If a greater than 18-psi brake pipe reduction is required to control train speed on a grade when balance braking, what should be done?

If a greater than 18-psi brake pipe reduction is required to control train speed on a grade when balance braking, what should be done?

• A. Increase throttle to maintain speed.
• B. Apply a controlled brake release only.
• C. Stop the train using an emergency application.
• D. Continue braking with the existing reduction.

Answer: (C)

When you’re on a grade and trying to use balance braking, you’re coordinating throttle, locomotive independent brake, and the train brake pipe pressure to keep a safe, controllable speed. If the amount of brake pipe reduction needed to hold the train’s speed goes beyond a safe threshold (in this case, more than 18 psi), normal control isn’t possible and continuing with the same level of braking could lead to a loss of control or a runaway. The safest action is to stop the train using an emergency brake application. An emergency brake applies the brakes on all cars with maximum force, bringing the train to a stop quickly and reducing the risk of an uncontrolled descent. Increasing throttle or releasing brakes won’t address the underlying control issue, and continuing to brake at that high level isn’t reliable for maintaining safe speed. After stopping, you would reassess the situation and proceed only when it’s safe to do so.

When you’re on a grade and trying to use balance braking, you’re coordinating throttle, locomotive independent brake, and the train brake pipe pressure to keep a safe, controllable speed. If the amount of brake pipe reduction needed to hold the train’s speed goes beyond a safe threshold (in this case, more than 18 psi), normal control isn’t possible and continuing with the same level of braking could lead to a loss of control or a runaway.

The safest action is to stop the train using an emergency brake application. An emergency brake applies the brakes on all cars with maximum force, bringing the train to a stop quickly and reducing the risk of an uncontrolled descent. Increasing throttle or releasing brakes won’t address the underlying control issue, and continuing to brake at that high level isn’t reliable for maintaining safe speed. After stopping, you would reassess the situation and proceed only when it’s safe to do so.