Training Cohort
The course is designed for maintainers of air braked wagons that have no to moderate knowledge of air brakes.
Course overview
The course covers;
· basic train brake concepts and functioning
· air brake system types
· air brake wagon functioning
· component functioning concentrating on the common WF type triple valves, relay valves and more recent ABX braking and associated equipment including load control systems, brake cylinders, multi compartment reservoirs and means of grade control.
· Wagon air brake testing
· Wagon air brake diagnostics and common problems
· Correct selection and change out of air brake components.
The course is designed to build knowledge in easy to understand staged, and concentrate on more practical aspects of wagon air brake inspection and maintenance. It is not intended as a component overhaul competency.
While some information is provided on the operation of slack adjusters and brake system levers and types, the specific adjustment of these if not covered unless required. This is covered in separate wagon maintenance modules covering body mounted, TMX and Auscopac systems.
The course can be tailored to suite specific brake system types and train brake testing.
Course duration and costs
The course is currently being re-written. The aim is for the course completion to be 3-4 days depending on options. Costs are envisaged at about $8000 for 6 people plus expenses.
Course outcomes (draft)
1. Pneumatic train operation basics
1.1. The development of air brakes
1.2. Principals of how pneumatic train brakes work
1.3. Operating rules for train brakes
1.4. Types of air brake systems – relayed and non relayed
1.5. Fundamentals of the locomotive air brakes
2. Pneumatic wagon brake systems and system operation
The trainee demonstrates an understanding and knowledge of:
2.1. Types of wagon freight brake systems
2.2. Basic concept of wagon air brake operation – non-relayed
2.3. Basic concept of wagon air brake operation – relayed
2.4 Identification of wagon air brake components
2.4. Operation of key components including the triple valve, relay valve, empty loaded valve, auxiliary reservoirs, load compensating valve.
2.5. Slack adjuster types and operation
3. Wagon air brake components
The trainee demonstrates an understanding of:
3.1. Wagon air brake component functions
3.2. Brake rigging types and components
3.3. Brake cylinders
3.4. Auxiliary reservoir
3.5. Empty loaded valve
3.6. Slack adjuster operation
3.7. Ancillary equipment including taps, filters, hoses and grade control chokes and valves and hand release valve.
4. Air brake component operation - WF triple valve
The trainee demonstrates knowledge of:
3.1. Types of Triple valves and their uses and selection.
3.2. Operation of the triple valve and functions of key components.
3.3. Operating of stages of the triple valve
5. Relayed and relayed brake systems
5.1. Purpose of relayed brake system
5.2. Components of relayed brake system
5.3. Operation of the relay valve
6. ABX type brake valve
6.1. Operating of stages of the triple valve
6.2. Introduction to the AB type brake system
6.3. Differences between the Triple Valve and ABX valves
6.4. Basic Operation stages of Emergency and service portions
7. Maintenance and inspection of air brake components
The trainee demonstrate knowledge and competence in:
7.1. Lubrication requirement of air brake equipment
7.2. Identification of wear and defects in air brake equipment
8. Assemble and install pneumatic system components
The trainee demonstrate knowledge and competence in:
8.1. Identification and selection of equipment
8.2. Fitting of pneumatic and associated equipment
8.3. Fitting of ancillary equipment
8.4. Adjustment of rigging and slack adjusters for relevant types of equipment (body mounted and TMX, Auscopac)
8.5. Post testing after change out or adjustment
9. Test wagon braking system (Single Car Air Test)
The trainee demonstrates knowledge and competence to test a wagon brake system
9.1. Understand the concepts of pneumatic testing – testing of non-relayed and relayed brake systems.
9.2. Identify components of SCAT tester
9.3. Follow SCAT test procedure
9.4. Complete SCAT test record form
9.5. Identify faulty SCAT test results
9.6. Diagnose SCAT test faults
9.7. Repair identified SCAT test faults
9.8. Anomalies and differences in testing between triple valve and ABX types.
9.9. Conduct a single care test on non-relayed and relayed brake system (if available)
10. Diagnose and rectify wagon braking system faults.
The trainee demonstrated knowledge and competency to:
8.1. Interpret tests results
8.2. Utilise fault tables to diagnose fault causes.
8.3. Uses a logical fault finding process to identify fault causes
11. Test train braking system (OPTIONAL)
The trainee demonstrated knowledge and competence to test a train brake system
11.1. Start up, operate brake system and shut down locomotives
9.2. Bake train brake test fundamentals
9.3. Testing a non-relayed brake system
9.4. Testing a relayed brake system
9.5. Interpreting test results
9.6. Complete train brake certificate
12. Train testing fault finding and diagnostics
The trainee demonstrated knowledge and competency to:
12.1. Interpret tests results
12.2. Utilise fault tables to diagnose fault causes.
12.3. Use a logical fault finding process to identify fault causes