GCOR Locomotive Rules and Inspection 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Before operating a locomotive, what must crew members do according to GCOR requirements?
- Inspect the locomotive and report any defects to the proper authority (Correct answer)
- Obtain written permission from the dispatcher before boarding
- Test the locomotive at full throttle for a minimum of five minutes
- Sign a daily release form confirming the locomotive is fit for service
Correct answer: Inspect the locomotive and report any defects to the proper authority
GCOR requires crew members to inspect the locomotive before operation and report any defects to the proper authority to ensure safe operation.
Question 2: When a locomotive's automatic brake fails to apply during a required brake test, what action must be taken?
- The locomotive may continue if the independent brake is functional
- The locomotive must be set out and not used until repaired (Correct answer)
- The locomotive may move at restricted speed only
- The conductor must authorize continued use and document the defect
Correct answer: The locomotive must be set out and not used until repaired
A locomotive with a failed automatic brake must be set out of service and not used until the defect is repaired.
Question 3: Under GCOR, what does the term 'bad order' mean when applied to a locomotive?
- A locomotive that has exceeded its scheduled maintenance interval
- A locomotive that is defective and must be removed from service (Correct answer)
- A locomotive operating below its rated horsepower output
- A locomotive assigned to helper service only
Correct answer: A locomotive that is defective and must be removed from service
A 'bad order' locomotive is one that is defective and must be removed from revenue service until repaired.
Question 4: According to GCOR, when must the locomotive horn be sounded at a public grade crossing?
- Only when active warning devices are not functioning
- At all times when the locomotive is moving through a crossing
- At approximately one-quarter mile before the crossing and until the locomotive occupies the crossing (Correct answer)
- Only during nighttime operations or in poor visibility conditions
Correct answer: At approximately one-quarter mile before the crossing and until the locomotive occupies the crossing
GCOR requires the horn to be sounded beginning approximately one-quarter mile before a public grade crossing and continuing until the locomotive occupies the crossing.
Question 5: If a locomotive's headlight fails during a trip, what does GCOR generally require?
- Continue the trip at reduced speed not to exceed 30 mph
- Proceed only with dispatcher permission and at restricted speed
- Stop immediately and not move until repaired
- Report the defect at the next terminal and take the locomotive out of service (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Report the defect at the next terminal and take the locomotive out of service
A defective headlight must be reported at the next terminal and the locomotive taken out of service, as proper illumination is required for safe operation.
Question 6: Under GCOR, who is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the locomotive consist?
- The engineer alone, as the qualified locomotive operator
- The conductor, as the employee in charge of the train
- Both the engineer and conductor share equal responsibility (Correct answer)
- The train dispatcher, who controls all movements
Correct answer: Both the engineer and conductor share equal responsibility
Under GCOR, both the engineer and conductor share responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of the train and locomotive consist.
Question 7: When a locomotive is placed in multiple unit (MU) service, which locomotive's controls govern the train's braking?
- The locomotive with the highest horsepower rating
- Any locomotive in the consist, as all are interconnected
- The lead locomotive from which the engineer operates (Correct answer)
- The rear locomotive, which acts as the primary retarding unit
Correct answer: The lead locomotive from which the engineer operates
In multiple unit service, the lead locomotive from which the engineer operates provides the controlling inputs for braking and throttle for the entire consist.
GCOR Locomotive Rules and Inspection 1
Before operating a locomotive, what must crew members do according to GCOR requirements?