Air Brakes and Train Handling Rules - Alaska Railroad

61 Air Brake Tests61.5 Yard Movement TestTest the air brake system on a train making a yard movement thatdoes not exceed 20 miles in one direction. To conduct the test:1. Couple brake pipe hoses between all cars.2. Charge the brake system to at least 60 psi.NOTE: If a rear gauge is not available, determine brakepipe pressure by cutting out the automatic brake valve andnoting the pressure at which the brake pipe pressurestabilizes, as indicated by the brake pipe pressure gauge.3. Make a 20 psi brake pipe reduction.4. Verify that the brakes apply on each car.NOTE: Yard movements are not limited to movements madewithin yard limits. When setting out or picking up cars duringa yard movement, a more stringent test is not required.61.6 Air Brake Test When Cutting Off andRecouplingConduct an air brake test when one or more cuts are made in a trainand the cars are recoupled in 2 hours or less. To test the air brakesystem:1. Open the angle cock.2. Make sure that brake pipe pressure is being restored and thebrakes release on the rear car.EXCEPTION: If the train does not have an operative end-oftraintelemetry device or occupied caboose:1. Make a 20 psi brake pipe reduction.2. Make sure the brakes apply and release on the rearcar.If the cars are recoupled in more than 2 hours, refer to Rule 61.3.5,Performing an Initial Terminal Air Brake Test On a Train Not KeptCharged.61-8 ARRC Air Brakes and Train Handling Manual June 1, 1996