Trainee Pack - Air Brake 1

Front 1

What type of air brakes are fitted to PN Locomotives?

Back 1

Wabtec Fastbrake (with Epic 3102 Handles) - NR

Wabtec Fastbrake - 93, TT, LDP.

26L - G, 81, BL.

30ACDW - 82, AN.

A7 - T.

Front 2

What are the two portions of a locomotive brake?

Back 2

Automatic - Controls brake applications of entire train.

Idependant - Control brake application to Locomotive and all locomites in multi unit consist.

Front 3

Name the Positions on a Wabtec/Epic Automatic Brake.

Back 3

Realease.

50kpa - 50kpa Reduction.

70kpa - 70kpa Reduction. (Epic only, not Wabtec).

Application Zone.

Full Service - 150kpa Reduction.

Supression - 150kpa Reduction and Supresses Vigilance.

Handle Out - When used it will drain air from train/loco slowly. Cut out in this position.

Emergency - Exhausts all air very quickly, opens PCS.

Front 4

26L & 30ACDW Brakes have the same positions as Epic 3102 with one difference, what is it?

Back 4

No 70kpa application position on 26L & 30ACDW.

Note - Full Service can be equivalent to a 175kpa reduction on 26L.

Front 5

What are the 4 occasions when a locomotive's air brake equipment should be tested?

Back 5

1. When preparing for lead loco of train.

2. When Provisioning.

3. When re-entering service from maintenance facility.

4. When attaching en-route as lead locomotive.

Front 6

What are the correct air pressure readings for Equalizing Reservoir & Brake Pipe when locomotive brakes are released?

Back 6

Both 500kpa.

Front 7

Describe the fuction of the Dead Engine device.

Back 7

When engine is to be hauled dead and main res hoses cannot be connected from lead unit the dead engine device should be opened on dead unit. It allows air from the brake pipe to charge the no2 main res to 350kpa so brakes can apply on dead unit.

Front 8

At what BP pressures do the PKS/PCS open the Pneumatic Control Relay circuit and disable and enable power?

Back 8

G (&C) - 240kpa out, 320kpa in.

81 & NR - 250kpa out, 350kpa in.

BL, DL, AN - 310kpa out, 395kpa in.

Front 9

What must be done to enable locomotive to power again if loco was in power when PKS/PCS opened the PCR circuit?

Back 9

Throttle must be returned to idle to close PCR circuit.

Front 10

AN & DL - Describe The Function of the A1 Charging Valve.

Back 10

Senses any abnormal/sudden air leak and initiates an emergency brake application. Stops the train being able to recharge the brake pipe.

Front 11

What is the function of Power Knockout Switch (PKS) and Pneumatic Control Switch (PCS)?

Back 11

Pressure sensitive electrical switch on the brake rack connected to the brake pipe. When the brake pipe pressure falls below the set level the PKS/PCS operates to disable power to the traction motors (Power and Dynamic Brake) Disables power when Emergency brake or handle out applications are made.

Front 12

AN & DL - Describe the function of the P2A Valve.

Back 12

Sends an electric signal to initiate emergency brake application if set speed limit of locomotive is reached.

Front 13

What should be tested during an Air brake test?

Back 13

1. Emergency position.

2. Emergency dump valve (handle).

3. Correct Air pressures for release & all applications.

4. Brake Pipe Leakage.

5. PCS/PKS Operation & Pressures.

6. Dynamic Brake Interlock Operation.

7. Independent Pressure Switch Operationand pressure.

8. Independant Application and bail-off/partial bail-off.

9. Vigilance Penalty Brake Operation.

Front 14

How do you test the Emergency application?

Back 14

Move Automatic brake handle to emergency.

Front 15

What would you be checking for when testing the Emergency Brake Application?

Back 15

Check when handle is moved to emergency that brake pipe pressure reduces rapidly, brake cylinder pressure applies, locomotive sands, PCS/PKS operates to remove any amps. Check that it can be reset/recharged without complications.

Front 16

What would you be checking for when testing the emergency dump valve handle?

Back 16

Check that it opens and starts a release flow of air. Check brake pipe pressure drops. On newer locomotives check the Emergency Dump Penalty &/or A1 Charging valve operate. Check when closed it stops the flow of air.

Front 17

How do you test the emergency dump valve handle?

Back 17

Open the handle. Located near driver on all locomotives, some locomotives also have a 2nd for the 2nd driving position.

Front 18

How do you test for correct air pressures during a brake test?

Back 18

Use the automatic handle and IFC or gauges. Check ER pressure falls before BP pressure.

Front 19

What would you be checking for when testing when testing for correct pressures for all application and release positions?

Back 19

Brake Pipe, Equalising Res & Brake Cylinder pressure all match their correct pressure.

Release - ER&BP 500, BC 0

50kpa - ER&BP 450, BC 70-90

70kpa - ER&BP 430, BC 120

Full Service - ER&BP 350, BC 350 (350-380 C,G,BL & 81)

Emergency - ER&BP 0, BC 350 (350-380 C,G,BL & 81)

Front 20

How do you test brake pipe leakage?

Back 20

Make a 100kpa (train) or 150kpa (locos) auto application. Wait one minute for pressures to equalize. Check Equalizing Res, Brake Pipe & Brake Cyclinder Pressures. Cut out automatic portion and set a timer for one minute. After 1 minute check pressures again. Make (or leave in)a full service application, cut auto brake back in.

Front 21

What are you checking for when testing brake pipe leakage?

Back 21

Check that over the 1minute the brake pipe is cut-out that:

• Brake Pipe pressure doesn't drop more than 15/35kpa (locos/train).

• BP Pressure doesn't increase.

• ER pressure doesn't decrease or increase beyond a reasonable amount.

• BC Pressure doesn't increase or decrease beyond more than 15kpa.

Front 22

How do you test PCS/PKS operation?

Back 22

Keep independent fully applied. Place in direction and apply light Throttle or Dynamic brake power and check amp gauge rises (power only). Place automatic handle in handle out or emergency. To reduce Brake Pipe pressure.

Front 23

What are you checking for when testing PCS/PKS operation?

Back 23

That when the brake pipe pressure falls below the set amount PCS/PKS operates to remove all traction/dyno power and amps.

Front 24

How do you test Dynamic Brake Interlock operation?

Back 24

Apply automatic handle to full service with independant released. Insert reverser, select direction and setup and apply dyno power.

Front 25

What are you looking for when testing Dynamic Brake Interlocking operation?

Back 25

When auto is applied then dyno engaged that brake cylinder pressure drops to 0 and that dyno builds amps.

Note - PKS/PCS can also be tested by placing handle out or emergency and checking brake cylinder pressure is restored when cut off is activated.

Front 26

What Brake Cylinder pressure should be applied when the independent handle is moved to full application?

Back 26

NR - 450 (560 with Park Brake)

93, AN - 450kpa

TT, LDP - 500kpa

G, 81 & BL - 310kpa

Front 27

How would you test the Independant pressure switch?

Back 27

Select direction, move master controller in to dyno, notch 2 or above. Then apply independent.

Front 28

What are you looking for when testing the independant pressure switch?

Back 28

Check that when independent brake cylinder pressure reaches 105kpa that Dyno returns to notch 1. Do not touch master Controller, release independent and check dyno reapplies.

Front 29

How do you test the independant portion and what are you looking for?

Back 29

Apply auto, then bail off. Check the bail off feature reduces BC to zero. Release auto.

Apply independant slowly to full application, check brake cyclinder pressure rises to correct pressure. Apply auto & press down independent handle and move to halfway through the application to check the partial bail off.

Release independant.

Front 30

How would you test the vigilance cycle and penalty brake and what would you look for?

Back 30

Correct cycle selected. Park brake on, reverser in direction, independent and auto released. Let timer run out and ensure visual and audible warnings work.

Check penalty brake applies when counter hits zero, all Brake Pipe pressure is release and brake cylinder pressure applies.

Front 31

If a locomotive fails any part of the brake test can it be used in a consist?

Back 31

Not to lead. May be used as a trailing unit depending on circumstances, as long as new lead locomotive passes the brake test.

Front 32

!!! Where is the brake rack found on common classes of Locomotive?

Back 32

NR - CA6

G, 81 - No 1 end in Fresh Air Compartment.

AN & 82 - B End of engine room.

TT, LDP - Beside Fuel Tank.

Front 33

What is the major difference between 26L, ACDW30 and Epic 3102 and Wabtac brake systems?

Back 33

26L & ACDW30 brake valves are connected to the brake rack by internal piping.

3102 & Fastbrake are fully computerised. Brake rack components respond to electrical signals generated by brake handle position.

Front 34

On this 26L Brake rack Label: Control Res, Auxiliary Res, Dyno Magnet Valve, Relay Valve, Control Valve, Isolating Cock & Quick Release Valve.

Back 34

Front 35

Briefly describe the function of the No 3 & No 4 control pipes.

Back 35

3 - Connects independent brake valve to the relay valve.

4 - Connects the independent brake valve to the quick release valve.

Front 36

26L - How does the automatic brake apply and release?

Back 36

Front 37

26L - How does the independent apply and release?

Back 37

Front 38

What is the function of the double check valve?

Back 38

Allows driver to apply independent at the same time as automatic and dyno.

Front 39

What are the differences between a 26L and 30ACDW Brake rack?

Back 39

30 Has: a Triple vavle instead if control valve.

One Relay Valve for each bogie.

No control res.

Aux Res is fitted with ind release valve.

Front 40

If no main res pressure is available can the brakes apply on a loco?

Back 40

No

Front 41

Which main reservoir is used to supply air to the brake system?

Back 41

No.2.

Note - Safety Valve stops air escaping if pipe rupture occurs.

Front 42

If no 3 & 4 control pipe cannot be connected between locos what must be done?

Back 42

BP & MR hoses connected. Auto cut-out, independent cut-in & released on trail unit.

Front 43

How do you know when the PCR has opened (PKS tripped)?

Back 43

Visual on IFC (PCS Open). Red Safety Control Light on AN & BL. No amps available.

Front 44

AN - How do you reset the A1 Charging vavle?

Back 44

Place auto in to emergency. Bring train to a stand. Close throttle to reset safety light. Remain in Emergency for 60 seconds. Move handle to supression, pause, then move to release.

Front 45

AN&DL - Where/how would you cut out the P2A valve if it became defectice en-route.

Back 45

Get UGL permission. Close the sealed cock under a floor panel in the cab.

Front 46

26L&30ACDW - How does the Dynamic Brake Magnet Valve Operate?

Back 46

When dyno is moved in braking zone magnet valve energises and closes the air connection between control & relay valves. Relay valve is connected to atmosphere.

Front 47

If you were to make a 50kpa application, bail off, then increase the application to 100kpa and not bail off, how much air apply to brake cylinders of the Locos.

Back 47

The equivalent of a 50kpa reduction only. (~90kpa in BC) (Train will still have 100kpa reduction)

Front 48

When in dyno the Dynamic brake magnet valve can be overridden to apply brake cylinder pressure, how?

Back 48

Emergency application (PCS/PKS).

Independent application.

Front 49

At what pressure does the Independent Pressure Switch energise to remove dynamic brake power (back to B1)?

Back 49

Approximately 100kpa

Front 50

What operates to allow independent to be applied at the same time as auto or dyno?

Back 50

Double check valve

Front 51

If power is lost to the Epic 3102 computers other than the full service application initiated by the circuit breaker what other application can be made?

Back 51

Emergency. A microswitch provides battery current to an emergency magnet valve on the brake rack.

Note - Emergency cock can also be opened.

Front 52

What does the brake control computer directly control during automatic brake applications?

Back 52

Reduction & recharge of equalizing reservoir.

Front 53

NR - How are independent applications processed from handle movement?

Back 53

CCU to Cab Control Computer to Brake Control Computer (same as auto)

Front 54

What is the function of the Equalizing Reservoir?

Back 54

It is the direct control for the brake pipe, brake pipe will follow equalizing res pressure at a controlled rate with the exception of an Emergency application. Ensures reduction of brake pipe pressure is achieved at a controlled rate regardless of the length of the train. Assists in preventing irregular application and release of the train brakes.