Practice Test Geeks(LEC) Locomotive Engineer Certification Practice Test
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Brake Systems & Safety Flashcards

7 cards from real LEC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Brake Systems & Safety flashcards as text

  1. What does a 'penalty brake application' automatically enforce on a locomotive?

    Answer: A full emergency brake application that cannot be overridden by the engineer

    A penalty brake application triggers a full emergency brake application that the engineer cannot override, used by safety systems like PTC and alerters.

  2. What is the purpose of retainer valves on freight cars, and when would a locomotive engineer request their use?

    Answer: To hold some brake cylinder pressure during brake releases on descending grades

    Retainer valves hold a portion of brake cylinder pressure during the release cycle, helping control train speed on long descending grades.

  3. Which type of brake shoe provides a higher friction coefficient at low speeds but tends to overheat on long downgrades?

    Answer: Cast iron shoes

    Cast iron brake shoes provide excellent friction at low speeds but are prone to overheating on sustained downgrades, which can cause wheel damage.

  4. What is 'brake shoe squeeze-out,' and what does it indicate?

    Answer: Uneven brake shoe contact causing the shoe to slide partially off the wheel tread

    Brake shoe squeeze-out occurs when misaligned or worn brake rigging causes the shoe to partially leave the wheel tread, indicating a rigging defect requiring inspection.

  5. A locomotive engineer notices the brake pipe pressure gauge drops steadily at 8 psi per minute with brakes released. What is the correct action?

    Answer: Report the defect and remove the locomotive from service

    FRA regulations require that brake pipe leakage not exceed 5 psi per minute; a rate of 8 psi per minute indicates a defect requiring the locomotive to be removed from service.

  6. What is the effect of an 'overcharge' condition in the brake pipe?

    Answer: Brakes may release slowly or incompletely on cars with overcharged auxiliary reservoirs

    When the brake pipe is overcharged, auxiliary reservoirs may become overcharged too, causing slow or sluggish brake releases and potential control valve malfunction.

  7. During a pre-departure brake test, what condition must be verified before a train departs?

    Answer: At least 85% of the cars must have operative brakes and brakes must apply and release properly

    FRA regulations require that at least 85% of cars have operative brakes and that brakes properly apply and release before train departure.