Air Brakes and Train Handling Rules - Alaska Railroad

GlossaryGLOSSARYAccelerometerAn instrument that displays the rate of speed increase or decreasein MPH per minute.Activate Dynamic BrakeThe process of going from power to dynamic braking. Aftermoving the throttle to IDLE, pause 10 seconds before movingthe brake handle to SET UP or the selector level to BRAKING.ActuateAction required to release locomotive brakes during an automaticbrake application.AdhesionThe coefficient of friction between the wheel and the rail of a caror locomotive. Adhesion indicates the amount of rotating forcethe wheel can place on the rail before wheel slip occurs duringacceleration or deceleration.Air Flow IndicatorAn instrument that measures the air flow through the automaticbrake valve to the brake pipe.Alertness DeviceA device that initiates a penalty brake application when theengineer does not maintain the required frequency of movement.Alignment Control CouplersSpecially equipped couplers that limit lateral movement andreduce lateral forces on the track. These couplers minimize railturnover, wheel climb, and jackknifing.June 1, 1996 ARRC Air Brakes and Train Handling Manual G-1