Trainee Pack - Train Operation 1

Front 1

Describe what is meant by "blending the brake"?

Back 1

The use of independent and dynamic braking simultaneously.

Front 2

If Stopping on a steep grade, what should be done in the last 10-20metres before coming to complete stop?

Back 2

Manually lay sand on the rail to assist with traction when attempting to move the train again.

Front 3

When Automatic brake is applied over dynamic brake why is it important not to release dynamic brake?

Back 3

If brakes are applied on the train (wagons) removing the dynamic brake resistance will cause the locos to "run out" and potentially damage &/or separate the train.

Front 4

What is 'cycle braking'?

Back 4

Using repeated air brake applications and releases to control a trains speed down a long steep grade. Using the independent to hold train while brake recharges.

Front 5

What is 'Balance Braking'?

Back 5

An Air break application is made and held on while dyno is used to control the trains speed down a long steep grade

Note - This won't really apply to any of our areas of operation.

Front 6

What is meant by Draft in train handling terms?

Back 6

Train is in a stretched condition, locos are pulling train and taking up drawgear slack.

Front 7

What is meant by Buff in train handling terms?

Back 7

Train is bunched. Pushing against Loco/s.

Front 8

Why is important to remove or reduce power when applying the air brake on the train?

Back 8

If too much force is pulling against braked wagons it may cause a train breakaway. It will also severely affect stopping/slowing distance and fuel consumption.

Front 9

What must be done at the first available opportunity after departing or changeover of a train once the train has reached a reasonable speed?

Back 9

Running Test Of the Brake.

Front 10

If after performing a running test of the brake if you consider the brake not effective enough to stop the train at full speed within 2500m what should be done?

Back 10

Remarshalling or reduced speed may be required. Inspect train for any braking defects if braking is unsatisfactory.

Front 11

Why would you consider running at reduced speed if you feel you couldn't stop the train from full speed with 2500m? Why wouldn't route knowledge apply?

Back 11

Country Region Track Force Protection (VIC) & Track Work Authority (NSW) can have flagmen placed at those distances and cannot be predicted based on route knowledge.

Front 12

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

Back 12

Approximately 100kpa

Front 13

What operates to allow independent to be used in conjunction with automatic or dynamic?

Back 13

Doube Check Valve.

Front 14

If the driver becomes incapacitated how may you bring the train to a stand?

Back 14

Auto handle in to emergency.

Open either of the Emergency Brake Pipe Cock.

Open Air Brake Circuit breakers. (150kpa reduction is made).

Auto can also be placed in to emergency from a trailing cab.

Front 15

What is a partial bail off and how is it achieved?

Back 15

By depressing the Independent handle whilst moving it in to the application zone to desired application. Used when auto application is made or a penalty/emergency brake application occurs.

Front 16

NR - If the brake cylinder tile is yellow but BC Pressure shows 0 what may it mean?

Back 16

Brakes have applied on a rear unit in the consist or park brake is applied.

Front 17

If you have a ground relay how do you reset it (NR)?

Back 17

Go to idle for 15 seconds, it will reset automatically.

Front 18

How many Ground relays before you get a Ground Relay lockout?

Back 18

NR - 4 in 30 minutes, 81 - 5 in 35 minutes. AN, 82 - 4 (in short sucession).

Alarm may sound on all locos until locomotive is switched offline or shut down.

Front 19

What is the maximum number of axles for dynamic braking?

Back 19

18 for NRs (or 4000hp+ locos)

24 for 3000hp locos.

Front 20

If you have more than 3 NRs what should be done when dynamic braking?

Back 20

Either isolate dyno on 1 loco, switch offline or reduce dyno amps.

Front 21

What is the maximum number of Dynamic Braking Amps that should be used through points or sharp curves?

Back 21

300 at least until most of the train is through.

Front 22

Why would you reduce dyno amps through point and sharp curves?

Back 22

To prevent excessice buff forces in the train, especially with lightly loaded wagons at the front or middle of the consist.

Front 23

If you hear the loco wheels start to "squeal" when ascending a grade what action is required?

Back 23

None. Some wheel creep is allowable, wheel slip control system should automatically keep it within range (up to 5%).

Front 24

When can the sand foot pedal be operated?

Back 24

When travelling under 11/8kph (NR/EMD) or at all times when in dyno or throtte is in idle.

Front 25

What condition can cause the 'wheel slip' light to illuminate when dynamic braking and how would you react?

Back 25

Wheel slide. Reduce dyno amps & manually apply sand.

Front 26

What are the main ways to monitor a loco's performance en-route?

Back 26

Checking amps for fluctuations, checking air pressure gauges, checking exhaust stack, listening for irregular noises, monitoring annunciator panel/computer display.

Front 27

What are some things that are recorded by the event recorder?

Back 27

Distance travelled, notch selected, direction, brake pipe pressure, vigilance (penalty, acknowledgment, cycle, isolation), gen field, fuel miser, manual power control, fuel, traction motor current, horn operation, headlight on/bright, Dyno, manual sanding, wheel slip, EOT, emergency brake, time.

Front 28

What must be done when stabling a loco?

Back 28

Independent cut in full application, auto in release. Park brake applied, L2 wheel chocked, gen field off, reverser removed and placed in receptacle. Leave number & marker lights on at night. Do not leave foul of any other road.

Front 29

What extra steps should be taken when stabling a loco that is to be shutdown?

Back 29

Drain BP to zero, cut out brakes, note time in log book (EMD), lock doors, open knife switch.

Front 30

Why should Brake Pipe Pressure be drained to zero before shutting down a loco (EMD)?

Back 30

Penalty brake will occur if knife switch is pulled with pressure still in Brake Pipe. Safety feature when battery current is removed from vigilance control system.

Front 31

What is the difference between spring slack and free slack?

Back 31

Spring slack is the potential slack in the draw gear's springs (up to 75mm per auto). Free slack is the movement without the compression of draft gear springs (up to 25mm each auto).

Front 32

What conditions can affect the amount of coupling slack in the train?

Back 32

Train brake applying and releasing at different rates. Differences in braking power (load comps, heavy/light). Train's length, weight and loading profile. Track Gradient & Curvature. Train handling strategies.

Front 33

What conditions can affect the time/distance it takes to stop a train?

Back 33

Speed, Length, Weight, Loading, Empty Wagons, Type of Brake Blocks, Gradient, Weather, Amount of Operative Air Brakes.

Front 34

What should be considered before initiating a running release of the air brake?

Back 34

Current speed. Size of brake application. Length of Train. Grade Control Valves & Fixed Chokes. Gradient & Upcoming terrain. Upcoming speed restrictions or fixed signal aspects. Upcoming known stopping locations.

Front 35

What should be considered before initiating a running release of the air brake?

Back 35

Current speed. Size of brake application. Length of Train. Grade Control Valves & Fixed Chokes. Gradient & Upcoming terrain. Upcoming speed restrictions or fixed signal aspects. Upcoming known stopping locations. Recharging Time.

Front 36

What is the operational advantage of a split service application?

Back 36

Reduces in train buff/draft forces.

Front 37

What is the operational advantage of a split service application?

Back 37

Reduces in train buff/draft forces.

Front 38

What is maximum amount of time the train brake should remain applied?

Back 38

10 minutes.

Front 39

What is brake fade?

Back 39

Brake Blocks become less effective if they become too hot. This can be cause by applications at high speed, heavy applications down long steep grades.

Front 40

How would you 'balance the grade'?

Back 40

The air brake application made down a steep grade is keeping the train at a constant speed.

Front 41

How would you 'balance the grade'?

Back 41

The air brake application made down a steep grade is keeping the train at a constant speed.

Front 42

What determines the amount of tractive effort a loco can produce?

Back 42

Horsepower, rail condition, sander operation, throttle position, speed, loco weight (adhesion). Higher at low speeds.

Front 43

What should you do if a loco develops uncontrolled wheel spin?

Back 43

Reduce power and apply 50kpa independent pressure. Do not apply sand until wheel spin is controlled.

Front 44

What is the maximum notch setting on an NR to start a train on a heavy grade?

Back 44

Notch 6.

Front 45

What is 'Maximum continuous tractive effort speed'?

Back 45

As a loco's speed decreases hauling a load of a grade the Alternator output increases. When the speed of the train becomes constant the loco has attained its maximum continuos tractive effort speed. On most locos these are as low as 15-20kmph.