The Design

Matthew already had everything he needed to begin drafting the air brake mechanism. He took a deep breath, surveying the blank drafting paper before him. It would be labor-intensive, far more so than he was accustomed to. Without the luxury of computers to expedite the process, every line, every calculation had to be drawn and checked manually.

He picked up a pencil, pressing the tip to the paper as he began to sketch out the preliminary structure of the system. Starting with the central compressor, he carefully mapped out the components, from the piston chamber to the reservoirs. He paused occasionally, double-checking his measurements with the slide rule to ensure every calculation matched.

Hours passed, the work demanding more focus and patience than he had anticipated. The room around him faded as he became engrossed in his task, his mind locked onto the challenge. Each stroke was meticulous, and each adjustment to the schematics had a purpose. He designed an interconnected network that would allow for rapid air distribution to every brake cylinder along the train, intending for them to engage simultaneously—eliminating the dangerous delays caused by manual brakes.

Midway through his work, he sensed someone looming over his shoulder. He looked up to find Tanner standing there, arms crossed, peering at the sketches with a frown.

"So, this is your big idea?" Tanner asked, his tone carrying an edge of doubt. 

"Mr. Tanner!" Matthew exclaimed lightly as he faced him.

Tanner leaned forward, his eyes narrowing as he scrutinized Matthew's schematics. 

"Hmm…so this is the brake system mechanism that you have in mind huh?"

"It's designed to be both practical and efficient, sir. The air distribution system will ensure uniform braking, reducing the reliance on human timing."

Tanner straightened, crossing his arms with a skeptical look. "And you really think this compressor and piping arrangement will hold up under the pressure? You're working with theoretical values here, but real-world application isn't so forgiving."

That's why we'll test it, Mr. Tanner. I'm more than willing to refine the design based on the results."

Tanner's lip quirked into a half-smirk, his expression suggesting he was still unconvinced. "We'll see if it even gets that far. Mr. Hargrave may have taken an interest in your… talents, but I've seen plenty of young minds think they can outdo years of industry experience with a few fancy ideas. Reality has a way of humbling the eager."

"Which is why I'm going to turn this into reality. Mr. Hargrave has ordered you to help me, so follow that order if you don't want to get yourself on Mr. Hargrave's bad side."

Tanner's expression darkened, his brows drawing together in annoyance. "Watch it, boy. Respect is earned, not demanded," he snapped, though his voice was low enough not to draw attention from others in the room. "I've been here long enough to know that most ideas are just that—ideas. They often don't hold up when put to the test."

Matthew met Tanner's glare steadily, refusing to be intimidated. "That's why we have this workshop. We'll see what holds up, and I'm here to do exactly that—to test, refine, and adapt."

Tanner huffed, clearly unimpressed but resigned. "Fine," he muttered, glancing back at the blueprints. "If you're so sure this will work, I suppose we'll find out soon enough. But don't expect me to make things easy for you. Hargrave may have his eye on you, but that doesn't mean you've proven anything to me."

"I understand, Mr. Tanner," Matthew replied evenly. "I'm here to do the work, not to win popularity contests."

Tanner gave a curt nod, as though accepting this grudging truce. "Good. Then get back to it. I'll see to it that you have the materials you need."

***

September 22th, 1880.

Matthew had the chance to gain an audience with the people working on the workshop with Tanner leading them. 

Matthew cleared his throat, standing in front of the workshop team as they gathered around the large drafting table where he'd laid out his schematics. Tanner, visibly uninterested but dutifully present, leaned against the table, arms crossed, waiting for Matthew to begin.

"Thank you all for taking the time to be here today. I'm here to introduce an air brake system designed to improve safety and efficiency across our rail network. The goal is to create a system that applies brakes uniformly to every car on the train, reducing human error and, ultimately, the risk of accidents."

He gestured to the first diagram, showing the compressor. "At the heart of the system is this central air compressor, which will generate the compressed air needed to operate the brakes. This compressor will be placed at the front of the train and connected to an air reservoir tank, ensuring a constant supply of pressurized air."

One of the engineers raised a hand. "How does this differ from the standard brake mechanism we're using now?"

"Good question," Matthew nodded. "In the current manual system, each brakeman applies the brakes individually. This takes time, and any delay or inconsistency can create dangerous gaps in braking efficiency along the train. With this design, when the engineer activates the brakes, air pressure is simultaneously released through these interconnected pipes," he pointed to the schematic, "and distributed evenly to all the cars. This ensures a near-instantaneous response across the train."

Tanner raised an eyebrow. "And what's your solution for maintaining the air pressure throughout an entire train? You're expecting an untested compressor and pipes to hold up under significant strain."

"I've accounted for that," Matthew replied confidently. "Each brake cylinder along the cars will have a check valve, ensuring that the pressure remains consistent even if there's a minor leak in one of the pipes. Additionally, the compressor and the reservoir are designed with redundancy in mind—they're capable of building up and storing additional air pressure, so even under strain, the system won't fail."

A few of the engineers nodded thoughtfully, their interest piqued, but Tanner's skepticism remained.

"So you say," Tanner replied. "But let's not ignore the wear and tear on the pipes and cylinders over time. With the level of pressure you're suggesting, the system could degrade quickly."

"Which is why I'm proposing that we use reinforced materials for the pipes and conduct regular inspections," Matthew replied, holding Tanner's gaze. "It's a long-term investment, but one that would pay off in safety and reliability."

He took a breath, sensing he'd managed to capture at least some attention in the room. "I'm aware that any new system comes with its risks, and that's why I'm committed to thorough testing and refinement. But I believe that if we can get this right, we'll not only make our trains safer but also set a new standard in the industry."

Tanner gave a slight, reluctant nod. "It's a bold idea," he said, his tone begrudgingly neutral. "And if you're as committed to testing and refining as you claim, then maybe there's something to it."

Matthew nodded in acknowledgment. "I am. And with all of you here, I know we can make it happen." 

"What materials are we going to use?" one of the engineers asked.

He pointed to a section of the blueprint where he had detailed material specifications.

"For the main pipes, I'm recommending wrought iron," he began. "It has the strength to withstand the pressure and is durable enough to handle the wear over time. It's also more resistant to rust, which is essential given that condensation could build up inside the pipes."

One of the engineers nodded, seemingly satisfied. "And for the brake cylinders?"

"For the brake cylinders, we'll need cast iron with a specific interior coating—something that reduces friction and increases longevity. Ideally, this should be a tin-based coating, as it's durable and less likely to corrode under constant exposure to air and moisture."

Matthew moved on to the compressor. "For the central compressor, high-strength steel would be the ideal choice. It's capable of withstanding the immense pressure we're dealing with, and it can be forged to precise tolerances to ensure efficiency."

Tanner looked skeptical, his arms still crossed. "And you think this reinforced structure will hold up to frequent use?"

"That's precisely why I specified these materials," Matthew replied confidently. "Each piece was chosen to withstand repeated cycles. With proper maintenance, the system will remain operational for years. And for the connectors, I'd suggest brass. It's not only durable but also provides a better seal against air leaks."

Tanner raised an eyebrow, still assessing. "Brass isn't cheap."

"No, it's not," Matthew agreed. "But it's an investment in the reliability and safety of the entire system. If we cut corners here, we'll risk leaks, which defeats the purpose of the system entirely."

Another engineer chimed in. "And the reservoir tank? What materials are you considering for that?"

"Thick cast steel," Matthew answered without hesitation. "The tank needs to handle maximum pressure and act as a backup supply. Steel can hold pressure better and won't fatigue as quickly. Plus, it can be manufactured in large quantities at a more controlled cost."

Tanner glanced at the team, finally looking impressed despite himself. "You've certainly done your research."

"I did. After all…there are high expectations for me."

The engineers exchanged glances, some of them nodding, others considering the materials. Tanner, though still reserved, seemed to be warming slightly to the feasibility of the project.

"Well, then," Tanner said at last. "Let's get to it. I'll order the necessary materials, and we'll see if your theories hold up."