Where can I find

dkightley · Post by **dkightley** » Thu Aug 24, 2006 11:32 am

So, what about a caption for this one?

How about:
"British Rail laid on a special for the National Association of Guards excursion to Brighton"

Post by **NeutronIC** » Thu Aug 24, 2006 1:57 pm

Following the short supply of Brake Van's being reported, this driver makes an enterprising dash for freedom with a valuable stash.

Traveller54 · Post by **Traveller54** » Thu Aug 24, 2006 2:18 pm

A 1970's Football Special?!

ashgray · Post by **ashgray** » Thu Aug 24, 2006 2:46 pm

... Government cutbacks lead to re-think on Royal Train?

petethetim · Post by **petethetim** » Thu Aug 24, 2006 2:49 pm

Traveller54 wrote:A 1970's Football Special?!

One of the best Yet?

RichPayne · Post by **RichPayne** » Thu Aug 24, 2006 3:27 pm

Just to clarify Ians post, if two Class 20s were hauling a coal train, would the brakevan be at the front of the train(next to the locos), or at the rear?

ashgray · Post by **ashgray** » Thu Aug 24, 2006 5:55 pm

OK, back live....

Brake would have to be at rear - if stuck on the front, it would have no additional useful braking force to apply to the rake of loose fitted trucks behind it, leading potentially to broken couplings or an unstable train due to the uncontrollable weight/mass behind the locos.

I think only if the rake of trucks was being extensively shunted in both directions might there be a need for an additional brake next to the locos.

Now, where were we...?

Cheers
Ashley

RichPayne · Post by **RichPayne** » Thu Aug 24, 2006 7:22 pm

Thanks Ash... Im still trying to think of an appropriate caption to chuck in!

ianmacmillan · Post by **ianmacmillan** » Thu Aug 24, 2006 7:24 pm

The purpose of the break van (as it was originally called) was to keep the couplings tight and prevent them breaking in a sudden snatch. If a coupling did break the the break van could stop or slow the rear portion of the train.
It was also the guard's duty to observe the train to watch for heaters and shifting loads.
Therefore the brakevan should be the rearmost vehicle.
For an unfitted or partially fitted train the van MUST be at the rear.
If the train is fully fitted then up to 15 vehicles may be marshalled behind the brakevan but this was uncommon.

After early 1968, BR did away with brake vans on fully fitted trains - the guard travelling in the rear cab.
However single cab locos (Class 20s, shunters and steam) required a brake van just to provide the guard with a seat.
It was not until the 90s that a brake valve was provided in class 20s to allow the guard to travel in the rearmost cab of a double header.

petethetim · Post by **petethetim** » Thu Aug 24, 2006 8:05 pm

ianmacmillan wrote:The purpose of the break van (as it was originally called) was to keep the couplings tight and prevent them breaking in a sudden snatch. If a coupling did break the the break van could stop or slow the rear portion of the train.
It was also the guard's duty to observe the train to watch for heaters and shifting loads.
Therefore the brakevan should be the rearmost vehicle.
For an unfitted or partially fitted train the van MUST be at the rear.
If the train is fully fitted then up to 15 vehicles may be marshalled behind the brakevan but this was uncommon.

After early 1968, BR did away with brake vans on fully fitted trains - the guard travelling in the rear cab.
However single cab locos (Class 20s, shunters and steam) required a brake van just to provide the guard with a seat.
It was not until the 90s that a brake valve was provided in class 20s to allow the guard to travel in the rearmost cab of a double header.

Very Interesting Ian