NS Air Brake Test case studies
NS Air Brake Test · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The NS Air Brake Test is the written and practical qualification used by Norfolk Southern to confirm that train service employees can inspect, test, and operate freight air brakes and apply train handling rules safely. It is intended for conductors, brakemen, engineers, and yard personnel whose duties include building trains, performing brake tests, or handling trains on the road. The NS Air Brake Test case studies are 5 cases and about 2,575 words.
1Class I Test With DPU Leakage Near the Limit
You are the conductor on train 18N, a 112-car manifest, 4,800 tons, 7,200 feet, with two head-end units and one DPU on the rear. It is 35°F at the initial terminal.
563 words, about 3 min2Off-Air Train After a 10-Hour Yard Stand
A 86-car mixed freight, 5,900 feet, 3,900 tons, single C44, has been sitting on a yard track for 10 hours with the brake pipe at 0 psi. Temperature is 18°F and falling.
545 words, about 3 min3Speed Creep on a 1.6% Grade With Dynamics at Full
You are operating an 18,000-ton, 135-car unit coal train with two head-end units and one DPU, descending a 1.6% grade for 12 miles. Speed has crept from 22 to 27 mph with dynamic brake at full and the independent brake released.
474 words, about 2 min4Piston Travel and a Leaking Release Valve at Car 47
At an intermediate inspection point, you walk 60 cars of a 110-car manifest. On car 47, a loaded 100-ton covered hopper, you find the brake cylinder piston travel at 9.5 inches and a steady leak at the brake cylinder release valve.
497 words, about 2 min5Undesired Emergency Application Entering a Tunnel
You are the engineer on a 9,000-foot intermodal train, 6,200 tons, two units, traveling at 40 mph. The head end enters a 2-mile tunnel, and 20 seconds later the train goes into emergency.
496 words, about 2 min