Train Driver Train Operations and Controls 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of a 'set-and-release' brake test before departure?
- To verify brakes apply and release properly throughout the train (Correct answer)
- To test the emergency brake cord
- To calibrate the speedometer
- To check that the locomotive engine is running correctly
Correct answer: To verify brakes apply and release properly throughout the train
A set-and-release test confirms that brakes apply uniformly and release fully on all cars before the train departs.
Question 2: What does a 'stretched' train position refer to?
- Couplers are in tension with the locomotive pulling the cars (Correct answer)
- The train is operating on a downgrade
- Cars are unevenly loaded
- The brake pipe is fully pressurized
Correct answer: Couplers are in tension with the locomotive pulling the cars
A stretched train has all couplers under tension because the locomotive is pulling the train forward.
Question 3: What is 'bunched' train handling?
- Couplers are in compression with cars pushing against each other (Correct answer)
- The train is accelerating uphill
- Brakes are applied to all cars simultaneously
- The locomotive is pushing from the rear
Correct answer: Couplers are in compression with cars pushing against each other
A bunched train has couplers in compression, which can occur when braking aggressively or on downgrades.
Question 4: What is the purpose of the alerter (vigilance device) on a locomotive?
- To detect an incapacitated or inattentive driver and apply emergency brakes (Correct answer)
- To warn pedestrians at grade crossings
- To signal the conductor of speed changes
- To alert dispatchers of track conditions
Correct answer: To detect an incapacitated or inattentive driver and apply emergency brakes
The alerter monitors driver activity and initiates a penalty brake application if no action is taken within a set time interval.
Question 5: When should a train driver use sand on the rails?
- To improve adhesion during slippery conditions or wheel slip (Correct answer)
- To clean debris from the track ahead
- To signal a stop to workers on the track
- To cool the wheels during heavy braking
Correct answer: To improve adhesion during slippery conditions or wheel slip
Sand is applied to the rail ahead of the driving wheels to increase traction during wet, icy, or leaf-contaminated conditions.
Question 6: What is a 'bail-off' in brake operation?
- Releasing only the locomotive brakes while keeping the train brakes applied (Correct answer)
- An emergency brake application that cannot be released
- Applying maximum braking force to the train
- A graduated release of all brakes simultaneously
Correct answer: Releasing only the locomotive brakes while keeping the train brakes applied
Bailing off allows the engineer to release the independent (locomotive) brakes while the automatic train brakes remain applied.
Train Driver Train Operations and Controls 2
What is the purpose of a 'set-and-release' brake test before departure?