REC Locomotive Mechanical & Safety Inspections 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A locomotive's dynamic brake is found inoperative. Under FRA rules, what restriction typically applies?
- The locomotive may still operate but must be reported and handled per carrier rules (Correct answer)
- The locomotive must be immediately removed from service
- The locomotive can only operate on flat track
- No restriction applies if air brakes are functional
Correct answer: The locomotive may still operate but must be reported and handled per carrier rules
An inoperative dynamic brake must be reported, and the carrier's operating rules determine whether restricted operation is permitted.
Question 2: What is the purpose of the locomotive's Sanders system during an inspection?
- To deposit sand on rails for improved traction (Correct answer)
- To distribute lubricant to wheel flanges
- To clean the locomotive fuel filters
- To cool the traction motors
Correct answer: To deposit sand on rails for improved traction
The Sanders system deposits sand between the wheels and rail to increase adhesion during wheel slip or slippery rail conditions.
Question 3: During a pre-departure inspection, a cracked front windshield is found on the engineer's side. What must happen?
- The locomotive must be taken out of service or the windshield replaced before departure (Correct answer)
- The locomotive may depart if visibility is not impaired
- A written report is sufficient and the trip may continue
- Only night operations are restricted
Correct answer: The locomotive must be taken out of service or the windshield replaced before departure
FRA regulations require that safety-critical glazing on the engineer's side be free of cracks that impair vision; the unit must be removed from service or repaired.
Question 4: Which gauge is used to measure locomotive wheel flange height during inspection?
- Wheel flange gauge (Correct answer)
- Vernier caliper
- Micrometer
- Taper gauge
Correct answer: Wheel flange gauge
A wheel flange gauge is the standard tool used to measure flange height and thickness to ensure wheels are within FRA limits.
Question 5: What is the maximum allowable flange height for a standard freight locomotive wheel under FRA regulations?
- 1½ inches (Correct answer)
- 1 inch
- 2 inches
- ¾ inch
Correct answer: 1½ inches
FRA regulations specify a maximum flange height of 1½ inches for standard freight locomotive wheels.
Question 6: An engineer notices the locomotive's number one traction motor is cutting out intermittently. What is the correct procedure?
- Report the defect in the locomotive book and notify the carrier for disposition (Correct answer)
- Isolate the motor and continue operating without reporting
- Immediately stop the train and wait for a mechanic
- Increase throttle to compensate and monitor the situation
Correct answer: Report the defect in the locomotive book and notify the carrier for disposition
Any defect must be documented in the locomotive defect book and reported to the carrier for proper disposition per FRA rules.
Question 7: What does 'bad order' status mean for a locomotive?
- The locomotive is removed from service due to a defect requiring repair (Correct answer)
- The locomotive is assigned to a lower-priority train
- The locomotive has failed its periodic inspection but can continue with restrictions
- The locomotive requires fueling before use
Correct answer: The locomotive is removed from service due to a defect requiring repair
A 'bad order' locomotive has been removed from service because it has a defect that must be repaired before it can return to revenue service.
REC Locomotive Mechanical & Safety Inspections 3
A locomotive's dynamic brake is found inoperative.
Under FRA rules, what restriction typically applies?