Railway Automatic Block Signals must be spaced to provide adequate braking distances for any trains, whether freight or high-speed passenger, that may be operated on a rail line. This article furnishes representative braking curves for tonnage freight trains at various speeds up to 50-mph, and for passenger trains at 65 mph, both as a function of track gradient. The braking distances are based on operating speeds plus 5 mph safety margin; the curve ordinarily used is the one marked "calculated plus 20 per cent." An additional distance has also been allowed for the air-brake application to take effect, as shown in the chart on page 328.
Content Notes:
Public Domain, except where noted in the document. Please cite as:Muller, J.P., Braking Distance with Signals. Railway Signaling, June 1935, pp. 326 and 328. https://www.jonroma.net/media/signaling/railway-signaling/1935/Braking%20Distance%20with%20Signals.pdf
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