Detective Columbo Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Lac-Megantic news report
>
>
> If the industry conservative estimate as stated in
> the linked article is that 40% of the cars and
> locomotives (31 total ) should have been tied down
> with hand brakes on a 1.2% grade how is it that
> the MMA procedure would be only one half that
> amount (11 cars and 5 five locomotives)?
>
> Now lets assume the engineer, Tom Harding, had
> applied the MMA requisite quantity of hand brakes
> to the locomotives (5) and cars (11) (Ed Burkhardt
> has stated this was not done BTW) and Harding
> preformed the required brake test to confirm the
> brakes held. Is the brake test performed without
> using the train and locomotive air brakes to test
> the ability of the train to be held by the hand
> brakes alone? i.e. in the absence of any air
> brakes in the train setting of the hand brakes
> alone should have been sufficient to hold the
> train on the grade?

Here's the Canadian Railway Operating Rules securement requirements:


112.
SECURING EQUIPMENT


(a) When equipment is left at any point a sufficient number of hand
brakes must be applied to prevent it from moving. Special
instructions will indicate the minimum hand brake requirements for all
locations where equipment is left. If equipment is left on a siding, it
must be coupled to other equipment if any on such track unless it is
necessary to provide separation at a public crossing at grade or
elsewhere.


(b) Before relying on the retarding force of the hand brake(s), whether
leaving equipment or riding equipment to rest, the effectiveness of
the hand brake(s) must be tested by fully applying the hand brake(s)
and moving the cut of cars slightly to ensure sufficient retarding force
is present to prevent the equipment from moving. When leaving a cut
of cars secured, and after completion of this test, the cut should be
observed while pulling away to ensure slack action has settled and
that the cars remain in place.


(c) Application of hand brakes must not be made while equipment is
being pulled or shoved.