Abstract: A system for testing a rail car brake system includes a valve manifold having valves that selectively supply and vent test air to or from the brake system. A control circuit is operatively connected with the valve manifold and configured to operate in a first mode to automatically position the valves according to a prescribed test and to operate in a second mode to allow manual positioning of the valves. A method for testing a rail car brake system includes connecting test air to a valve manifold, connecting the valve manifold to the brake system, and testing the brake system using a control circuit configured to automatically position valves in the valve manifold according to a prescribed test. The method further detects a failed test result in the brake system and troubleshoots the brake system using the control circuit to manually position valves in the valve manifold.

Abstract: An air valve includes a valve body and a disc configured to engage a seat. An inlet port is upstream from the seat, and an outlet port is downstream from the seat. A stern is connected to the disc, and a piston is connected to the stern, wherein the piston has first and second positions. A chamber is defined at least in part by the piston and the valve body. A clearance between the valve body and the stem has a first cross-sectional area. One or more relief ports provide fluid communication from the chamber through the valve body and have a combined second cross-sectional area that is greater than or equal to the first cross-sectional area. A method for refurbishing the air valve, as previously described, includes increasing the second cross-sectional area greater than or equal to the first cross-sectional area.

Abstract: A system for testing a rail car brake system includes a valve manifold having valves that selectively supply and vent test air to or from the brake system. A control circuit is operatively connected with the valve manifold and configured to operate in a first mode to automatically position the valves according to a prescribed test and to operate in a second mode to allow manual positioning of the valves. A method for testing a rail car brake system includes connecting test air to a valve manifold, connecting the valve manifold to the brake system, and testing the brake system using a control circuit configured to automatically position valves in the valve manifold according to a prescribed test. The method further detects a failed test result in the brake system and troubleshoots the brake system using the control circuit to manually position valves in the valve manifold.