You are starting a train on a fairly steep ascending grade. Independent brakes may not be enough to hold the train with the train brakes released. What should be done prior to releasing the automatic brake?

You are starting a train on a fairly steep ascending grade. Independent brakes may not be enough to hold the train with the train brakes released. What should be done prior to releasing the automatic brake?

• A. Advance the throttle to a position sufficient to hold the train
• B. Release the automatic brake
• C. Apply the independent brake
• D. Increase the train's air pressure

Answer: (A)

When starting on a steep grade, you can’t rely on the brakes alone to hold the train while you try to move forward. You need enough tractive effort from the locomotive first, so the train won’t roll back when the automatic brakes are released. Advancing the throttle to a position that will hold the train provides that forward force just enough to counter gravity. Only after you’ve established that hold do you release the automatic brake and continue to increase power as needed. Increasing air pressure isn’t the immediate action for this step, and using the independent brake would just add braking load rather than help get moving.

When starting on a steep grade, you can’t rely on the brakes alone to hold the train while you try to move forward. You need enough tractive effort from the locomotive first, so the train won’t roll back when the automatic brakes are released. Advancing the throttle to a position that will hold the train provides that forward force just enough to counter gravity. Only after you’ve established that hold do you release the automatic brake and continue to increase power as needed. Increasing air pressure isn’t the immediate action for this step, and using the independent brake would just add braking load rather than help get moving.