Braking tips

[artimrj]

I know the brakes are not perfect yet. But I figured out a little on how to use them as they are now. When braking I would apply too much and then would be scrambling to get back to speed. By the time the brake pipe got back to 85 or 90 depending on the engine, I would be going way too slow. I finally got tired of this and when I did my next brake application I only used the 1st notch, Initial setting. It only removes a few pounds of air pressure that can be recharged quickly and it will slow you down, just not instantly. You do not need full brakes just to slow down.

When using the dynamic brakes you have to put it into SETUP and wait for about 10 seconds, then you can choose higher ranges. Slowing down on a steep grade and holding the speed limit requires the dynamics and some help from the "auto" brake. Just use the 1st notch of the auto brake as stated above. When you get to a little less, like 2 MPH below speed limit, release the auto brake. Then wait to be going too fast again and repeat. On the steep hills with 25 mph limits I have the dynamic brake at notch 6 or 7.