Locomotive Calendar Day Air Brake Test (CFR 238) – Interactive 3D Simulation


BACKGROUND & PROBLEM

Inspecting and testing air brakes, a common railroad task, is a fundamental part of a railroad’s initial training for an individual trained as a “qualified maintenance person”. This inspection and testing, known as a Locomotive Calendar Day Air Brake Test (CFR 238), requires railroads to have locomotives inactive and on-site and allocate a significant amount of training time for demonstration, practices, and evaluation.

SOLUTION OVERVIEW: To alleviate physical space and time constraints, Railroads (Amtrak, BNSF, UP, CSX, Norfolk Southern, Conrad Yelvington and more) deploy simulation based training (by Heartwood) covering the complete inspection process.

The simulation allows a student to visually inspect a locomotive and manipulate brake components and cab controls as necessary to properly configure the brake system.

The student performs the procedure in a required order and determines correct brake pressure, inspects for brake application & release, and confirms cab controls are operating correctly via an exam practice mode.

FEATURES:

Possible defects:

  • Faulted Lead or Rear Cab for System Test Prep
  • Faulted Independent Brake Test
  • Faulted Brake Pipe Leakage Test
  • Faulted Alerter Test
  • Faulted Train Control Test
  • Faulted Emergency Brake Valve Test
  • Faulted Graduated Release Test
  • Faulted Direct Release Test
  • Brakes fail to apply or release
  • Fouled brake rigging

For Passenger railroads
Available on PC, Mac, iOS, Android

BENEFITS
1. Improved knowledge of air brake components and functions and increased efficiency performing the Air Brake Test.
2. Reduced need for live equipment (Locomotives allocated for training).
3. A standardized training resource and formalized tool for refresher training – part of a wider initiative for meeting FRA Part 243 training requirements.

WHAT TO EXPECT

After using the sim, employees should be able to:

  • Identify and determine the correct positioning of locomotive air brake system components
  • Manipulate rail car air brake system components and determine correct brake pipe pressure
  • Inspect brake system components to determine if a brake is applied or released
  • Complete a Locomotive Calendar Day Brake Test (CFR 238)

This year 45,315 railroaders will stay competent with these training simulations and guides.

Want to license this training solution for your workforce? Reach out here – [email protected] or call 888.781.0274 ext. 701

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