossing. They are often extremely loud, allowing them to be heard from great distances. They are also used for acknowledging signals given by railroad employees, such as during switching operations.

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Complying with professional and federal rules and regulations relating to train operation and safety. Monitoring the speed, air pressure and other operational measurements of the train. Using mechanical controls such as throttles and air brakes to control the speed and motion of the train.

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Yes, all over the road locomotives, and local use locomotives are equipped with toilets in small rooms in the front hood area of the locomotive. Some even have fold down sinks for hand washing. The toilets are similar to RV type toilets that have a hand pump for flushing, and holding tanks for the waste.

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The squeal noise is supposed to be the result of the sound radiation of the structural components of the brake system in self-sustained vibrations. The self-sustained vibrations are supposed to be due to the dynamic instability of the sliding equilibrium of the system.

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he brakes will be quickly applied. Typical noise levels due to air-brake operation range from 95 to 115 dB(A), in some cases as high as 120 dB(A).

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