BNSF Air Brake and Train Handling Practice Test

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• What should an engineer do upon noticing loss of brake pipe pressure at the rear of a train?
• What air test is required on the remaining consist after setting out the locomotive?
• How many axles of dynamic brake are available on a train consist with 32 dynamic brake axles?
• How should the angle cocks be positioned on all but the last car during a pick up?
• While passing a failed equipment detector, what action is required?
• What is a primary benefit of high-capacity dynamic brakes compared to their basic counterparts?
• What must be verified on the remote consist(s) during the train check process?
• A handheld air gauge used for air brake tests must have been checked for accuracy within how many days?
• What are the positions on a four position retaining valve?
• What directs reservoir air into the brake cylinder during a service brake application?
• When approaching turnouts with the train's air brakes released, how should dynamic brake retarding force be limited?
• If the tell-tale knob on an automatic drain valve is extended, the valve is set for which operation?
• During a brake test, what indicates that the brakes on the rear car have released?
• Which brake must be fully applied when setting out the trailing locomotive at Buddwood?
• When may the independent brake and the dynamic brake be used together?
• Before performing any inspections, engineers must ensure that the calendar day inspection is completed before which time on the due date?
• At each car, which component senses the increase in pressure during the braking process?
• How many axles of dynamic braking are available on a consist with 4 SD-60 locomotives?
• What position must the brake valve handle be in for 60 seconds to regain control after a penalty brake application?
• What should be done to prevent movement when securing an unattended train?
• What must be ensured regarding the brakes of a train for safety compliance?
• What is the maximum allowable brake pipe leakage per minute during the test?
• What type of valve should be cut out when adding helpers?
• What does PC stand for in PC switch?
• What is required if a train loses front to rear communication while underway?
• Which position of the brake handle would be appropriate for locomotives hauled dead-in-train?
• When operating on a grade where a constant level of braking is required for long distances, how should brake pipe reductions be made?
• When isolating a locomotive for fuel conservation and the temperature is 40 degrees or above, what should be done?
• How much retarding force, per axle, can each SD-60 locomotive with high capacity dynamics and extended range produce?
• What is the primary function of the main reservoirs on a locomotive?
• What is the minimum acceptable brake pipe increase at the rear of the train after releasing the brakes during the air test?
• How does the service zone function in relation to brake application?
• What must be true for an ETD to be used?
• What is the maximum number of dynamic brake axles allowed at the head end of a train with 4 SD-60 locomotives?
• Which of the following is NOT a condition for initiating an emergency brake application?
• What should be done last when disarming the ETD system?
• What is a key requirement for any gauge used in air brake tests?
• What is used on cars with AB and ABD control valves to assist in reducing brake pipe pressure?
• What is the primary purpose of isolating excess units in a locomotive consist?
• In terms of air brake management, what is important when operating in disturbed track conditions?
• What percentage of air brakes must be operational before proceeding in a Class 1A air brake test?
• What effect does reducing brake pipe pressure have during a service brake application?
• In terminal areas, multiple locomotive consists may be moved only if the brake pipe is connected and the speed does not exceed what?
• When isolating a locomotive for fuel conservation and the temperature is below 40 degrees, what action is required?
• What is the required minimum handbrake securing requirement upon arrival at a terminal before inspection?
• In what situation do you need to make a 20 psi brake pipe reduction when cutting in air?
• Draft forces are present when a train is in which condition?
• What effect does an automatic application have on the overall train brake pressure?
• What is indicated when you fully apply independent brakes during the test?
• Before detaching locomotives during a 1000-mile inspection, what should be done to the cars?
• How does moving the brake valve from left to right through the service zone affect pressure?
• If a brake pipe reduction greater than the limit is needed to control train speed, what action must be taken?
• A 4-mile section of track with a 1.3% grade is categorized as?
• In which position is the automatic brake valve handle placed to release air for charging the train brake system?
• What is the purpose of the 10-second pause IDLE when changing from power to dynamic braking?
• How can you determine if a locomotive has high capacity or basic dynamic brakes?
• Which condition is less than optimal for a train's braking system?
• What defines a mountain grade in train handling?
• What is the proper procedure when cutting out air brakes on multiple cars?
• What is the purpose of a Daily Inspection for locomotives?
• Quick service locally vents brake pipe pressure by how much?
• To disarm an ETD system, what should the HTD ID code be set to?
• What should be verified when changing any locomotive or caboose in a train?
• What is required during ground inspection after receiving a signal to apply brakes?
• What action should be taken when a light locomotive consist is operated over a distance exceeding 2 miles without crew control via signals?
• What is the actual horsepower per ton (HPT) of a train that has a calculated HPT of 3.33?
• What action is required for the brake rigging during air brake tests?
• How does the crew manage fuel conservation while remaining compliant with regulations?
• Which reservoirs are charged when the train brake system is initially charged?
• What is the consequence of failing to isolate excess units when HPT exceeds scheduled limits?
• What is the maximum working horsepower allowed for empty unit trains on line?
• What is indicated by the ARM NOW message on the HTD?
• How can you determine if the brakes have applied or released on the rear car during a test?
• To qualify a train air brake system using the Air Flow Method (AFM), which of the following is required?
• What is the maximum independent brake cylinder pressure allowed on a locomotive with single shoe per wheel brake rigging?
• What is the first action to take when installing a battery-operated ETD?
• If you are unsure about the status of the brakes, what should you do?
• What is the purpose of the full service position on the brake valve?
• What is the purpose of charging chokes in train operations?
• For train H-CHIDEN9-05, if the scheduled HPT is 2.0 and the actual HPT is 2.2, what action is needed to comply with regulations?
• If the pressure difference on the ETD and HTD is more than 3 psi, what action should be taken?
• When instructed to reduce speed for fuel conservation, what throttle positions does the speed reduction apply to?
• Who is responsible for the train during air brake tests?
• What happens to locomotives if the ambient temperature is 40 degrees or above and they are not needed?
• Under what condition should the independent brake not be used according to the guidelines?
• During the charging procedure, when is it permissible to increase engine RPMs?
• What is the maximum rated powered axles (RPA) allowed for a locomotive consist?
• How does the serial action of the brake release affect train slack?
• Can dynamic braking be used effectively below 10 MPH on an SD-40 locomotive?
• In what step do you select "TRAIN CHECK" during the train check process?
• What is the maximum permissible speed for a train if it is operating with known flat spots until reaching its setout destination?
• What should be done to address an equalizing reservoir leak?
• What is the first step to take when a penalty brake application occurs?
• What are the tons per operative axle of dynamic brake (TODB) of the train, rounded to a whole number?
• When operating through turnout or disturbed track with train's air brakes released, what is the maximum dynamic brake handle position allowed until half the train has passed the restricted area?
• At what point must the functional capability of the ETD emergency valve be tested?
• How much brake cylinder pressure develops from a 20 psi brake pipe reduction with a regulating valve set at 90 psi?
• What is a critical step to confirm before departure after a brake inspection?
• Where does the air for charging the train brake system come from?
• How many locomotives may be coupled for multiple-unit operation without exceeding regulations?
• What is the procedure called to release locomotive brakes during an automatic brake application?
• What should you verify during a Daily Inspection of a lead locomotive?
• What is the first step of the Air Flow Method (AFM) in a Class 1 Initial Terminal and Road Air Brake Test?
• What must always be checked before making changes to the brake system?
• What should be done if brake pipe leakage exceeds the specified limit during the test?
• How many percent of the cars in a train must have operative brakes under all circumstances?
• If a train is stationed where the locomotive brakes won't hold when released, what should be done before opening the angle cock?
• When the conductor announces "going between," what must the engineer do in response?
• When must a crew member initiate an emergency brake application?
• What is the maximum speed permitted if a speed indicator on a controlling locomotive fails enroute?
• What component senses the reduction in pressure during a service brake application?
• What constitutes a full service application in brake systems?
• What should be done if the braking system indicates more than the standard leakage during testing?
• If operating on a mountain grade, what should the regulating valve on the controlling locomotive be set to?
• What step should you take after hearing signal 5.8.2 during an emergency situation?
• Which dynamic brake system offers maximum retardation in handle position 4 at higher speeds?
• How should you secure your train after making the cut at the road crossing?
• What is the maximum allowable speed for a lead locomotive after a Daily Inspection if the speed recorder has failed?
• Which reservoirs equalize after an emergency brake application?
• What is the purpose of the "HP" position on the retaining valve?
• When the handle is placed in the handle off/continuous service position, what occurs?
• What happens if the train remains idle for more than the charged time limit?
• Which action should be avoided when the train is struggling to maintain speed on a heavy grade?
• After 40 minutes from cutting off the locomotive, what air test should you perform on the train?
• What is the first step to conduct an air test after adding helpers to the rear of a train?
• How frequently must Daily Inspections be conducted?
• What is the maximum operative axle weight of dynamic brake to avoid isolating a unit for fuel conservation?
• What is the purpose of establishing a uniform charging and release of the train brakes?
• What does the minimum reduction setting do?
• What is the Actual Horsepower per Ton (HPT) of this train, rounded to the nearest tenth?
• When should you release the brakes on a stopped train?
• What should you do when ready to depart after performing a train check?
• What is a distinguishing feature of extended range dynamic brakes compared to basic range dynamic brakes?
• While operating a westbound train, what is required if the HTD displays a VALVFAIL message?
• What happens to brake cylinder pressure after an automatic brake application if the independent brake valve is not actuated?
• What might be a consequence of not adhering to the speed limit after a Daily Inspection?
• What should be ensured of the rear car brake pipe pressure before descending a mountain grade?
• What is a key factor to consider after completing a Daily Inspection on a locomotive?
• What does the term "disturbed track" refer to?
• After releasing hand brakes on the train at McPherson, what must be checked before departing?
• What is required to initiate the exhaust from the brake cylinder during a release?
• What must you do to comply with fuel conservation regulations if the actual HPT for train Z-CHIDEN9-05 is 3.8 and the scheduled HPT is 3.2?
• What type of brake application results from a full service reduction of pressure?
• If the actual HPT exceeds the scheduled HPT, what action is required by the crew?
• When readying to depart after picking up cars from storage, how should the brake system be tested?
• When operating with solid double stack equipment, what is required regarding dynamic brake axles?
• What is the weight load of BNSF2518—GP35 in tons as per the provided information?
• What should be the position of the MU-2A valve and the independent brake valve handle after MU-ing the BN 7042?
• Why is it important to monitor the condition of two-way devices?
• What is the last action performed upon successful completion of the air brake test?
• When are locomotive safety devices not required to be operating?
• What should you do if the throttle is already positioned in RUN 4 at a grade crossing?
• What is the function of the independent brake valve handle during the process of adding helpers?
• What must be done during a winter storm while running on clear signal indications?
• Which component is crucial for controlling air flow in the AFM brake system?
• When approaching a signal that requires a stop, what is required to ensure proper brake functionality?
• What is the correct position for the automatic brake valve cutout valve on the trailing locomotives?
• What is a critical aspect to check after the brakes are released and before the train departs?
• What term refers to the movement of part of the coupled train at a speed different from another part of the train?
• On the controlling locomotive, what position does the MU2A or double-port cutout cock need to be in?
• After a 20-minute wait, is a train that has been recoupled still considered charged, and what is the time limit concerning this charge?
• During the ETD installation, what is the maximum allowable difference in psi when comparing ETD display and HTD reading?
• What is necessary to check for leaks when preparing to depart a stopped train?
• What is the maximum number of powered axles that can be on line for movement of light engines to comply with regulations?
• How much retarding force, per axle, can a standard SD-40 locomotive produce?
• To reduce pressure in an overcharged train brake system, which initial action should be taken?
• What is the proper procedure before detaching your locomotive from the train?
• During normal operating conditions, how is dynamic brake retarding force limited?
• What must be done when all brakes are released on all locomotives?
• What is the maximum allowed speed for light engines operating long hood forward in adverse conditions?
• How can the train and engine crew determine the scheduled horsepower per ton (HPT) for their train?
• What action is required if the actual HPT matches the scheduled HPT for Z, Q, or P trains?
• Why is it important to limit speed to 10 MPH for locomotives with significant flat spots?
• Which location is NOT specified for conducting Class 1 tests on trains?
• What condition should the independent brake valve handle and MU-2A valve be in before connecting the BN 7042 as a trailing locomotive?
• What is the procedure if the automatic brakes do not hold on a grade?
• What is the TOB of the train H-EVEPAS1-23?
• What is the function of the "EXECUTE" option during the train check process?
• After making a brake pipe reduction when adding helpers, what should be done next?
• What should be done with the angle cock on the car that is to be detached at McPherson?
• What occurs when the automatic brake valve is in the release position?
• In the air brake testing process, what is indicated by the equalizing reservoir?
• When separating a two-way device, which of the following is necessary?
• When controlling train speed on a heavy or mountain grade, what is the limit for effective brake pipe reduction?
• What precaution should be taken when leaving a locomotive unattended in temperatures below 32 degrees F?
• What is the primary focus of a Daily Inspection on locomotives?
• After an automatic brake application, what does actuating with the independent brake valve signal?
• Before passing the summit of a mountain grade, what should the rear car brake pipe pressure be within?
• When using the independent brake, which of the following must be true?
• What mechanism prevents the locomotive brakes from applying after an automatic application?
• What must a crew do when a locomotive is not going to be used for an extended period in high temperatures?
• During a penalty brake application, how should independent brake cylinder pressure be controlled?
• What is the procedure after discovering a broken knuckle instead of a drawbar?
• During the air brake test, when should the automatic brake valve be cut out?
• What action should be taken if the dynamic brake light does not go out after reducing the brake handle position?
• When should train brakes not be released after a stop when further movement is delayed?
• What should the position of the MU2A or double ported cutout cock be on trailing locomotives?
• How much should the rear brake pipe pressure decrease to indicate that brakes are applied?
• What is the result of applying a service rate pressure using the brake handle?
• What is the brake cylinder pressure after a full service reduction with a brake system charge to 90 psi?
• What action should be performed after coupling the brake pipe hoses when adding helpers?
• What type of train handling technique is critical when traversing steep grades?
• What position should the automatic brake valve handles be in on the trailing locomotives?
• How many axles of dynamic braking are available on a consist with 4 SD-40 locomotives?
• What air test is required after 4 hours and 20 minutes following an emergency braking application?
• During an air brake test, which component is crucial for immediate response?
• What potential scenario would require the emergency setting of the brake valve?
• What is the recommended speed for departing from the roundhouse with a light locomotive consist if conditions permit?
• What is the Rated Powered Axles (RPA) of an SD40 locomotive?
• What should the independent brake valve handle be set to when adding helpers to the rear of a train?
• In a Class 1A air brake test using the LEAKAGE method, what is the first action required?
• What is the preferred option when cutting out dynamic brakes on locomotives to comply with axle limitations?
• If the brake warning light comes on while using the dynamic brake, what is the first thing you should do?
• What brake pipe reduction is needed to trigger the Accelerated Service Release feature?
• What is the standard brake pipe pressure for yard service?
• What does moving the automatic brake valve handle into the service zone reduce?
• What action should be taken if a safety device becomes defective en route?
• In case of isolation for fuel conservation, what must be ensured to comply with dynamic brake regulations?
• Between what speeds is dynamic braking on SD-40 locomotives most effective?
• What is the first step after coupling air hoses to restore air pressure?
• What should be the air flow indicator reading to ensure proper brake pipe integrity testing?
• What should you do immediately after discovering issues during a Daily Inspection?
• What is the required action if operating conditions allow when preparing to depart?
• If the train has a 90 psi regulating valve setting, what is the minimum brake pipe pressure needed on the rear car before passing the summit of a mountain grade?
• What is the first step required to perform a locomotive air brake test?
• Why must independent brakes be released before making any reductions in brake pipe pressure?
• What is the TODB of the specified train after accounting for dynamic brake limitations?
• What is the proper indicated brake cylinder pressure for locomotives equipped with clasp type brake shoe rigging?
• What should be verified during a Class 1A air brake test after making a reduction?
• When is the AFM test considered complete?
• If a locomotive is not equipped with winter isolate, what should the throttle be set at when unattended in freezing temperatures?
• What type of brake application is a dynamic brake considered?
• What is the brake pipe reduction required for a full service brake application at a charge of 90 psi?
• What should be the crew's approach if the scheduled HPT for their train is unknown?
• What is the primary purpose of dynamic braking?
• After sensing an increase in pressure, what does the control valve allow to exhaust through?
• The MU-2A valves on trailing locomotives in a consist should be in which position?
• How should locomotives be handled if they will not be utilized within one hour and the temperature is 40 degrees or above?
• Which step involves moving the automatic brake valve handle to the RELEASE position?
• Can a train instructed to reduce speed for fuel conservation operate at timetable speed?
• What is the result of the brake cylinder piston being forced out?
• How many minutes are required for DP trains to reset PCS on DP remote units?
• What is the dynamic brake holding feature?
• What is the purpose of making a brake pipe reduction using the automatic brake valve?
• How many DB axles are in the consist of the train H-EVEPAS1-23?
• What is the preferred method for checking brake pipe leakage?
• What is referred to as the PC switch in train operations?
• Do the dynamic brake axles need to be limited on a consist of 4 SD-60 locomotives with high capacity dynamics?
• Upon receiving a second hot bearing alarm with no identified defect, what is your next required action?
• What must be done when the brake pipe reduction is complete before detaching locomotives?
• What is the scheduled HPT for the train H-EVEPAS1-23?
• Which condition allows for cutting out air brakes on multiple cars?
• What happens after a full service brake pipe reduction is made?
• How much should the brake pipe reduction be increased during the air test after adding helpers?
• If a train experiences sticking brakes, what should the engineer do?
• What type of forces are present when a train is in a slack-bunched condition?
• When operating on a grade, what is the recommended brake pipe reduction for long distances?
• After 2 hours and 25 minutes since an emergency application occurred, what air test must be performed?
• What action must be taken regarding the air brakes before securing a train at McPherson?
• What is the purpose of the dynamic brake holding feature in a locomotive?
• What is the tons per operative axle of a dynamic brake (TODB) if all available axles are used and rounded to a whole number?
• In what scenario would you use the full service position of the brake valve?
• When adding a block of pretested cars that have not been off air for more than 4 hours, what is the required brake pipe reduction?
• Is it permissible for the conductor to close both angle cocks to conserve standing train's air after the cars have been in storage for two months?
• What action should be taken if a speed recorder is found to be malfunctioning during a Daily Inspection?
• What is an important consideration when linking distributed power units?
• What type of air brake test is required when picking up cars that have been in storage for 2 months?
• What is the role of the independent brake valve during normal operations?
• In which scenario would you increase speed beyond 20 MPH for a lead locomotive after a Daily Inspection?
• What is the recommended procedure for a minor brake pipe leak during descent on a grade?
• What is the appropriate brake cylinder pressure for locomotives with single brake shoe wheel rigging?
• In regard to dynamic brakes, what does a + symbol indicate in the axle rating?
• When multiple locomotives are operating, what is critical to ensure compliance with rated powered axles?
• What is the fourth step when performing a train check once the train is "Standing"?
• What message is displayed on the HTD when the TEST button on the ETD is pressed?
• When preparing to set out the trailing locomotive unit at Buddwood, what should the hand brake status be?
• What type of brake system is being handled after adding helpers to the rear of a train?
• What is the scheduled HPT for a train operating with symbol Z-LASROC2-20?
• Automatic drain valves mounted on main reservoirs must always be positioned for what type of operation?
• What happens to the brake shoes as a result of a forced-out brake cylinder piston?
• What position should the cutout valve be in on the controlling locomotive?
• When applying or reapplying brakes, what is the required brake pipe reduction for a fully charged system?
• What device is used to cut the automatic brake valve in or out?
• In what scenario would one typically observe a slack-stretched condition in train operations?
• During a service brake application, direct air from the auxiliary reservoir goes into which part of the brake system?
• What must you confirm before proceeding after restoring brake pipe pressure following a broken knuckle replacement?
• What is the function of the regulating valve in the brake system?
• What device on a freight car helps retain brake cylinder pressure for retardation?
• What is the correct procedure for a proper split reduction for planned slowdowns?
• What is Quick Service in the context of air brakes?
• What is the purpose of the J-Relay in a train's braking system?
• What is indicated by a properly functioning air brake system under normal conditions?
• What should be determined after performing the necessary reductions during the brake test?
• When comparing the Scheduled HPT of this train with the Actual HPT, what action may be required for compliance with fuel conservation regulations?
• What regulates the maximum prescribed pressure when charging the train brake system?
• Why must extreme care be used when operating in PASSENGER mode?
• When must the COMM TEST button be used during the ETD installation process?
• When making initial movement of a distributed power train after linking, what is the first action that must be taken?
• What is the primary requirement when air flowing a brake system for added cars using the Air Flow Method (AFM)?
• Which of the following is NOT characteristic of heavy grade operations?
• Under what condition is a two-way device required to be disarmed?
• What action should be taken if a locomotive brake test shows an abnormal drop in air pressure?
• What must be done if the Daily Inspection identifies a significant mechanical issue?
• What is the actual HPT of the train H-EVEPAS1-23?
• What is the first step when adding helpers to the rear of a train?
• At what speed can dynamic braking become ineffective on SD-60 locomotives with high capacity dynamics?
• After air is controlled to the prescribed pressure, where does it flow next in the charging process?
• After MU-ing the BN 7042 as a trail locomotive, where should the automatic brake valve handle be positioned?
• Which action is considered best practice when using dynamic brakes on locomotives in high-demand situations?
• If an unintentional brake release occurs when the brakes are applied, what should be done?
• What must be done after applying the train air brakes during the train check process?
• What is the maximum independent brake cylinder pressure allowed on a locomotive equipped with clasp-type brake shoe rigging?
• What is the first step in the disarming procedure for an ETD?
• What characterizes an "inverse" gradient in a train brake system?
• What is the proper sequence for opening the brake pipe angle cock when adding helpers?
• If a locomotive has flat spots longer than 2 1/2 inches, what should be done?
• What position should the independent brake valve handles be in on the trailing locomotives?
• What does "off air" refer to in a brake system context?
• What should be done after receiving a signal to release the brakes during the AFM test?
• Where must the emergency function of an operable 2-way end of train device be tested?
• Which feature of the freight car control valve uses emergency reservoir air for brake release?
• What should the regulating valve on the controlling locomotive be adjusted to for a freight train?
• What is the primary focus of the steps outlined for a train check?
• Which valve at each car senses the increase in pressure when the brakes are released?
• Which is the correct response for an engineer upon receiving a "going between" announcement?
• Which of the following statements correctly describes dynamic brake limitations?
• Which button must be pressed to finalize the arming of an ETD?
• What should you do after receiving a hot bearing alarm and failing to locate a defect on the second unit?
• What is the typical brake cylinder pressure developed through Quick Service?
• On train movements requiring dynamic brakes, what additional equipment is needed besides an operative dynamic brake?
• Why is the equalizing reservoir considered a "reference volume"?
• What is a responsibility during the operation of a lead locomotive regarding speed?
• What technique is used to determine if brakes reapply after releasing air pressure?
• After releasing the independent brakes, what is the next step in the air brake test process?
• What is the primary function of the control valve in the braking system?
• If a passing train reports a sticking brake after departing a pick up, what should the engineer do?
• During an air test, what should be visually inspected concerning the helper consist?
• If the engineer requests that retaining valves be set, but no quantity is specified, how many must be set?
• What is the maximum train speed when operating with retaining valves set?
• What action should be taken with the independent brake valve on the controlling locomotive?
• False gradient is a term that describes what?
• What should you do at least 8 seconds before the locomotive reaches a grade crossing?
• What is the correct action to take when penalty brake application occurs?
• What does a "normal" gradient indicate in a fully charged system?
• How is high-capacity dynamic braking different from basic dynamic braking?
• What happens when the automatic brake valve is moved to the release position?
• What is the maximum rated powered axles (RPA) for trains made up entirely of intermodal equipment?
• What is a key benefit of quick service in train handling?
• Is there a difference in dynamic braking capabilities between the SD-40 and SD-60 locomotives?
• What action does the emergency position of the brake valve perform?
• What is the expected position of the automatic brake valve on the BN 7042 when you first access it?
• What is an essential step if brake system performance is inconsistent?
• What characterizes a heavy grade in train operations?
• What should be done after entering the ETD number on the HTD?
• What is the required piston travel adjustment for freight cars with body-mounted brake cylinders at the initial terminal?
• What is the first action you should take upon receiving confirmation to secure your train at McPherson?
• Which position on the retaining valve must not be used?
• At what speed does dynamic braking become ineffective for a standard SD-40?
• When securing a train with a locomotive attached, what must be done?
• What action is required before proceeding after a train has been uncoupled and recoupled in 4 hours or less?
• In the process of securing a train, what is the final step to ensure it is secure?
• What type of air brake test must be performed before the relief crew can proceed with the train?