Both of the new open wagons include electrically-operated parking brakes on one bogie. Parking brakes are essential as most of the track is on a grade due to the topography of the site.
A simple wiring modification now means that the parking brakes can be controlled from the loco control panel as well as the from the switch mounted inside the end of each wagon. This is much more convenient when driving and avoids having to reach forward to the switch box attached to the wagon.
To avoid any problems if both switches are operated simultaneously in opposition, the wiring includes resettable fuses (Polyswitches) which limit the battery current to a safe level.
Both wagons have now been modified, so either can be used next to the loco. The wagons are positioned to face in opposite directions to allow for running in either direction. The loco control panel can easily be moved between the wagons as required.
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| Linear actuator to operate parking brakes. (Photo by Mini Train Systems) |
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| Loco control panel as supplied with brake switch blanked off, at lower left. The brake switch in the wagon is at top left. The red switch on the right is a battery isolator switch for the locomotive. |
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| First step - installing a 4-way connector on the brake switch box ready for external control. |
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| Final step - installing a DPDT momentary toggle switch on the loco control panel, with a 4-wire cable to plug into the wagon's brake switch box. |
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