Watch: CN’s distributed braking cars help the railroad run trains more safely in the winter
Written by David C. Lester, Editor-in-Chief
CN Air Cars provide distributed braking for safer operation in cold weather.
Canadian National
Through the coldest winter conditions every year, the CN fleet of distributed braking cars, or Air Cars, keep goods moving safely and with reliable service.
The Air Cars are an important part of the CN Winter Plan that outlines the actions and innovations the railroad has implemented to maintain operations and to operate safely and efficiently during these challenging months.
During colder months, it’s critical to supply a consistent flow of air through the brake lines of the train, an important concern in keeping trains moving during winter. The Air Cars, modified boxcars that contain air compressors and brake system-associated equipment, do exactly this. Please follow the link below to see a video of the operation of CN’s distributed braking cars:
http://player.vimeo.com/video/669458399?api=1&player_id=video-Terry-Fox-projectn&title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=ffffff
An Air Car is positioned in the train to help supply consistent airflow through the brake lines and efficiently get brakes charged and trains moving in very cold conditions. This enables CN to maintain longer trains, unlocking capacity. CN has a waiver in Canada to run extra-long trains, thanks in part to the increased airflow that the Air Cars provide. In addition, Air Cars can be used instead of adding an additional locomotive, which can significantly reduce fuel consumption.
As an important part of our annual Winter Plan, CN Air Cars greatly support the fluidity, efficiency and safety of our network operations in the harshest conditions. Air Cars deployed in the right places at the right times along our network increase our resilience and capacity to safely keep our customers’ shipments moving and supply chains flowing
Rance Randle, Senior Vice-President, Network Operations and Transportation
In 2006, CN started with 10 Air Cars. Today, CN has more than 100 Air Cars that are strategically deployed throughout Canada and the Midwestern U.S. during colder months. CN analyzes data from winter seasons to maximize the effectiveness of these cars, developing standards for air source configuration and location in trains. CN’s Air Cars have traveled more than five million miles since being put into service.
