Mechanical & Inspection Standards Flashcards

Under 49 CFR Part 229, how often must a locomotive receive an annual (calendar year) inspection?

Answer: Within 13 months of the previous annual inspection

FRA regulations allow a locomotive's annual inspection to occur within 13 months of the previous annual inspection to provide scheduling flexibility.

Which type of freight car defect is considered a 'critical' defect requiring immediate removal from service with no movement allowed?

Answer: A broken center plate

A broken center plate is a critical structural defect because it connects the car body to the truck, and failure could cause derailment; the car must not be moved.

Under FRA regulations, which document must accompany a freight car placed in an out-of-order (bad order) status?

Answer: A bad order card identifying the defect

A bad order card must be placed on a defective freight car to identify it as out of service and describe the defect that requires repair.

When inspecting a freight car's truck, a lateral motion exceeding what tolerance requires removal from service under FRA standards?

Answer: 1/2 inch

Excessive lateral motion in a freight car truck exceeding 1/2 inch is a disqualifying defect under FRA regulations that requires the car to be removed from service.

Under 49 CFR Part 229, a locomotive with an inoperative cab signal system must:

Answer: Be removed from service in any territory requiring cab signals

A locomotive with an inoperative cab signal system must be removed from service on any territory where cab signals are required for safe operation.

What is the purpose of the 'single car air test' required by FRA after certain repairs to a freight car's brake system?

Answer: To verify brake system integrity and proper operation after repair

The single car air test verifies that after repairs to brake system components, the entire brake system functions correctly and meets FRA performance standards.

Under FRA regulations, which of the following is an acceptable reason to operate a freight car with a known defect without immediate repair?

Answer: The car is being moved to the nearest repair facility under a restricted movement authority

FRA regulations permit movement of a defective car to the nearest repair facility under a restricted movement authority when repair cannot be performed on-site.