Air Brakes and Train Handling Rules - Alaska Railroad

61.3 Initial Terminal Air Brake Test61 Air Brake TestsA qualified employee must conduct an initial terminal air brake test toinspect air brake and safety appliances and to test air brake integrity.Test brake pipe integrity using the:• Air Flow Method (AFM)or• Brake Pipe Leakage Method61.3.1 Test LocationsTest all trains according to Rule 61.3, Initial Terminal Air Brake Test,at the following locations:• Where the train is originally made up (initial terminal)• Where the train consist is changed, unless the only change isadding or removing a solid block of cars61.3.2 Air Flow Method (AFM)AFM is the preferred method to test brake pipe integrity.A. Equipment Required For AFM Brake TestTo qualify a train’s air brake system using AFM, the train must beequipped as follows:• The controlling locomotive has an operational self-lapping, maintaining-typeautomatic brake valve.• The locomotive has an air flow indicator with a direct reading ofair flow in increments no greater than 10 cubic feet per minute.• The train has an end-of-train telemetry device or occupiedcaboose.B. Procedure For Conducting AFM Brake TestIf the train meets the above conditions, conduct an AFM brake testas follows:June 1, 1996 ARRC Air Brakes and Train Handling Manual 61-3