#8 The big regulation issue for the pols and the media was the proposed requirement for electronically controlled pneumatic (ECP) brakes, intended to apply to trainloads of explosive materials.
1. The train in question didn't have enough explosive stuff to qualify, anyway. (NTSB report)
2. I suspect Trump rolled the reg back because zero freight cars have ECP brakes, installation would cost hundreds of millions, and the benefit was undetermined. So it was a 'feel good' rule.
3. ECP brakes electrically signal the same old air (pneumatic) brakes to apply simultaneously, instead of waiting for the air pressure drop in standard brakes to get to the rear cars, so the train stops smoother and faster - each and every time.
4. The East Palestine train was already in braking mode before the hot axle alert. Once the crew got the alert, they increased the braking rate. {4.a Sudden brake application can jacknife trains, something the ECP brakes would reduce, but probably not eliminate. Train dynamics is both science AND art.}
5. When the cars derailed and separated, the whole train goes into emergency braking. That's how the train crew knew there was a derailment a mile behind them.
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