Question

When a train operator of a passenger train descends to the track to check his train because the brakes fail to release, he need NOT?

1) Check the brake cylinders
2) Check the brake shoes
3) Check the brake rigging
4) Check the brake pipes

Answer 1

The train operator does not need to check the brake shoes when brakes fail to release; he needs to check the brake cylinders, brake rigging, and brake pipes instead.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a train operator descends to the track to check his train because the brakes fail to release, he need NOT check the brake shoes. The primary components that need to be checked are the brake cylinders, brake rigging, and the brake pipes. These are generally the areas where issues occur that would prevent a brake release. The brake shoes are the parts that press against the wheels to slow the train and don't typically involve a failure to release the brakes, but instead are more related to the braking effectiveness when the brakes are applied.