During a shove with no air, observing a decrease in speed and an increase in tractive effort, what is the recommended action?

During a shove with no air, observing a decrease in speed and an increase in tractive effort, what is the recommended action?

• A. Stop immediately and determine the cause.
• B. Increase throttle.
• C. Continue shoving.
• D. Apply the independent brake.

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is how traction and speed interact when you’re shoving a train with no air available to operate the braking system. If the train slows down while the traction effort from the locomotive increases, the motors are simply delivering more torque to try to overcome resistance as speed falls. Since there’s no air, you can’t rely on brake pressure to slow or control the train—so the sensible action is to keep shoving and let the locomotive’s increased torque work to rebuild momentum. Of course, stay alert for wheel slip; if slip starts, lightening the load or easing off slightly on throttle may be needed. Stopping, braking, or suddenly changing direction wouldn’t help in this no-air situation.

The main idea here is how traction and speed interact when you’re shoving a train with no air available to operate the braking system. If the train slows down while the traction effort from the locomotive increases, the motors are simply delivering more torque to try to overcome resistance as speed falls. Since there’s no air, you can’t rely on brake pressure to slow or control the train—so the sensible action is to keep shoving and let the locomotive’s increased torque work to rebuild momentum. Of course, stay alert for wheel slip; if slip starts, lightening the load or easing off slightly on throttle may be needed. Stopping, braking, or suddenly changing direction wouldn’t help in this no-air situation.