From: nilknocgeo@earthlink.net   
      
   "John Albert"  wrote in message   
   news:53c4038e$0$2049$2c56edd9@usenetrocket.com...   
   > On 7/12/14 10:37 PM, dpeltier@my-deja.com wrote:   
   >>> You may counter that the "proper test" would be for the engineman to go   
   >>> >back to the cab, release all all, and see if the train moved. He   
   >   
   >> I certainly wouldn't say that. That doesn't sound very practical at all   
   >> as   
   >> a general rule, for the reasons you give and some others too   
   >   
   > The procedure I described above is EXACTLY how Amtrak specifies the crew   
   > to "test" the brakes to see if the train is secured against movement.   
   >   
   > That is:   
   > 1. Apply hand brakes   
   > 2. Release train and engine air brakes   
   > 3. Ascertain if the train moves. If it does...   
   > 4. Apply -more- hand brakes and re-test as before.   
   >   
   > The train is considered "secure" if all air brakes are released, and train   
   > doesn't move.   
      
   As a kid walking around the Greenport, NY, "end of the line" for the Long   
   Island RR, I often saw coal cars sitting around being unloaded.  At each end   
   of the car, there was a some kind of wheel block preventing the car from   
   rolling.  I assume this was in addition to the hand brake.  I wonder if such   
   devices are still in use?   
      
   --- SoupGate/W32 v1.03   
    * Origin: LiveWire BBS -=*=- UseNet FTN Gateway (1:2320/1)