Air Brakes and Train Handling Rules - Alaska Railroad

64 Train Handling64.6 Starting TrainFollow these steps to start the train:1. Use the lowest throttle position possible to start the train moving.2. Allow each locomotive to load up properly before advancing thethrottle to the next higher position.3. Once the train is moving, do not increase the throttle until eitherthe amperage or the tractive effort decreases.4. To accelerate, advance the throttle slowly, one notch at a time.5. In curved territory, use only enough power to start the train.Regulate amperage to reduce the possibility of stringlining incurves because of excessive lateral forces.6. Use light power to start a train on a descending grade with trainbrakes applied only under these conditions:a. All cars in the train are loaded and weigh at least 75 tons.b. No multi-platform cars are in the train.64.7 Slowing and Controlling Train SpeedWhen choosing a method to slow or control train speed, considerthese factors:• Throttle response characteristics of the locomotive consist• Type of dynamic brake and amount of dynamic brake available• Weight, length, and load/empty distribution of the train• Tons per operative brake• Amount of slack in the train• Weather and rail conditions• Knowledge of the territory• Amount of in-train forces and slack action64-14 ARRC Air Brakes and Train Handling Manual June 1, 1996