Re: 498 and 488 approaching Cumbres with the1963 RMRRC excursion

The standard practice on the D&S while bringing light engines down is to alternate between using the air and the Johnson bar every other mile. This works well in areas like Rockwood to Hermosa where the grade is fairly steep and consistent for several miles. In areas that aren’t so steep it is also possible to cut the driver brakes out and use the tender. This keeps heat and wear off the drivers as well as negates the need for compression braking or “running in the britches.”

You can smell the heat from cylinders if you run too fast and too long with the bar in reverse. When you do switch over to air the bar will also “hop” for a few moments until things get lubricated again. As John stated, results are best if you reduce your speed while compression braking and plan for breaks between each method.

-Jon