Taking the train over the Rockies they tell a story about Westinghouse[1] inverting the logic on the pneumatic brakes. When first introduced they failed open,

Taking the train over the Rockies they tell a story about Westinghouse[1] inverting the logic on the pneumatic brakes. When first introduced they failed open, meaning the train could move. This was convenient on the flats, but if the train was stopped on a grade and the pressure failed... down the hill you go. So Westinghouse made them fail closed: no pressure, no rolling down the hill. IIRC it saved lives. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Westinghouse https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Westinghouse