Several of our conductors are debating the proper procedure for conducting a Class 3 (road) brake test on our tourist line. Since we do runarounds at both ends of the trip, we conduct at least three each day we operate (the last runaround usually involves parking the train for the night, so a new Class 1 has to be done the next day, anyhow).
The intent of the Class 3 test is to ensure that the trainline is complete. Thus it’s really only necessary to see the brakes apply and release on one side of the rear of the train to confirm that. The debate concerns a directive, real or imagined, that says that the brakes on both sides of the rear of the train should be checked for application and release. No one denies that it hurts nothing to do so, but they do debate whether it’s a rule, or just a good practice.
Anyone out there from the operating side of the house know anything about this?
Now realizing that other GCOR and timetables will vary, this is what we need to do in order to perform a class 3 airbrake test.
Class 3 air brake test procedure.
Verify that the brake system is charged and the pressure at the rear of the train is not less than 75 psi as indicated by an accurate gauage.) Now most trains run at 80 psi in the brake pipe, but passenger trains like Amtrak run at 90 psi. So I am sure you run at 80.
Signal to apply brakes.
Make a 20-psi brake pipe reduction with the automatic valve.
Note brakes apply on rear car.
Signal to release brakes.
Move the automatic brake valve to release position.
Verify that brakes release on rear car.
verify that the brake pipe pressure at the rear of the train is being restored.
It’s good practice to do so, but to my knowledge it is not a rule in the book. But I would do so because you could have a brake stick on you and it could be a bit surprising. I would definitely have it down in the timetable or as a directive just to stay on the safe side… It would be a good thing to do when performing any airbrake test.
The FRA rule for us is that, if cars are added to the consist during the run, that portion needs a initial terminal brake test.
If no cars are added, and the locomotive has not been removed from the consist for more than 4 hours…(the cars left standing alone) then all that is needed is a set and release.
They do require us to have a hand held air gauge, and our reading at the rear must be within 5 psi of what the engineer has on his stand.
We must see the rear brakes apply and release, and our local FRA weed weasel’s interpretation of that part means all the brakes on the rear car must be seen to contact the wheels, along with the brake piston showing.
We are a class 3 road, Switching and Terminal Road, so as an assumption, I would guess you really need to see both sets of brakes apply and release.
I am surprised your railroads timetable doesn’t address this, as all our brake rules are in our timetable.
Considering none of our experienced conductors can agree on the subject for the moment…
We use Conrail’s EC99 brake rules - a separate book.
It’s interesting that checking both trucks has been mentioned, as opposed to just checking both sides of the rear truck. A new twist entirely to our approach, but certainly within the scope of how the book says the test should be run.
Considering none of our experienced conductors can agree on the subject for the moment…
We use Conrail’s EC99 brake rules - a separate book.
It’s interesting that checking both trucks has been mentioned, as opposed to just checking both sides of the rear truck. A new twist entirely to our approach, but certainly within the scope of how the book says the test should be run.
Here’s the section on the Road, or Class 3, test:
[quote]
13.2 PROCEDURE -
13.2.1 - After the train is reassembled, charge the brake pipe system to within 15 pounds of the feed or regulating valve setting as indicated at the rear of train by a rear car gauge or EOT device.
13.2.2 - Test for brake pipe continuity must be made in the following manner:
(1) Make a 20 pound brake pipe reduction.
(2) Determine that brake pipe pressure is being reduced at least 5 pounds at rear of train as indicated by a rear car gauge or EOT device.
(3) Release brakes.
(4) Determine that brake pipe pressure is being increased at least 5 pounds at rear of train as indicated by a rear car gauge or EOT device.
(5) Before proceeding, it must be known that brake pipe pressure is being restored at rear of train.
13.2.3 - When brake pipe has been interrupted but no change is made in the train consist, including the locomotive and caboose, the requirements of a Road Test are fulfilled when it is known that brake pipe pressure is being restored at the rear of train as indicated by a rear car gauge or EOT device. In the absence of a rear car gauge or EOT device, a visual observation must be made of the application and release of the rear