Accrington on Rails - The Tramways: A Complete History - Robert Kenyon

pressure when descending an incline by kicking the catch into position to relieve their muscles. If the tracks had become greasy the wheels had probably locked and the speed had increased rather than the car slowed. The Drivers had then released the hand brake and the wheel had started to revolve. Having applied the electric brake this had then suddenly checked the turning of the wheels. Possibly by letting the hand brake off to allow the wheels to turn, the catch or dog then flies into position without the driver being aware before the brake has released fully. The result of all this is that the electric brake then retards the motion of the wheels and the slight pressure of the hand brake binding on the face of the wheels causes them to lock again and the car once more shoots forward. The driver now under the impression that the hand brake has released becomes reliant on the electric brake to stop the car with probably serious consequences. Therefore too much emphasis cannot be placed on the necessity for the wheels to be allowed to turn at all times, as it is by slowly revolving, not skidding or stationary, that the car is swiftly and safely brought to a standstill. In the control of the car, the Driver should be careful in handling the equipment which regulates the car, and be capable of stopping immediately if called upon to do so. 53.When starting the car the hand brake pressure should be held on a small amount until the car begins to move, then power worked up smartly whilst avoiding jolting or shaking up the passengers. After attaining sufficient speed on level roads the power should be shut off and the car allowed to continue with the momentum gained. This will prevent wasting current and enable it to be halted more rapidly and with less exertion than would be the case if running at full speed. Following these rules the Driver will end his shift less tired. 54.Stopping the car by jamming on the brakes will cause the car to skid, so the brake should be applied firmly whilst humouring it. As the car slows the brake pressure may be slightly eased, and this should bring the car to a stand without any unnecessary jolting. 55.Should the wheels skid then the brake should be released immediately, sanding applied to the rails and the brakes reapplied keeping the supply of sand on until the car comes under proper control again. 56.The catch or dog of the hand brake mechanism should only be used when the car is at a standstill and must never be used to hold the hand brake in the on position whilst the car is slowing down or when the car is descending a hill. 57.On greasy rails when the car is running without power the Driver must avoid running over sanded rails with the hand brake in the on position, but must ease it off a small amount on his approach, in order to avoid the wheels getting flats. 58.Drivers must never drop sand on a greasy rail when the car is travelling under power, if the wheels start to spin through failing to get proper adhesion, as this causes a terrific strain on the motors and the electrical equipment generally. Whenever the wheels fail to grip power must be shut off, sand allowed to flow and the controller worked up again in gradual steps. 59.When applying sand the Driver should use the sanding pedal as though it was the foot gong, forcing it down to its maximum and holding it there until the wheels have obtained a proper grip. By using this method an intermittent flow of sand will be applied with little chance of damaging the wheels or the motors. 60.Whenever possible the sanding equipment should be examined at each terminus in wet weather, but Drivers should avoid testing them over moveable points and turnouts. 61.On descending an incline if the wheels should skid or ‘pick up’, Drivers must release all pressure from the hand brake at once, get sand running and bring the car to a stand by using the electric brakes by working the car up from the first notch until the car comes under control again. 62.In using the graduated electric brake Drivers must ensure that the reversing lever is pointing in the direct in which the car is moving, and then should bring the pointer of the power handle from zero to first braking notch and work up through the notches as speed

145