REC TFREE REC Train Operations & Handling 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a descending grade, an engineer notices brake cylinder pressure is not releasing after a brake release command. What is the most likely cause?
- Excessive train speed
- A stuck or frozen retaining valve (Correct answer)
- The hand brake being applied
- Overcharge of the brake pipe
Correct 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.
Question 2: What is the purpose of a 'grade timing' technique during train handling?
- Calculating fuel consumption on downgrades
- Timing brake applications to control speed without overheating brakes (Correct answer)
- Measuring how long to hold at a signal
- Scheduling departure times based on track grade
Correct 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.
Question 3: A 'stretch' move is used in train handling to:
- Extend couplers for car switching
- Remove slack from the train in a controlled manner (Correct answer)
- Test coupler strength before a heavy haul
- Increase train speed on an upgrade
Correct 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.
Question 4: What FRA track class permits a maximum freight train speed of 60 mph?
- Class 3
- Class 4 (Correct answer)
- Class 5
- Class 6
Correct 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.
Question 5: An engineer receives a 'slow order' for 25 mph over a bridge. At what point is the train compliant with the slow order?
- When the lead locomotive reaches 25 mph
- When the entire train is at or below 25 mph (Correct answer)
- When the lead locomotive clears the bridge
- When the dispatcher confirms the reduction
Correct 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.
Question 6: What is the primary reason for performing a 'brake pipe integrity test' before departure?
- To verify the locomotive brake cylinder pressure
- To confirm all cars are connected and brake pipe is continuous (Correct answer)
- To test the engineer's braking response time
- To measure track resistance on the departure route
Correct 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.
Question 7: When approaching a STOP signal at a controlled point, an engineer who cannot stop in time should:
- Increase speed to clear the interlocking quickly
- Apply emergency brakes and report the violation (Correct answer)
- Notify the conductor and continue at restricted speed
- Wait for the signal to clear before acting
Correct 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.
REC TFREE REC Train Operations & Handling 3
During a descending grade, an engineer notices brake cylinder pressure is not releasing after a brake release command.
What is the most likely cause?