Air Brakes and Train Handling Rules - Alaska Railroad

66 Locomotive Equipment and ComponentsB. Responsibilities Of EngineerOnce the air flow meter shows a constant reading, the engineershould:1. Note the rate of flow and use this number as a reference todetermine when the brake system is charged.2. If the air flow meter is equipped, adjust the reference pointer toagree with the flow pointer.NOTE: This reading is a reference value to use to monitorfluctuations in air flow to the brake pipe.66.7.2 Train Brake SystemThe air flow meter also provides the following information about thetrain’s brake system:• After a brake application and release, the air flow meter willindicate high flow. As the brake system recharges, the brake pipeflow rate will decrease until the air flow pointer reaches thereference value, indicating that the brake system is recharged.• Air flow less than the reference value may indicate a closedangle cock.• Air flow greater than the reference value may indicate increasedleakage to the brake system.• With a brake application in effect, a decrease in air flow mayindicate that an unintentional brake release is occurring.66.8 Numbering Wheels and ComponentsOn LocomotivesThe front of the locomotive is designated by the letter “F” on eachside of the locomotive. Wheels, journals, and traction motors arenumbered consecutively starting with “1” at the front of the locomotive(see Figure 66-G).66-12 ARRC Air Brakes and Train Handling Manual June 1, 1996