Which component is responsible for conveying the signal to apply or release the train brakes by changing brake pipe pressure?

Which component is responsible for conveying the signal to apply or release the train brakes by changing brake pipe pressure?

• A. Regulating valve
• B. Automatic brake valve
• C. Equalizing reservoir
• D. MU cutout

Answer: (B)

Braking in air-brake systems works by changing the pressure in the brake pipe. The component that takes a braking signal and creates those pressure changes along the train is the automatic brake valve. When a brake is to be applied, it vents air from the brake pipe, lowering its pressure and causing the brakes to apply. When releasing, it lets air from the reservoirs back into the pipe, raising pressure and releasing the brakes. The regulating valve simply maintains the set brake pipe pressure and controls how quickly the pressure changes, the equalizing reservoir stores air for the system, and the MU cutout can isolate locomotives from automatic braking signals.

Braking in air-brake systems works by changing the pressure in the brake pipe. The component that takes a braking signal and creates those pressure changes along the train is the automatic brake valve. When a brake is to be applied, it vents air from the brake pipe, lowering its pressure and causing the brakes to apply. When releasing, it lets air from the reservoirs back into the pipe, raising pressure and releasing the brakes. The regulating valve simply maintains the set brake pipe pressure and controls how quickly the pressure changes, the equalizing reservoir stores air for the system, and the MU cutout can isolate locomotives from automatic braking signals.