It's that time again, schools starting and we have been in classes for the past three days getting to be smarter bus drivers. We had a fella teach a class today on air brakes complete with an operational air brake system with all the components mounted on a large board. This included spring brakes and the works. We covered all the components and their operation including air leaks at different points and what effect it had on the system. We covered the seven checks that every bus driver should do everyday during their pre-trip. It is very helpful to see a brake system laid out like this making it understandable. I highly recommend going to one of these classes put on by Bendix or even a private class held by a charter bus company. I am certain they would include you for a small fee.
Remember your daily pre-trips. having one signed off in a log can pay big dividends if God forbid something ever happened. My bus never moves with out one completed and signed off with mileage recorded.
Reading your post reminded me of my dad's much earlier life. The educational 'working airbrake' concept has been around since at least the '60s. My dad worked for BW and had a working airbrake system on a portable panel that could be set up and operational in just a short time. It all fit into the back of a station wagon. Air brake systems were much simpler back then.
That stuff fascinated me...
He was also obliged to be on call for evaluation of air brake systems on trucks involved in accidents. I went on some of the truck wrecks...I don't think I recall of a bus accident involving air brakes.
Neither do I recall him finding an airbrake system that was actually at fault...they were usually working....often working even with the tractor laying on it's side if it was still aired up.
You've given me an idea about the brake classes....I'm going to look into those. My dad's still wide open at 86 years, but my DD3 system is not anything he really understands.
Oh well, I prattle! ;)
Cheerio, JR