Operation
Steam is supplied to the steam brake cylinders from the locomotive boiler via a valve (the brake valve) which may have several fixed settings or be infinitely variable. The piston in the steam cylinder is set in motion by the steam admitted, the piston rod transfers the brake force via a system of rods to the brake blocks of the vehicle, thus achieving the braking effect. A return spring returns the piston to its rest position as soon as the steam supply is interrupted. The expanded and condensed steam is drained from the steam cylinder through a drain valve (Entwässerungsventil).
Read more about this topic: Steam Brake
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