Coupling Airhoses During Switching Moves

At one time switching with or with out the air would be at the discretion of the  crew.   Today with only conductor and engineman crews I don't know.... I know  it 's safer switching with the air but  it takes much  longer. With the air the conductor is not going to worried about cars  rolling on their own (at least for a few hours)

Don't tell anyone  but we used to make running switches at one chemical plant we switched with dangerous commodities.

Didn't use the air there as well.   

There was a rule  when running on the main as a train ,   dangerous commodities must have  functionally operating brakes, we were not allowed to  bleed the car off  and   cut the brakes out in the event of a sticking brake. The car had to be  set off at the nearest siding along with way bill and the proper authority notified.

 Bottom line  Don't know for sure Al.

GREGG,

I thank you for the info.  When the local crew had a conductor,at least 2 brakemen and a full engine crew,running switches were common.

About a year ago,I saw the local crew cut out,(I figure),an empty tanker and run a running switch with it. Don't think modern rules allow it,but I understand from the train crew's point of view, and see nothing wrong with it if care is taken and if the car was just an empty. The brass that make all the rules,probably never switched 1 train car in their lives.

Thanks again for the information and have no fear,I won't tell anyone.

Al Hummel

Alan, if the tank cars are placarded, they contain hazardous material.  If they aren't, they don't.  Depending on carrier rules and the commodity in the cars, it may be required that these cars be switched with air brakes cut in.

NUMBER 90,

So Tom,when the trains were switching boxcars of nothing but foam material,that was no problem to not use airbrakes and use running switching. That makes good sense.

Thank you for the info.

Al Hummel