Hello everyone,
First off, I just wanted to let everyone know that I love both the straight air and automatic brake systems. One can give a good ride with either. Yes, the straight air does take some getting used to(i.e. slower reaction in an application), but I feel it is a safe and suitable system for use out here in Durango. Please don't get me wrong, I love the 6ET valve. It really takes a good "feel" to be able to bring a train down using it. Sorry to all of the "modern" hoggers, but, how many "modern" engineers would even know what to do with a 6ET valve? The only ones I have seen still in mainline use are on vintage diesel switchers.
Back to the point at hand. While firing for Mike Nichols(retired SP, 3rd Gen. Engineer)last summer on a work train, he showed me the concept of "bridging the air". This only came into play when you had a leaky brake pipe. He learned it from the "old timers" while working for the SP. It involves making your reduction on the 6ET, then placing the handle between the lap and holding positions on the "bridge". On that work train we had a brake pipe that was losing about 2-lbs. per minute. It takes a little practice and a couple of tries to find the right spot on any one valve; but it worked great. It converted the 6ET into more or less a self-maintaining valve(while holding a set). The only drawback was that if you bumped the handle over to far on the "bridge", obviously you would release the brakes.
I was just wondering if any of you had ever tried or heard of that?
My $.02,
Rob