1.0 Descending Heavy Grade Job Aid

1.1 Purpose

This Job Aid is to provide train-handling guidelines while descending grades. All GCOR, Air Brake and Train Handling Rules remain in effect.

1.2 Descending Heavy Grade

The following table lists the grades on the Chicago and St. Paul Service Areas that are heavy grades (0.8% to 1.8%) for a distance of two miles or more.

Subdivision	Location	Max. Grade	Train Direction
Merriam Park	MP 416-411	1.18%	Eastward
BNSF St. Paul	MP 5.0-0.0	1.15%	Eastward
BNSF Midway	MP 5.0-0.0	1.20%	Eastward
Latta	MP 262-259	1.40%	Northward
Latta	MP 254-252	1.05%	Northward
Latta	MP 242-240	1.20%	Northward
Latta	MP 235-233	1.30%	Northward
Latta	MP 210-212	1.05%	Southward
Latta	MP 237-239	1.60%	Southward
Latta	MP 242-244	1.28%	Southward
Latta	MP 255-257	1.20%	Southward
Latta	MP 262-265	1.19%	Southward
Latta CSXT	MP 246-249	0.90%	Southward

1.3 Emergency Brake Application Required

Any train moving on a descending grade listed in Rule 1.2, that attains a speed 5 MPH above permissible speed is considered an uncontrolled movement. An EMERGENCY brake application must be made.

Three immediate actions are required:

a) The conductor must fully open the conductor’s emergency valve.

b) The locomotive engineer must place the automatic brake valve handle in emergency position.

c) The TIBS emergency brake feature must be activated.

1.4 Train Handling Guidelines

The following guidelines apply when cresting and descending a hill under normal operation.

Trains weighing more than 6000 gross tons (including locomotives), OR trains with an average weight per car exceeding 100 tons must:

a) Crest the hill and balance train speed at least 5 MPH below permissible speed until braking is seen to be ample.

b) Do not exceed the following speeds while the lead locomotive is between the points named in Rule 1.2,

· 35 MPH on grades 0.8% to 1.29%

· 30 MPH on grades 1.3% to 1.8%

1.5 With Dynamic Brake

Step	Action
1	Crest the hill and gradually reduce the throttle to balance train speed below permissible speed.
2	Gradually move throttle to IDLE.
3	After 10 seconds, move dynamic brake handle to SET UP.
4	Advance dynamic slowly to bunch slack.
5	Control train speed by modulating dynamic brake handle to increase or decrease dynamic brake force.

1.6 With Dynamic & Train Air Brake

Step	Action
1	Crest the hill and gradually reduce the throttle to balance train speed below permissible speed.
2	If it is known train air will be needed to supplement dynamic brake, make a minimum brake pipe reduction as the train crests the hill.
3	Check head-end display unit (TIBS) and observe brake pipe reduction at rear of train.
4	Move throttle to IDLE.
5	Wait 10 seconds, place dynamic brake handle to SET-UP.
6	Slowly advance the dynamic brake handle to control train speed down the hill.
7	If necessary, make additional brake pipe reductions in 2-3 psi increments as the entire train moves onto the hill.

1.7 Without Dynamic Brake

Step	Action
1	Crest the hill and gradually reduce the throttle to balance train speed below permissible speed.
2	Reduce throttle to the 4th notch or lower.
3	Make a minimum brake pipe reduction while the rear portion of the train is approaching the crest of the hill.
4	Check head-end display unit (TIBS) and observe brake pipe reduction at rear of train.
5	Balance train speed with throttle.
6	If necessary, make additional brake pipe reductions in 2-3 psi increments as the entire train moves onto the hill.
7	Continue to balance train speed down the hill with the throttle.
WARNING If brake pipe at rear of train does not reduce, it may be an indication of a blockage in the brake pipe or a closed angle cock. Stop train immediately. If necessary, place the automatic brake into emergency, activate the TIBS Emergency Brake Feature and open the conductor’s emergency brake valve.

1.8 Movement After Emergency Application

Caution: Job Briefing Required

Before the Emergency PCS is recovered, the locomotive engineer must initiate a discussion with the conductor as regards the need for hand brakes and/or retainers. They must consider train location, amount of train on grade, proximity of lesser grade, weather, rail or any other condition that may affect train braking.

When agreement cannot be reached, the crew must contact a road manager and be governed by his/her instructions.

Reference must be made to applicable Emergency PCS recovery instructions 1.12 of this section.

1.9 Use of Retaining Valves

Retaining valves will be used under the following conditions:

If the train is standing on a grade listed in Rule 1.2 and;

· It is the second emergency brake application on the grade, and;

· Locomotive brakes are not sufficient to prevent train movement;

Then do not attempt to recover the emergency PCS until retaining valves or hand brakes are set as follows:

1. On grades listed that are 1.3% to 1.8%, set retainer valves to the high pressure (HP) position on at lease 50% of the loaded cars and on grades listed that are 0.8% to 1.29%, set HP retainers on at least 25% of the loaded cars.

Note: Whenever a train is moved with HP retainers applied, do not exceed 20 MPH.
In addition, the train must be stopped every 20 minutes for a period of 10 minutes in order to allow the wheels and brake shoes time to cool off, or;

2. On grades listed that are 1.3% to 1.8%, apply handbrakes on at least 50% of the loaded cars and on grades listed that are 0.8% to 1.29%, apply hand brakes on at least 25% of the loaded cars. The handbrakes must not be released until after the train air brake system is fully charged.

Note: This does not alter the requirements to apply hand brakes or retainers when conditions are such that their use is considered necessary after one emergency brake application.

1.10 Who to Contact

If train goes into emergency from any source while descending any of the grades listed in Rule 1.2 and the locomotive engineer is not confident he/she can move the train safely, they must contact the Dispatcher and request to speak directly to a road manager.

1.11 Moving from a Planned Stop on a Heavy Grade

Note: Heavy grades are 0.8% to 1.8%. Mountain grades are greater than 1.8%.

Step	Switch / Part	Setting
1.	a) Independent Brake	FULLY APPLIED
	b) Reverser	FORWARD
	c) Automatic Brake (AB)	RELEASE
	d) Dynamic Brake	DB #8
2.	When train starts to move For GM (except SD90MAC) Locomotives RELEASE* independent gradually as DB increases (if DB equipped and working) For GE and SD90MAC Locomotives FULLY RELEASE independent (*if DB working)
3.	Monitor speed and rear car BP pressure. On HEAVY grades, if train is accelerating in DB #8, prior to exceeding 50% of permitted speed;
			Action
	Automatic Brake / Equalizing Reservoir		REDUCE 7 psi below rear Car BP pressure
	IF speed still increasing; Automatic Brake		APPLY 2 psi supplements until grade is balanced and speed held

1.12 Emergency PCS Recover Conventional Train

Step	Switch / Part	Setting
1.	a) Independent Brake	FULLY APPLIED
	b) Retainers	SET as required
	c) Reverser	NEUTRAL
	d) Throttle	IDLE
	e) Dynamic Brake	IDLE
2.	a) Reverser	Forward
	b) Automatic Brake	Emergency
	Wait 60 Seconds
	c) Automatic Brake	Briefly return to HANDLE OFF, then RELEASE
	Ensure PCS indication is extinguished and brake pipe pressure is recharging normally
	d) Dynamic Brake	DB # 8
3.	When train starts to move For GM (except SD90MAC) locomotives RELEASE* independent gradually as DB increases (if DB equipped and working). For GE and SD90MAC locomotives FULLY RELEASE independent (*if DB working).
4	Monitor speed and rear car BP pressure. On HEAVY grades, if train is accelerating in DB #8, prior to exceeding 50% of permitted speed
	a) Automatic Brake / Equalizing Reservoir.	REDUCE 7 psi below rear car BP pressure
	If speed is still increasing
	b) Automatic Brake	APPLY 2 psi supplements until grade is balanced and speed held within permissible limits

2.0 GE AC4400 Job Aid

CP 8500 – 8580

CP 8600 – 8655

CP 9500 – 9683

CP 9700 – 9740

CP 9750 – 9784

2.1 Isolating a Locomotive

Step	Action
1	Place throttle in IDLE.
2	Move Engine Control switch to ISOLATE.

2.2 Starting and Shutting Down the Engine

· Starting - refer to Section 5, Rule 18.3

· Shutting Down - refer to Section 5, Rule 18.4

2.3 Using the DID Panel to Reset or Troubleshoot Faults

Note: Not all faults can be reset.

Step	Action
1	Press F3, Silence.
2	Press F1, Reset?
3	Press F3, Reset.

Caution: Repeated reset of the same fault may cause equipment damage.

2.4 Setting up for Trail

Operating Instructions Reference: ABTHR, Section 5, Rule 15.1.

Note: Ensure locomotive is properly secured.

Before Starting the Procedure: Press F8 until you return to Screen #000 000.

Step	Action	Result
1	Ensure combined Power / DB Handle is in IDLE and Reverser Handle is REMOVED.
2	Set Independent Brake to FULLY APPLIED.	BC = 72
3	Make a full service reduction with Automatic Brake.
4	Press F3, Operator Function.	Screen #300 000
5	Press F2, Air Brake Setup.	Screen 320 000
6	Press F4, Lead / Trail to set Independent Brake for Trail.	Ind Brk: Trail Auto Brk: Cut-out
7	Press F7, Save Setup.	F7 Option says Confirm Save
8	Press F7, Confirm Changes.	Screen #300 000
9	Set the Automatic Brake to the Handle Off position.
10	Set the Ind. Brake to RELEASE.	No change in BC pressure
11	Press F8, Exit.	Screen #000 000
12	Control Stand circuit breakers: · Generator Field - OFF · Control / Fuel Pump - On Until other end set up for lead Dynamic Brake - OFF

2.5 Setting up for Lead

Operating Instructions Reference: ABTHR, Section 5, Rule 15.2.

Note: Ensure locomotive is properly secured.

Turning on IFD: Press any F key to turn on the IFD. Before Starting the Procedure: Press F8 until you return to Screen #000 000.

Step	Action	Result
1	Set Combined Power / DB Handle to IDLE and Reverser Handle to CENTERED.
2	Set Ind. Brake to FULLY APPLIED.
3	Set Automatic Brake handle to RELEASE.
4	Press F3, Operator Function.	Screen #300 000
5	Press F2, Air Brake Setup.	Screen #320 000
6	Press F4, Lead / Trail to set Independent Brake for Lead.	Ind. Brake: Lead (Cut-In, not saved)
7	Press F7, Save.	“Confirm Changes”
8	Press F7, Confirm Save.	BC = 72 Screen #300 000. Independent set for lead.
9	Press F2, Air Brake Setup.	Screen #320 000
10	Press F1 or F2 to adjust ER.	ER = 90 (for freight)
11	Press F3, Cut-In / Cut-Out to Cut-in Automatic Brake.	Auto Brk Cut-In (not saved)
12	Press F7, Save.	“Confirm Changes”
13	Press F7, Confirm Changes.	Screen #300 000 Now set for lead ER = 90 BP = 90 BC = 72
14	Press F8, Exit.	Screen #000 000
15	Set Control Stand circuit breakers: · Control / Fuel Pump - ON · Engine Run - ON · Dynamic Brake - On
16.	Perform a Locomotive Brake Test. See Section 3, Rule 3.0.

2.6 Pre-departure Testing of TIBS

Operating Instructions Reference: Section 3, Rule 17.5 and 17.6.

Before Starting the Procedure: Press F8 until you return to Screen #000 000.

Step	Action	Result
1	Press F3, Operator Function.	Screen #300 000
2	Press F3, EOT Setup.	Screen #332 000
3	Enter SBU # using keys F1 - F5.
4	Press F6, Enter Code.	SBU # stored
5	Press SBU test button (performed by another employee).	EOT Status “Arm Now”
6	Press F7, Arm 2-way (within 5 seconds).	EOT Status, “System Armed”
7	Press F7, Comm Test.	Comm Test “Passed” indicates test successful
8	Press F8, Exit.	Screen #300 000
9	Press F8, Exit.	Screen #000 000

2.7 Distance Measuring

Before Starting the Procedure: Press F8 until you return to Screen #000 000.

Step	Action	Result
1	Press F3, Operator Function.	Screen #300 000
2	Press F1, Distance Counter.	Screen #310 000
3	Press F5, Preset Counter to enter train length.	Screen #315 000
4	Enter train length using keys F1 - F5.	Length displayed
5	Press F7, Enter.	Screen #310 000 Train Length entered in Distance Counter on IFD screen.
6	Press F2, Count Down.	Counting initiated
7	Observe counter count down to zero.	Distance = 0

2.8 Measuring a Mile

Before Starting the Procedure: Press F8 until you return to Screen #000 000.

Step	Action	Result
1	Press F3, Operator Function.	Screen #300 000
2	Press F1, Distance Counter.	Screen #310 000
3	Press F4, Zero Counter.	Distance = 0
4	Press F1, Count up.	Distance starts counting
5	Press F3, Stop Counter at Measured Mile Sign.	Distance stops counting

3.0 SD90MAC / 4300 Job Aid
CP 9100 - 9160

3.1 Purpose

Air Brake and Train Handling Rules (ABTHR) is not superseded by this job aid. Use this job aid to assist you in complying with ABTHR.

3.2 SD90MAC Computer Screens

3.2.1 Screen Names

SD90MACs use 2 computer screens:

· The Operation Screen, normally on the right side of the console, displays main operating information.

· The Set up Menu Screen, normally on the left side of the console, is used to access other functions such as fault information, air brake set up, and SBU.

To simplify terminology, this job aid uses Right Screen and Left Screen.

3.2.2 Combining Screens

To combine the Right Screen and Left Screen into one screen, use the switch on the left side of the console.

3.3 Starting and Shutting Down the Engine

·Starting - refer to Section 5, Rule 18.1

·Shutting Down - refer to, Section 5, Rule 18.2

3.4 Set up for Trail

Note: Ensure locomotive is properly secured.

ABTHR Reference: ABTHR, Section 5, Rule 15.1.

Step	Action		Result
Control Stand
1	Ensure combined Power / DB Handle is in IDLE.
2	Remove Reverser Handle.
3	Set Independent Brake to FULLY APPLIED.		BC-72
4	Make a full service reduction with Automatic Brake.		BC stays the same.
Left Screen
5		Ensure screen displays “Operational Menu” with “Change Air Brake Setup” option.
6		Press AIR BRAKE.	Air brake keys are displayed with current status.
7		Press LEAD TRAIL.	White test displays “TRAIL” and “CUT-OUT”
8		Press ACCEPT NEW.	“CONFIRM SELECTIONS”
9		Press ACCEPT NEW.	Returns to Operational Menu.
CONTROL STAND
10		Set the Automatic Brake to the Handle Off position.
11		Set the Ind. Brake to RELEASE.	No change in BC pressure.
12		Observe BC pressure for leakage, and if necessary apply hand brake(s).
13		Control Stand switches: · Generator Field - OFF · Control/Fuel Pump - OFF · Engine Run - OFF after other end set up for lead.

The locomotive is now set up for Trail as indicated under AIR BRAKES on the Right Screen.

3.5 Set up for Lead

Note: Ensure locomotive is properly secured.

ABTHR Reference: Section 5, Rule 15.2

Step	Action		Result
1	Set Independent Brake to FULLY APPLIED.
2	Ensure screen displays “Operational Menu” with “CHANGE AIR BRAKE SETUP” option.
LEFT SCREEN
3	Press AIR BRAKE.			Air brake keys are displayed.
4	Press LEAD TRAIL.			White text displays “LEAD” and “CUT-OUT”
5	Press ACCEPT NEW.			“CONFIRM SELECTIONS”
6	Press ACCEPT NEW.			Returns to Operational Menu
7	Set Automatic Brake handle to RELEASE.			ER begins to rise (takes a few seconds).
8	Wait for ER to stabilize.
If necessary, adjust Equalizing Reservoir Pressure by pressing the following on the Left screen: 1) AIR BRAKE 2) EQ RES SET UP 3) DECREASE or INCREASE until correct pressure is displayed. 4) ENTER 5) ACCEPT NEW 6) ACCEPT NEW
LEFT SCREEN
9	Press AIR BRAKE.	Air brake keys are displayed.
10	Press CUT-IN CUT-OUT.	White text displays “CUT-IN”
11	Press ACCEPT NEW.	“CONFIRM SELECTIONS”
12	Press ACCEPT NEW.	Returns to Operational Menu
13	Set Control Stand switches: · Control / Fuel Pump - ON · Engine Run - ON
14	Perform a Locomotive Brake Test. See Section 3, Rule 3.0.

The locomotive is now set up for Lead as indicated under AIR BRAKES on the Right Screen.

3.6 End of Train Setup for TIBS

ABTHR Reference: Section 3, Rule 17.0

Step		Action											Result
LEFT SCREEN
1.		Ensure screen displays “Operational Menu” with EOT IDENT option.
2		Press EOT IDENT.											EOT keys displayed.
3		Enter SBU # by pressing the keys below the spaces or existing digits.
4		Press ENTER IDENT.											IDENT updated on Right Screen.
		SBU Test button pressed by another employee.											“ARM TWO WAY” key displayed
5		Press ARM TWO WAY within 2-5 seconds after the key displayed.											“SYSTEM ARMED”
6		Press COMM TEST.											“COMM TEST PASSED” indicates test successful.
7		Press EXIT.											Returns to Operational Menu
8		Comply with remainder of Section 3, Rules 17.5 and 17.6.
Note: At a crew change point, the method to perform a COMM TEST is not very user friendly; after selecting the EOT screen, you must momentarily change the SBU number so that the COMM TEST button will be displayed. Example
Step 1.				Select the EOT screen and the following information will be displayed
8	0		8			9		0		ENTER IDENT		EOT 00000			EXIT
-	-		-			-		-		-		-			-
Step 2.				Momentarily change one of the digits in the SBU number, so that the COMM TEST key will be displayed:
9	0		8		9		0		ENTER IDENT		COM TEST			EXIT
-	-		-		-		-		-		-			-
Step 3.				Press the COMM TEST button; the screen will display “COMM TEST IN PROGRESS” and then, “COMM TEST PASSED.”
Step 4				Press EXIT to return to Operational Menu. DO NOT press the ENTER IDENT button as this will change the SBU number in the locomotive computer system.

3.7 Dead in Trailing Position

Step	Action
RIGHT SCREEN
1	Connect ALL MU air hoses and open airline valves.
2	Set Locomotive up for Trail following “Set up for Trail” job aid procedure.
3	Connect 27 point MU jumper cable.
4	OPEN battery knife switch.
5	Perform a locomotive air brake test. See Section 3, rule 3.0.
WARNING: Wheel slip protection will NOT be available for this locomotive. You must make frequent running inspections on both sides of the locomotive consists to ensure that all wheels are turning freely.

3.8 Distance Measuring Device (DMD)

Reference: Section 8, rule 15.0

3.8.1 Entering Train Length

Step	Action	Result
Right Screen
1.	Ensure the screen displays the COUNT key.
2.	Press COUNT.	Counter keys.
3.	Press TRAIN LENGTH.
4.	Press MANUAL ENTRY.
5.	Enter train length using keys.
6.	Press ENTER.	Length updated and display in upper right.
7.	To return to the main options, press CANCEL Note: Pressing CANCEL does NOT delete train length.
Caution: Do NOT use the TRAIN LENGTH key to measure distance because you may unintentionally change the train length in the DMD.

3.8.2 Distance Counter

RIGHT SCREEN
Step	Action	Result
1	Press COUNT.	Counter keys displayed
2	Press COUNT DOWN.	Length counts down.
3	Travel one train length.	Counter double beeps just past 0.
4	Press EXIT or RESET COUNTER as desired.

3.8.3 Stop Watch Key

You can use the STOP WATCH key to measure the time between mileposts. The computer displays the average speed for that mile.

3.9 Electric Parking Brake
(Normal Operation)

Note: Parking Brake instructions are also provided on the Engine Control Panel beside the Parking Brake Switch.

3.9.1 Apply Electric Parking Brake

Step	Action
1	Rotate Parking Brake Switch collar to the APPLY position.
2	To apply brake, press and hold Parking Brake Switch until indicator light begins to flash.
3	Observe Parking Brake Meter needle until it stays in the apply zone.
4	Test brake effectiveness by releasing all the air brakes as per Section 7, Rules 1.2 and 4.2 b.

3.9.2 Release Electric Parking Brake

	Action
1	Rotate Parking Brake Switch collar to the RELEASE position.
2	To release brake, press and hold Parking Brake Switch until indicator light begins to flash.
3	Observe Parking Brake Meter needle until it stays in the release zone.

3.10 Parking Brake Troubleshooting Computer Not Functioning

If the Computer is NOT functioning (i.e., Battery Knife Switch is Open) or the message MOTORIZED PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE is displayed, then:

Step	Action
1.	Rotate parking brake switch collar to APPLY or RELEASE as required.
2	Press and hold parking brake switch until the meter reaches the appropriate zone (APPLY or RELEASE). Note: If the meter does not reach the appropriate zone, then apply the parking brake manually.
CAUTION: Do not hold the push button in for more than 15 seconds after the meter remains steady in the applied or release zone.

3.10.1 Parking Brake Manual Operation

Apply Manual Parking Brake

Step	Action
WARNING: Parking Brake Circuit Breaker must be OFF.
1	Insert hand crank (front truck, conductor side) into manual drive shaft of parking brake.
2	Turn hand crank clockwise until applied (approximately 100 turns).
3	Remove and store hand crank.
4	Test brake effectiveness by releasing all the air brakes as per ABTHR Section 7, Rule 1.2 and 4.2 b.

Release Manual Parking Brake

Step		Action
WARNING: Parking Brake Circuit Breaker must be OFF.
1	Insert hand crank (front truck, conductor side) into manual drive shaft of parking brake.
2	Turn hand crank counter-clockwise until parking brake shaft stops turning (approximately 100 turns).
3	Remove and store hand crank.

Note: Leave Parking Brake Circuit Breaker OFF. This last step is different from the instructions on the Engine Control Panel, but it is a safer practice.

3.11 Faults

Access fault information by pressing LOCO DATA on the Left Screen. Choose menu items depending on the information you need. Crew information is displayed even when the computer resets the fault automatically.

3.11.1 Using the Left Screen’s Main Menu

The Main Menu on the Left screen displays two rows of keys.

· The keys in light blue are active.

Action

LEFT SCREEN