Air Brakes and Train Handling Rules - Alaska Railroad

0.50% 0.50%64 Train HandlingC. Starting a Reverse or Shoving Movement—Scenario 3Level GradeAscending GradeDescending GradeSlack BunchedSlack StretchedSlack UnknownDirection of TravelWhen starting a reverse or shoving movement on a descending gradewith slack bunched or slack condition unknown:1. Reduce the independent brake by 50 percent to allow the locomotiveto begin moving as slack adjusts.2. Release the automatic brake and wait for all brakes to releaseand slack to adjust.3. Continue to reduce the independent brake gradually as the trainbegins to move.4. If available, activate the dynamic brake and slowly release theindependent brake when the dynamic brake becomes effective.64-22 ARRC Air Brakes and Train Handling Manual June 1, 1996