TFREE REC Train Operations & Handling Flashcards

When a locomotive engineer encounters a broken rail, what is the FIRST action to take?

Answer: Stop the train and protect the track

Upon discovering a broken rail, the engineer must stop immediately and protect the track by flagging to prevent other trains from entering the affected section.

What does 'dynamic braking' primarily use to slow a train?

Answer: The locomotive's traction motors acting as generators

Dynamic braking converts traction motors into generators, creating electrical resistance that produces a retarding force to slow the train.

A train is operating in MAS (Maximum Authorized Speed) territory. Which factor does NOT affect the MAS?

Answer: The engineer's years of experience

MAS is determined by track class, curvature, equipment ratings, and operating rules — not by the individual engineer's experience level.

Under FRA regulations, what is the minimum required brake pipe reduction to initiate a service brake application?

Answer: 6 psi

FRA regulations and AAR standards require a minimum 6 psi brake pipe reduction to ensure a proper service brake application propagates through the train.

What is 'bunching' in train handling terminology?

Answer: Compressing slack so cars push against each other

Bunching refers to compressing the slack in a train so that cars are pushing against each other, which can cause rough handling or derailments if done abruptly.

When must an engineer acknowledge a cab signal change to a more restrictive indication?

Answer: Immediately upon display

Cab signal rules require the engineer to acknowledge a more restrictive indication immediately upon its display to confirm awareness.

What condition is indicated when a locomotive's wheel slip light activates during acceleration?

Answer: The drive wheels are losing traction and spinning

Wheel slip occurs when drive wheels spin faster than the rail speed, indicating loss of adhesion; the system reduces throttle or applies sand automatically.

During a descending grade, an engineer notices brake cylinder pressure is not releasing after a brake release command. What is the most likely cause?

Answer: A stuck or frozen retaining valve

A stuck or frozen retaining valve can trap air in the brake cylinder, preventing full release even after a brake pipe pressure restoration.

What is the purpose of a 'grade timing' technique during train handling?

Answer: Timing brake applications to control speed without overheating brakes

Grade timing involves applying and releasing brakes in a controlled cycle to manage speed on long descents while preventing brake shoe overheating.

A 'stretch' move is used in train handling to:

Answer: Remove slack from the train in a controlled manner

A stretch move gently removes slack from couplers by applying a light throttle or braking so the train is in tension, reducing in-train forces.

What FRA track class permits a maximum freight train speed of 60 mph?

Answer: Class 4

FRA Class 4 track allows freight train speeds up to 60 mph and passenger speeds up to 80 mph under standard conditions.

An engineer receives a 'slow order' for 25 mph over a bridge. At what point is the train compliant with the slow order?

Answer: When the entire train is at or below 25 mph

The train is compliant when every car and locomotive in the consist is operating at or below the authorized speed limit for that section.

What is the primary reason for performing a 'brake pipe integrity test' before departure?

Answer: To confirm all cars are connected and brake pipe is continuous

The brake pipe integrity test confirms that the air brake pipe is unobstructed and connected through all cars in the train, ensuring brakes will respond throughout.

When approaching a STOP signal at a controlled point, an engineer who cannot stop in time should:

Answer: Apply emergency brakes and report the violation

If stopping before a STOP signal is not possible, the engineer must apply emergency brakes, make every effort to stop, and immediately report the circumstances.

What is the function of an 'alerter' (deadman) device on a locomotive?

Answer: Automatically stops the train if the engineer becomes incapacitated

The alerter monitors engineer activity and initiates a brake application if no control input is detected within a set time, preventing runaway trains from incapacitated crews.

When two locomotive units are coupled together in multiple-unit (MU) operation, what controls their combined throttle?

Answer: The lead unit's throttle controls all units simultaneously

In MU operation, the lead locomotive's throttle and brake controls are transmitted electrically to all trailing units, allowing one engineer to control the entire consist.

A 'run-through' power consist means:

Answer: Foreign-road power operating over another railroad's tracks

Run-through power refers to locomotives owned by one railroad that continue operating over the tracks of a different railroad without being changed out.

What does a 'joint' bar crack indicate about track condition?

Answer: A potential rail failure requiring speed restriction or removal from service

Cracked joint bars (angle bars) can lead to catastrophic rail joint failure and require speed restriction or immediate removal from service to prevent derailment.

Under FRA 49 CFR Part 228, the maximum on-duty time for a freight train crew on a single tour of duty is:

Answer: 12 hours

FRA Hours of Service regulations (49 CFR Part 228) limit freight train operating crews to 12 consecutive hours on duty before mandatory rest.

What is 'positive train separation' as it relates to train operations?

Answer: A technology-based system that automatically prevents train collisions and overspeed

Positive Train Control (PTC) is a technology system that uses GPS, communications, and onboard computers to automatically enforce speed limits and prevent collisions.