If you don't make backward transition at the right time, too much current can flow through the main generator, which will cause heating problems. Since 11-1-1950, F7s and FP7s were equipped with automatic forward and backward transition. However, if there were any units in the consist which didn't have automatic transition (F, FT, F3, etc.) the instruction book provided the E with an extensive table based on speeds relative to gear ratios, so he could move the lever to make manual transitions on those units. Making transition manually had no effects on the units in the consist which were equipped with automatic transition.

This particular locomotive was not equipped with dynamic braking.