Sticky Brakes & Skidding Wheels

Question 1

How might you know you have sticky brakes? (4)

Answer 1

Retardation of train

Smoke and odour

Observation of BC gauges

Illuminated fault lights

Question 2

What is a likely cause of sticky brakes?

Answer 2

Defective dump valve

Question 3

What piece of equipment is provided in The Brake Unit to prevent Sticky Brakes?

Answer 3

Dump Valve

Question 4

What do you do to rectify sticky brakes while in running?

Answer 4

Trio EP CB

Make full service application of air brake, then release

If rectified book as rectified in running

Question 5

What do you do to rectify sticky brakes when stationary?

Answer 5

Rapid succession of BCH from RELEASE to STEP 7

Apply minimum power to move train

Shut off and roll to feel for retardation

If train rolls freely monitor and book as rectified in running

Question 6

If you tried rapid succession of EP from RELEASE to STEP 7 and it didn’t work, what do you do next?

Answer 6

TC, PA, reactive track access, full cab unattended

Inspect brakes for heat, smoke, discolouration

Isolate bogie and confirm all brakes have released

Question 7

What do you do if you’ve isolated bogie and brake cylinders have not released?

Answer 7

Isolate SPB IC

Manually release SPB

Question 8

If you have isolated a bogie what are you required to do?

Answer 8

Complete FWN and place copy in both ends

Place reduced speed sticker near speedo in both ends

Question 9

What is the max no. Of bogies that can be isolated on a revenue service?

Answer 9

3 car - 1 bogie

6 car - 2 bogies

Question 10

Do you go in the loop with sticky brakes?

Answer 10

No

Question 11

If you have locked/jammed/skidding wheels what speed can you do?

Answer 11

5 kmh

Question 12

If locked/jammed/ skidding wheels are on leading axle which direction can you travel?

Answer 12

You can’t go forward.

Return to rear

Question 13

If locked/jammed/ skidding wheels are on trailing motor what direction can you travel?

Answer 13

Train must continue forward

Question 14

If locked/jammed/ skidding wheels are on intermediate wheels what direction can you travel?

Answer 14

Train can be moved in either direction.

Question 15

After locked/jammed/ skidding wheels on a section of track, what speed can you travel if infrastructure personnel are there?

Answer 15

Reduced speed

(They will tell you what speed)

Question 16

After locked/jammed skidding wheels on a section of track, what speed can you travel if infrastructure personnel are not there?

Answer 16

15kmh

Question 17

What wear marks do tread brakes have on them?

Answer 17

10mm

25mm

Question 18

When do you have to report the brake block as worn?

Answer 18

Past the 10mm mark

Question 19

When does the brake block become unserviceable?

Answer 19

If it breaks and metal backing plate comes into contact with the wheel

Bogie needs to be isolated and log TMM

Question 20

What is normal piston travel on a WestCode BC?

Answer 20

30-65mm

Question 21

What is speed restriction with one bogie isolated?

Answer 21

Any track speed over 60kmh reduce by 10kmh

Question 22

What is speed restriction with 50-80% of train braking available?

Answer 22

Extreme Caution

Question 23

What is speed restriction with less than 50% of braking available?

Answer 23

Train disabled

Question 24

What are you required to do if you isolate bogies?

Answer 24

Complete FWN and place reduced speed stickers near both Speedo’s

Question 25

What are the reasons you would use FWNs? (5)

Answer 25

Bogies isolated

Air bags deflated

Lateral sway

Red EC cock turned

Doors isolated