Earl,

I know they would have to make the air test at the original departure point. This would be the standard air test like picking up cars en route. There isn't a proper terminal for the brakes to be tested at the "pick up" location per the rules unless UP sends the needed equipment and Car Men down to the interchange point.

That is why when they get to the first terminal that employs car knockers, the entire train must be tested. That is where the rule comes in that ALL cars, engines, etc must have working air brakes before leaving a terminal.

The term "Hospital Train" is used with equipment that is unable to pass a standard air test, such as a derailed equipment, wreck equipment, etc. They usually have an air hose around the car or cars, engine or engines involved.

Well, the first place would be San Jose. I don't know who UP employees at the Jct. and what it is listed with the FRA. That is why they will need to get a waiver to get the stuff moved. I know we had to sit in the hole at Castroville for 5 hours, waiting to get a waiver to take the junk from the wreck at Tunnel 7 thru Wat. Jct. and San Jose to Oakland. (We died there and a new crew took it the rest of the way)

Then again, things may have changed over the last few years. Being retired I don't have to keep up with daily BS.

Nudge