Class 1 Air brake Test?

Question

When doing a class 1 air brake test. Can I double my train up, and pull it across two main tracks, and shove into another. Before doing the safety inspection, and class 1 test? The managers are telling us to do this, the way I read the rule it all must be done before you move the train. I work with many old heads and they are unsure. Thanks

Answer 1

It's perfectly ok.We did ask the fra about that very thing and they told us any train movements were ok as long as the initial terminal air brake test was completed before the train departs the terminal.

Answer 2

The test must be done prior to departing the initial terminal.  You can move cars back and forth all day without the test as long as you do not depart the terminal.

Answer 3

The rules are written in general.  The FRA leaves it up to the railroads to determine there meaning.  The Class 1 or Initial Terminal air brake test is a road air brake test.  If your line is within yard limits or restricted limits there is no reason why you cant double your train together.  Then move it to another track it should be perfectly legal.

Answer 4

oh yeah.sure you can.its perfectly safe.

Answer 5

We sometimes do a similar thing and here is what we have beenn told, as long as you havent left the terminal or station where the train was made up you can move the train, even if it is on or across the main.

I havent verified this with the FRA, but I know they have been around observing and never taken exception.

Always a lot of gray areas arent there?

Answer 6

You are speaking of the Initial Road Train AB Test.  It must be completed before departing the initial terminal.  Doubling the train together, even if using the main, is not a road train movement.

Same reason why yard engines can occupy the main with permission where needed or where yard limits is in place and no permission is needed, but no sir test is required before doing so, uless they depart the yard.  There is a separate air test made for yard transfer movements.

Make sure there are no General Orders in effect prohibiting this, or where General Orders supersede the Rules otherwise allowing for these moves to be made.

But as far as an air test is concerned, you're OK..