EXPERIMENTS ON BREAKS FOR RAILWAY TRAINS. 



79 



Experiments at Southport. 

 Slide Breaks. Engine detached. 



These experiments give for the retarding force of Mr. Newall's flap break 

 6-32 lbs. per unit of mass, and for Mr. Fay's 5-87 lbs. ; or in other words, 

 the retarding force of Mr. Newall's flap break, from three experiments, at 

 velocities varying from 50 to 51| miles per hour, was equivalent to 440 - 3 lbs. 

 per ton weight of the train. 



The retarding force of Mr. Fay's flap breaks, from three similar experi- 

 ments, was 408-6 lbs. per ton. 



We may illustrate the general bearing of these experiments by estimating 

 from an average of the whole experiments the distance required to stop a 

 train fitted throughout with these breaks, and detached from the engine. 



A train would be stopped, — 



At a velocity of 20 miles an hour in 23-4 yards. 

 30 „ „ 52-9 ' „ 



40 „ „ 93-8 „ 



50 „ „ 146-8 

 60 „ „ 211-5 



This last Table exhibits in a very clear manner the advantages of this class 

 of breaks, in which the whole weight of the train aids in destroying the mo- 

 mentum of the mass instead of the weight of one or two guard vans only. 

 It may be impossible in long trains to apply these breaks to every carriage; 

 but, at all events, in the ordinary traffic three times the present amount of 

 break power may be employed with ease. 



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