Mechanical & Inspection Standards Flashcards

Under FRA regulations, what is the maximum allowable lateral flange wear for a wheel before it must be removed from service?

Answer: 1/2 inch

FRA regulations specify that a wheel with a flange worn to 1/2 inch or less in thickness must be removed from service.

Which FRA regulation part specifically governs the inspection and maintenance of freight car safety appliances?

Answer: 49 CFR Part 231

49 CFR Part 231 covers railroad safety appliances standards, including handholds, ladders, and grab irons on freight cars.

What is the minimum height above the top of the rail that a knuckle coupler must be maintained for standard freight cars?

Answer: 31.5 inches

FRA standards require that coupler height be maintained at a minimum of 31.5 inches above the top of the rail for standard freight cars.

Under 49 CFR Part 215, a railroad must perform a pre-departure inspection of freight cars within how many hours of departure?

Answer: 24 hours

49 CFR Part 215 requires that a freight car must receive a pre-departure inspection within 24 hours before departure.

A defect card (bad order tag) on a freight car indicates that the car:

Answer: Has been placed out of service pending repairs

A bad order tag (defect card) placed on a freight car means it has been removed from service and must be repaired before returning to operation.

Which component of a freight car's braking system must be tested during a Class I brake test?

Answer: All brakes on the entire train

A Class I brake test requires inspection and testing of all brakes on every car in the train to ensure proper function.

Under FRA regulations, when must a locomotive engineer report a defect discovered during operation?

Answer: As soon as safely practicable

FRA rules require locomotive defects discovered during operation to be reported as soon as safely practicable to allow prompt corrective action.