GCOR Locomotive Rules and Inspection 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to GCOR, what is required before a locomotive is moved in a yard or terminal where it has been set out?
- A dispatcher clearance must be obtained regardless of track authority
- The locomotive must be inspected and the brakes released by a qualified employee (Correct answer)
- A written work order must be completed and filed with the yardmaster
- The locomotive must be fueled and sanded before any movement
Correct answer: The locomotive must be inspected and the brakes released by a qualified employee
Before moving a locomotive that has been set out, a qualified employee must inspect it and ensure the brakes are properly released.
Question 2: Under GCOR, what must the engineer do when the locomotive alerter (vigilance device) sounds its warning?
- Radio the dispatcher to report the alert condition
- Apply the emergency brake immediately
- Acknowledge the device by pressing the designated button or pedal (Correct answer)
- Reduce speed to restricted speed until the alert clears
Correct answer: Acknowledge the device by pressing the designated button or pedal
The engineer must acknowledge the alerter by pressing the designated acknowledgment button or pedal to confirm they are alert and in control.
Question 3: When operating a locomotive with a defective sand system, what restriction applies under GCOR?
- No restriction applies if the train tonnage is within rating
- The locomotive must be the rear unit in the consist
- Speed must be reduced to account for potentially reduced adhesion (Correct answer)
- The locomotive may not be used as the lead unit on grades exceeding 1%
Correct answer: Speed must be reduced to account for potentially reduced adhesion
A defective sand system reduces wheel-rail adhesion capability, requiring a speed reduction to account for the increased risk of wheel slip or slide.
Question 4: According to GCOR, when must a locomotive's number plates or identification be legible?
- Only when the locomotive is in lead position
- At all times while the locomotive is in service (Correct answer)
- Only during daylight operations
- Only when the locomotive is in a designated reporting location
Correct answer: At all times while the locomotive is in service
Locomotive identification must be legible at all times while the unit is in service to allow proper identification for operational and safety purposes.
Question 5: What action is required when a locomotive's dynamic brakes become inoperative during a descending grade operation?
- Increase locomotive throttle to maintain control
- Immediately apply emergency brakes and stop the train
- Notify the dispatcher and use train brakes to control speed (Correct answer)
- Tie down hand brakes on the rear cars and continue at slow speed
Correct answer: Notify the dispatcher and use train brakes to control speed
When dynamic brakes fail on a descending grade, the engineer must notify the dispatcher and rely on the train's air brakes to control speed.
Question 6: Under GCOR, what is the purpose of the independent (straight air) brake on a locomotive?
- To apply braking force only to the rear locomotive in a consist
- To apply braking force to the locomotive independent of the train brake pipe (Correct answer)
- To provide emergency braking when the automatic brake fails
- To hold the locomotive stationary when coupled to a heavy train
Correct answer: To apply braking force to the locomotive independent of the train brake pipe
The independent brake applies braking force to the locomotive(s) separately from the train air brake system, without affecting the train brake pipe pressure.
Question 7: When a locomotive must be operated cab-forward (long hood forward), what additional precaution does GCOR require?
- A qualified crew member must be posted as a lookout at the leading end
- Speed must be reduced to no more than 10 mph at all times
- The headlight on the leading end must be illuminated (Correct answer)
- The dispatcher must be notified and movement limited to yard tracks only
Correct answer: The headlight on the leading end must be illuminated
When a locomotive is operated long hood or cab forward, the headlight on the leading end must be illuminated to provide visibility and warning to others.
GCOR Locomotive Rules and Inspection 2
According to GCOR, what is required before a locomotive is moved in a yard or terminal where it has been set out?