DISTRIBUTED BRAKE RETENTION AND CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A TRAIN AND ASSOCIATED METHODS

An airbrake retention system and method for controlling air flow within an airbrake system, including the steps of: receiving, with a computer system comprising one or more processors, train control data associated with stopping on a grade; determining, with a computing system comprising one or more processors, an air retention controller within a railcar brake system to control air pressure release based on the train control data; communicating, with a computing system comprising one or more processors, an air control signal, the air control signal comprising information associated with a retainer valve of the braking assembly; and controlling, with a computing system comprising one or more processors, the retainer valve to adjust from a first state to a second state based on the air control signal to control air flow between the reservoir and the air braking assembly.