coupling/uncoupling procedure

Question 1

explain the coupling procedure from start to finish

Answer 1

Firstly, know what trains you’re coupling, make sure there is no none multi stickers in the window (pass. window), no bag over the coupler, make sure the track is somewhat straight (not much of a gradient or dip), no TPWS grid underneath where you’ll be coupling, make sure both trains have sufficient air in eg. 5.4 so MAPS doesn’t activate (no sufficient air in parked train then use compressor speed up & build air)

Secondly, get in train - use horn, pull up to 6ft away, get out and check that couplers are aligned then use horn - move it forward to 2ft apart, check again for alignment.
Brake step 1, power handle on 1-2 notches (dependent on gradient), brake into release, power off & let the trains mechanically couple, brake into full service
(if it doesn’t look like it will align, move stationary train forward or back or if possible couple from the other end)

Thirdly, use horn & then conduct pull test, direction selector into reverse, brake step 1, 1-2 notches of power, brake release (if done correctly, train will stay connected) if comes apart, must stop the train within 2 ft. Once brakes are put back on, put direction selector into neutral.

Fourthly, with full service brakes & neutral, press couple button for 5 seconds (this should couple up all electrical connections / air connections), check for brake continuity test - direction selector into fwd, brake step 2, direction selector into neutral (trapping the brake) then go check in connecting cab that the brake cylinder reading is 2-2.5 - if not, must re-couple as something is wrong (you can couple twice from one cab, one from another) if it does read correctly, go back to original cab and put brake in full service, put DRA on, change lights to OFF, direction selector to OFF, key out & go to leading cab to perform static brake test & change lights.

Question 2

explain the uncoupling procedure from start to finish

Answer 2

1. make sure you’ve got permissions, 2ft behind you, make sure it’s the right train, make sure passengers are off or seated & know what’s happening.
2. key in to energise desk, press the uncouple button for 5 secs (should push the uncoupling arm out, releasing the coupling pin) — if it doesn’t release the arm out the whole way & release the pin then you must ease up (do this by direction selector in fwd, step 1, 1-2 notches of power then brake release). once eased up, power off, brake on, then try pushing the uncouple button again (two times from one cab, one from another)
3. Once it finally separates, must stop within a max. of 2ft, change lights to tail lights on the facing cab & cab you’re in. Go to leading cab, change lights & do static brake test