TFREE REC Train Operations & Handling Flashcards

What is the primary purpose of the automatic brake system on a train?

Answer: Apply brakes to all cars

The automatic brake system is designed to apply braking force simultaneously to all cars in a train, not just the locomotive. This ensures uniform deceleration across the entire train, which is crucial for safely stopping long and heavy consists and preventing excessive in-train forces.

When descending a long grade, what technique should be used to prevent overheating the brakes?

Answer: Dynamic braking and intermittent applications

When descending a long grade, using dynamic braking significantly reduces the workload on the friction brakes by converting the train's kinetic energy into electrical energy. Intermittent applications of the air brakes allow the brake shoes and wheels to cool between applications, preventing overheating and potential brake fade, which could lead to a loss of control.

What is the role of a locomotive engineer at a highway-rail crossing?

Answer: Sound the horn and remain alert

At highway-rail crossings, the locomotive engineer's primary responsibility is to ensure safety. Sounding the horn provides an audible warning to motorists and pedestrians, while remaining alert allows the engineer to react to any unexpected situations or hazards that may arise at the crossing.

What does 'in-train forces' refer to?

Answer: Forces between rail cars

In-train forces refer to the dynamic pushing (buff) and pulling (draft) forces that are transmitted between individual rail cars through their couplers. Managing these forces is critical for smooth train handling, preventing damage to equipment, and avoiding derailments, especially during acceleration, deceleration, or changes in grade.

Which braking system helps reduce wear on brake shoes?

Answer: Dynamic brake

The dynamic brake system helps reduce wear on brake shoes by using the locomotive's traction motors as generators to create resistance, slowing the train without friction. This significantly extends the life of the air brake components, such as brake shoes and wheels, by reducing their operational stress and heat buildup.

What must be done before moving a train?

Answer: Perform a brake test

Before moving a train, a thorough brake test must be performed to ensure that all braking systems are fully functional and capable of safely stopping the train. This critical safety procedure verifies that the air brakes apply and release correctly on all cars, preventing uncontrolled movements or accidents.

What is slack action in train handling?

Answer: Free movement between cars

Slack action refers to the free movement or play that exists between individual rail cars due to the design of their couplers. This slack can compress (buff) or stretch (draft) throughout the train, and proper management of slack is essential for smooth train handling, preventing excessive in-train forces, and avoiding equipment damage or derailments.

Which throttle setting is typically used when starting a heavy train?

Answer: Notch 1–3

When starting a heavy train, engineers typically use lower throttle settings, such as Notch 1-3, to apply power gradually. This controlled application of power helps to manage slack action smoothly throughout the train, preventing sudden jerks, excessive in-train forces, and potential coupler damage or derailments.

Why must engineers avoid excessive buff and draft forces?

Answer: To prevent derailments and damage

Engineers must avoid excessive buff (compression) and draft (tension) forces within the train because these forces can lead to severe consequences. High in-train forces can cause coupler failures, broken knuckles, damage to cargo, or even result in a derailment, compromising the safety and integrity of the train.