Air Brakes and Train Handling Rules - Alaska Railroad

Foundation Brake GearGlossaryThe levers, rods, brake beams, etc. that connect the brakecylinder piston rod to the brake shoes. When air pressure forcesthe piston out, the brake shoes are forced against the wheels.Full Service ApplicationA service reduction of brake pipe pressure that equalizes thepressure between the brake cylinder and the auxiliary reservoir.GradeThe slope of railway track measured by the number of feet ofrise or fall in 100 feet of horizontal distance. One foot of rise orfall in 100 feet of horizontal distance equals a 1.0 percent grade.Grade designations include the following:Light Grade: Less than 1.0 percentHeavy Grade: 1.0 percent to 1.8 percentMountain Grade: 1.8 percent or greaterCresting Grade: A long ascending grade that changes withenough magnitude to require a change in train handling proceduresGradientSee “Brake Pipe Gradient.”Graduated ReleaseA feature in locomotive and passenger brake equipment thatallows brake cylinder pressure to be reduced in steps proportionalto the increase in brake pipe pressure. This feature allowsthe operator to reduce the braking effort on passenger equipmentwithout releasing and reapplying the automatic brake.June 1, 1996 ARRC Air Brakes and Train Handling Manual G-7