Locomotive Air Brake System Conversion
FMW Solutions LLC was retained by an industrial railroad client to overhaul and convert the air brake system on a General Electric 110 ton center cab switching locomotive. The locomotive, which was previously rebuilt by a third party re-manufacturer, had been outfitted with a one-off electrically-controlled air brake system that was not performing as required. As such, FMW was engeaged to convert the locomotive to a standard 26L air brake system with the goal of returning it to safe, reliable operation.
The FMW mechanical team began work by evaluating the locomotive air brake system. This revealed that the locomotive lacked a main reservoir pop valve, no separation between engine (independent) brake controls and train (automatic) brake controls with no provision for conducting a proper brake test, and due to the configuration of the electronic brake system that blended the independent and automatic brake functions, there was no practical way to hold the train with the engine (independent) brake while also charging the train brake system.
After assembling the air brake components and fabricating a brake stand, FMW made a subsequent visit to convert the brake system. FMW traced all of the electronic control system components, removed the majority of the piping associated with the original system, and set about converting the locomotive to a 26L air brake system. All of the air brake plumbing was recreated of copper and/or steel pipe fittings, and a custom-fabricated air brake stand was installed in the cab.
After a two weeks of work on site, the air brake system was completed, tested, and the locomotive was returned to service.
