On a 12-mile local freight on an industrial lead, what air test is required on the cars you will be taking?

• A. Full service brake test
• B. Class I Initial Terminal Brake Test
• C. Transfer train test
• D. Application and release test

Answer: (C)

The move described is a transfer between two points (the yard and an industrial lead), so the test you perform is the transfer train test. This is the procedure used for trains being moved from one terminal or track to another, including industrial leads, to verify that the brake system functions properly for the actual movement: brake pipe pressure can be charged, brakes can be applied and released, and the train will hold brakes during the transfer. It’s designed for shorter, localized movements rather than a full mainline service run.

A full service brake test is more extensive and aimed at longer runs on the mainline with the train operating under service conditions. The initial terminal/ITB test is for trains entering revenue service from a terminal, which isn’t the scenario here. The application and release test checks individual cars’ brakes, typically used for car readiness or after repairs, not for the standard transfer between yards or industrial tracks.