REC TFREE REC Train Operations & Handling 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When a locomotive engineer encounters a broken rail, what is the FIRST action to take?
- Increase speed to cross quickly
- Stop the train and protect the track (Correct answer)
- Notify the next station and continue
- Slow to restricted speed and proceed
Correct answer: Stop the train and protect the track
Upon discovering a broken rail, the engineer must stop immediately and protect the track by flagging to prevent other trains from entering the affected section.
Question 2: What does 'dynamic braking' primarily use to slow a train?
- Air pressure applied to wheel brake shoes
- The locomotive's traction motors acting as generators (Correct answer)
- Hydraulic retarders on the axles
- Magnetic eddy current braking on the rails
Correct answer: The locomotive's traction motors acting as generators
Dynamic braking converts traction motors into generators, creating electrical resistance that produces a retarding force to slow the train.
Question 3: A train is operating in MAS (Maximum Authorized Speed) territory. Which factor does NOT affect the MAS?
- Track class designation
- Curvature of the track
- The engineer's years of experience (Correct answer)
- Equipment speed rating
Correct answer: The engineer's years of experience
MAS is determined by track class, curvature, equipment ratings, and operating rules — not by the individual engineer's experience level.
Question 4: Under FRA regulations, what is the minimum required brake pipe reduction to initiate a service brake application?
- 2 psi
- 6 psi (Correct answer)
- 14 psi
- 26 psi
Correct answer: 6 psi
FRA regulations and AAR standards require a minimum 6 psi brake pipe reduction to ensure a proper service brake application propagates through the train.
Question 5: What is 'bunching' in train handling terminology?
- Coupling cars at high speed
- Compressing slack so cars push against each other (Correct answer)
- Separating cars during a bad order inspection
- Applying brakes on lead units only
Correct answer: Compressing slack so cars push against each other
Bunching refers to compressing the slack in a train so that cars are pushing against each other, which can cause rough handling or derailments if done abruptly.
Question 6: When must an engineer acknowledge a cab signal change to a more restrictive indication?
- Within 30 seconds
- Before the next signal mast
- Immediately upon display (Correct answer)
- At the next mandatory stop
Correct answer: Immediately upon display
Cab signal rules require the engineer to acknowledge a more restrictive indication immediately upon its display to confirm awareness.
Question 7: What condition is indicated when a locomotive's wheel slip light activates during acceleration?
- The locomotive is overloaded and should be cut out
- The drive wheels are losing traction and spinning (Correct answer)
- Brake pressure is too high on the power trucks
- The sanding system has failed
Correct answer: The drive wheels are losing traction and spinning
Wheel slip occurs when drive wheels spin faster than the rail speed, indicating loss of adhesion; the system reduces throttle or applies sand automatically.
REC TFREE REC Train Operations & Handling 2
When a locomotive engineer encounters a broken rail, what is the FIRST action to take?