Micro Air
 SD90MAC
locomotives come equipped with electronically controlled air brake systems. The 26L
system existing on most of today's locomotives is an entirely pneumatic system while
Micro Air is a pneumatic system controlled by a set of solenoid valves and a
microprocessor. The idea behind Micro Air is to give the operator greater control
over the system while eliminating much of the piping in the control stand. The
reduction in piping dramatically reduces cab noise and maintenance requirements
(leaks) normally found on a purely pneumatic system. Micro Air also facilitates the
implementation of distributed locomotive consist operation.
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UP demonstrator cab controls - Greg
Sherwood.
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Operation of Micro Air remains the same as 26L and 30CDW systems, independent
applications are made using the black handle and train brake application (brake pipe
reductions) are made with the red handle. Note that air will not be heard rushing
through the control stand as with 26L and 30CDW systems. The time lag between handle
movements and application/release of the brakes will be different than a 26L and
30CDW system. Also, the amount of brake pipe reduction and independent
application/release from handle movements with the Micro Air system will be different
from 26L and 30CDW systems. In other words, moving the independent handle halfway
through its travel might result in a 35 lb. application with a 26L or 30CDW system,
but the same handle movement on Micro Air might result in a 50 lb. application.
The handles are located on the right hand side of the control stand. Notice that
brake applications will now be made with the right hand while they were made with the
left on a standard control stand.
©
2005 William C. Slim
http://www.okthepk.ca
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