CSX Conductor Training Part 3: Air
Brake & Train Handling Rules
Angle cock - ANSWER-A valve located at each end of a locomotive or car used to open
or close the brake pipe. Handle in line means it's open. Handle crosswise means it's
closed.
Brake cylinder - ANSWER-A device on cars and locomotives, which converts the force
of compressed air into a mechanical force to move brake shoes against the wheels.
Contains a piston and piston rod. Piston out mean brakes are applied. Piston released
inside means they are released
Brake pipe - ANSWER-The pipe extending the length of the car, locomotive or train
through which air brakes are charged, applied and released.
Branch pipe cut out cock - ANSWER-Device used for cutting in and cutting out the
control valve on a locomotive or car. Handle crosswise with pipe, the cut out cock is
open. Handle in line with pipe, the cut out cock is closed.
Brake cylinder release valve - ANSWER-Valve designed to provide a means for
releasing brake cylinder pressure on a freight car by actuating a bleed rod near the
control valve that is to be identified by a small loop or handle on the bleed rod.
Control valve - ANSWER-Device on locomotives in cars that charges, applies and
releases breaks in response to changes in brake pipe pressure.
Auxiliary reservoir - ANSWER-A storage volume for compressed air, charged from the
brake pipe, which provides air pressure for use in service and emergency brake
applications.
Emergency reservoir - ANSWER-A storage volume for compressed air, charged from
the brake pipe, which provides air pressure for use in emergency brake application and
certain recharge features.
Reduction relay valve - ANSWER-A device found on freight cars when the length of the
brake pipe is 75 feet or longer. Primary function of the A-1 reduction relay valve is to
assist the control valve with the venting of brake pipe air during train air brake
application.
No. 8 Vent Valve - ANSWER-Will malfunction and cause a continuous exhaust of brake
pipe air that prevents the brakes from releasing.
, Safety appliance - ANSWER-Stationary hand holds, ladder rungs, cross over platforms
and stirrups designed for climbing, riding or getting on or off equipment.
What class brake test do you make when the train's consist is changed? - ANSWER-
Class 1
What class brake test do you make when the train has been off air for more than 4
hours? - ANSWER-Class 1
A cycle train has traveled 3000 miles since the last class 1 brake test what test must be
performed? - ANSWER-Class 1
A Class 1 break test is not required when: - ANSWER-1. Removing a car or solid block
of cars from the train
2. Adding a previously tested car or solid block of cars to the train
3. Changing motive power
4. Removing or changing the caboose
The air brake on a car must be considered inoperative when it has a brake cylinder
piston travel in excess of: - ANSWER-10.5 inches
What percentage of operative air brakes must each train at least have when in route? -
ANSWER-85%
While enroute each train must have an operative air brake on the: - ANSWER-Rear car
When calculating the number of operative air brakes count: - ANSWER-Locomotives as
a car
Control valve on articulated equipment as a car
What is the correct air brake pipe pressure for road freight trains? - ANSWER-90 PSI
Who are responsible for the condition of air brake and air signal equipment on
locomotives and cars to the extent it is possible to detect defective equipment by the
required air brake test? - ANSWER-Trainmen
What department must the conductor accept results of any inspection - ANSWER-
Mechanical department
Who is equally responsible for ensuring cars and locomotives receive the required
inspections and brake tests? - ANSWER-Each crewmember
What are the four ways to determine the air pressure at the rear of the train or cut of
cars? - ANSWER-1. Telemetry
2. Air Gauge on locomotive coupled to the rear
3. Air Gauge in the EOT or marker unit.
Brake & Train Handling Rules
Angle cock - ANSWER-A valve located at each end of a locomotive or car used to open
or close the brake pipe. Handle in line means it's open. Handle crosswise means it's
closed.
Brake cylinder - ANSWER-A device on cars and locomotives, which converts the force
of compressed air into a mechanical force to move brake shoes against the wheels.
Contains a piston and piston rod. Piston out mean brakes are applied. Piston released
inside means they are released
Brake pipe - ANSWER-The pipe extending the length of the car, locomotive or train
through which air brakes are charged, applied and released.
Branch pipe cut out cock - ANSWER-Device used for cutting in and cutting out the
control valve on a locomotive or car. Handle crosswise with pipe, the cut out cock is
open. Handle in line with pipe, the cut out cock is closed.
Brake cylinder release valve - ANSWER-Valve designed to provide a means for
releasing brake cylinder pressure on a freight car by actuating a bleed rod near the
control valve that is to be identified by a small loop or handle on the bleed rod.
Control valve - ANSWER-Device on locomotives in cars that charges, applies and
releases breaks in response to changes in brake pipe pressure.
Auxiliary reservoir - ANSWER-A storage volume for compressed air, charged from the
brake pipe, which provides air pressure for use in service and emergency brake
applications.
Emergency reservoir - ANSWER-A storage volume for compressed air, charged from
the brake pipe, which provides air pressure for use in emergency brake application and
certain recharge features.
Reduction relay valve - ANSWER-A device found on freight cars when the length of the
brake pipe is 75 feet or longer. Primary function of the A-1 reduction relay valve is to
assist the control valve with the venting of brake pipe air during train air brake
application.
No. 8 Vent Valve - ANSWER-Will malfunction and cause a continuous exhaust of brake
pipe air that prevents the brakes from releasing.
, Safety appliance - ANSWER-Stationary hand holds, ladder rungs, cross over platforms
and stirrups designed for climbing, riding or getting on or off equipment.
What class brake test do you make when the train's consist is changed? - ANSWER-
Class 1
What class brake test do you make when the train has been off air for more than 4
hours? - ANSWER-Class 1
A cycle train has traveled 3000 miles since the last class 1 brake test what test must be
performed? - ANSWER-Class 1
A Class 1 break test is not required when: - ANSWER-1. Removing a car or solid block
of cars from the train
2. Adding a previously tested car or solid block of cars to the train
3. Changing motive power
4. Removing or changing the caboose
The air brake on a car must be considered inoperative when it has a brake cylinder
piston travel in excess of: - ANSWER-10.5 inches
What percentage of operative air brakes must each train at least have when in route? -
ANSWER-85%
While enroute each train must have an operative air brake on the: - ANSWER-Rear car
When calculating the number of operative air brakes count: - ANSWER-Locomotives as
a car
Control valve on articulated equipment as a car
What is the correct air brake pipe pressure for road freight trains? - ANSWER-90 PSI
Who are responsible for the condition of air brake and air signal equipment on
locomotives and cars to the extent it is possible to detect defective equipment by the
required air brake test? - ANSWER-Trainmen
What department must the conductor accept results of any inspection - ANSWER-
Mechanical department
Who is equally responsible for ensuring cars and locomotives receive the required
inspections and brake tests? - ANSWER-Each crewmember
What are the four ways to determine the air pressure at the rear of the train or cut of
cars? - ANSWER-1. Telemetry
2. Air Gauge on locomotive coupled to the rear
3. Air Gauge in the EOT or marker unit.
