Hi everybody,   
      
   I have some questions about Westinghouse brakes as I am not clear on all   
   the positions. I have looked up information, but I nonetheless remain   
   unclear.   
      
   I am not certain if there are five or six handle positions on such a   
   brake valve.   
      
   There are five positions, going counter-clockwise, AFAIK. (Note that I   
   used some British terms)   
      
   -- Off/Charge - The brake cylinders have no pressure as it is all in the   
   brake pipe. This position is also used to charge the brake pipe when   
   starting up a train.   
      
   -- Run - Used when the train is running. While that position does not   
   put any air into the cylinders, it is useful for helping to counter or   
   prevent any leaks in the brakepipe.   
      
   -- Lap - Injects a finite amount of air from the brakepipe into the   
   cylinders before making a proper application. It also helps to back off   
   a train a little bit.   
      
   -- Service - This will feed as much or as little air as you want from   
   cylinders into the brake pipe. Once the engineer has achieved the   
   desired pressure reading in the cylinders, he puts the handle back into   
   the lap position to maintain it. Leaving the handle in the service   
   position will simply put the brakes into full service, and thus a hard stop.   
      
   -- Vent/Emergency - This sends all the air in the brake pipe into the   
   cylinders, causing a quick stop.   
      
   Is that all correct?   
      
   I've read that there is a sixth position between Run and Lap, however,   
   called Holding Position, but I don't know what it does and when   
   application is necessary.   
      
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