The better-test quest

摘要

Adopt automated single-car air brake test devices in a big way or continue to rely mostly on manual equipment? Railroads assess a range of cost, training and technology issues. Each day, North American railroads perform about 10,000 air brake tests on freight cars. Conducted in repair shops or on cars in the field, the tests are designed to identify faulty valves or other malfunctioning components that could cause brakes to lose air pressure.