Abdw to abdx-r control valve conversion

A breather plate for connecting and mounting to an accelerated application valve interface of an ABDW-type control valve body for converting an ABDW-type control valve to an ABDX-type control valve, the breather plate comprising:

• a body having a first side opposite a second side and an internal stability volume between the first side and the second side;
• a first opening and a second opening in communication with the internal stability volume and in alignment with a first passageway and a second passageway on the accelerated application valve interface of the control valve body;
• a gasket surrounding the first opening and the second opening for sealing the fluid connection between the first passageway on the control valve body and the first opening on the breather plate and the second passageway on the control valve body and the second opening on the breather plate;
• and
• a plurality of through holes in alignment with a plurality of bolt holes provided on the accelerated application valve interface of the ABDW-type control valve body for connecting the breather plate to the control valve body.

A method for converting an ABDW-type control valve to an ABDX-type control valve for use in a braking mechanism for a railway vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) removing an accelerated application valve from an ABDW-type control valve body to expose an accelerated application valve interface;
• (b) mounting a breather plate on the accelerated application valve interface, the breather plate having an internal stability volume for compensating the function of the accelerated application valve;
• (c) mounting a slide valve bushing inside the control valve body for establishing fluid communication with at least one passageway within the control valve body;
• and
• (d) mounting at least one plug for sealing at least one air passageway within the control valve body.