Air Brakes and Train Handling Rules - Alaska Railroad

64 Train Handling4. After recharging the system, make a sufficient brake pipe reductionto hold the train while releasing the hand brakes or retainers.C. Starting On a GradeIf hand brakes were used to hold the train, before starting:1. Release the hand brakes, beginning from the rear car, to allowthe slack to adjust gradually to prevent break-in-two.D. Passing Summit Of a Mountain GradeBefore passing the summit of a mountain grade, the train must meetone of these three requirements:1. Make sure the rear car brake pipe pressure is within these limits:• For trains with 90 psi brake pipe pressure, at least 65 psi• For trains with 100 psi brake pipe pressure, at least 75 psi• For trains with 110 psi brake pipe pressure, at least 85 psi2. If the train does not have an operative rear car gauge orend-of-train telemetry device, make sure the air flow meterpointer is below 60 CFM.or3. Make sure the brake system is sufficiently charged. Refer toTable 63-A, Charging Time Chart.NOTE: If the train does not meet one of these requirements,stop and secure the train. Correct the problem before proceeding.E. Using Pressure MaintainingWhen using pressure maintaining while operating on a grade, applythe following:1. When a constant level of braking is required for long distances,make a minimum brake pipe reduction and make further reductionsof 1 or 2 psi until the train maintains the desired speed.June 1, 1996 ARRC Air Brakes and Train Handling Manual 64-35