Air Brakes and Train Handling Rules - Alaska Railroad

63 Train Equipment and Operation• On a switch locomotive, the engineer immediately informs themaintenance facility, supervisor, or train dispatcher.• If the defect is more than 2-1/2 inches, advise the train dispatcherfor handling instructions before proceeding.63.9 Detaching Locomotives and CarsWhen detaching locomotives and/or cars at terminals where trainbrakes are immediately inspected, including 1,000-mile inspectionpoints:1. Make a 20-psi brake pipe reduction.2. When the brake pipe exhaust stops, signal with one sound of thewhistle or communicate by radio.3. Close the angle cock on the locomotive, or on the car toward thelocomotive where the cut will be made.4. Close the angle cock on the leading car(s) to be left standing.5. Signal the engineer to release the brakes.6. Detach the locomotives and/or cars. When detaching eachlocomotive or car:a. Hold the air hose at the glad hand carefully to prevent injury.b. Open the angle cock gradually to prevent an emergencyapplication on the lead end of the car(s) left standing.c. Leave the angle cock in the fully opened or closed positionas required.d. If required, apply a sufficient number of hand brakes.63.10 Securing Equipment Against UndesiredMovementAll crew members are responsible for securing unattended equipmentagainst undesired movement.Do not depend on the air brakes to hold a locomotive, car, or trainstanding unattended.63-12 ARRC Air Brakes and Train Handling Manual June 1, 1996