FRA Rail Operations & Train Handling 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When a locomotive engineer encounters a slow order restricting speed to 25 mph, at what point must the train be at or below that speed?
- Before the beginning of the slow order limits
- At the point where the slow order sign is posted (Correct answer)
- Within 500 feet after passing the slow order sign
- As soon as the dispatcher issues the order
Correct answer: At the point where the slow order sign is posted
Under FRA regulations, the train must be at or below the prescribed slow order speed at the point where the restriction begins, marked by the posted sign.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of dynamic braking on a locomotive consist?
- To increase tractive effort on downgrades
- To convert the locomotive's traction motors into generators to slow the train (Correct answer)
- To supplement air brakes only in emergency situations
- To automatically engage when train speed exceeds 60 mph
Correct answer: To convert the locomotive's traction motors into generators to slow the train
Dynamic braking uses the traction motors as generators, converting kinetic energy into electrical energy (dissipated as heat) to retard train speed.
Question 3: Under FRA 49 CFR Part 218, what is required before a crew member goes between cars of a standing train?
- The engineer must sound the whistle twice
- Blue signal protection must be applied (Correct answer)
- The conductor must verbally authorize the move
- The hand brake must be set on at least one car
Correct answer: Blue signal protection must be applied
FRA blue signal rules require that blue flags or lights be displayed to protect workers between or under cars before anyone may go between standing equipment.
Question 4: A train is traveling at 50 mph on a 1.5% descending grade. Compared to level track, how will the train's stopping distance be affected?
- Stopping distance will be shorter due to gravity assistance
- Stopping distance will be approximately the same
- Stopping distance will be longer because gravity adds to the train's momentum (Correct answer)
- Stopping distance depends only on train weight, not grade
Correct answer: Stopping distance will be longer because gravity adds to the train's momentum
On a descending grade, gravity works against the braking effort, significantly increasing stopping distance compared to level track.
Question 5: What does the term 'stretch the train' mean in rail operations?
- Increasing train length by adding more cars
- Taking slack out of couplers by gently applying throttle before braking
- Allowing the locomotive to pull ahead until all slack is removed from couplers (Correct answer)
- Extending the air hose connections between cars
Correct answer: Allowing the locomotive to pull ahead until all slack is removed from couplers
Stretching the train means allowing the locomotive to pull forward until all slack in the couplers is removed, creating a taut train condition.
Question 6: According to FRA regulations, what is the maximum time a freight train crew member may remain on duty without a rest break?
- 10 hours
- 12 hours (Correct answer)
- 16 hours
- 24 hours
Correct answer: 12 hours
FRA Hours of Service regulations (49 CFR Part 228) limit freight train crew members to 12 consecutive hours on duty before mandatory rest.
Question 7: What is the correct action when a train crew observes a washout or broken rail ahead at a distance that makes stopping impossible?
- Apply full emergency braking and sound the whistle continuously (Correct answer)
- Apply emergency brakes and attempt to contact the dispatcher only
- Apply full service braking to reduce speed as much as possible
- Continue at current speed and report the condition after passing
Correct answer: Apply full emergency braking and sound the whistle continuously
When a hazard cannot be avoided, the crew must apply emergency brakes immediately and sound the whistle continuously to warn anyone in the area.
FRA Rail Operations & Train Handling 2
When a locomotive engineer encounters a slow order restricting speed to 25 mph, at what point must the train be at or below that speed?