What is required when shoving cars into a spur track?

• A. Stop 150 feet short of the track and precede movement; tie brakes to control slack if necessary
• B. Stop at the end of the track
• C. Stop short of the end of the track to prevent damage
• D. Proceed without precautions

Answer: (A)

Controlling movement and applying brakes to manage slack is essential when shoving cars into a spur. Stopping 150 feet short gives a safe, predictable buffer to observe the approach, verify the switch, and ensure there’s a clear path before you begin the shove. It also provides time to communicate with the crew and line up the cars correctly without rushing into the end of the track.

Precede movement means you start moving only after you’ve completed these checks and are confident the track ahead is clear and properly lined. Tying brakes to control slack helps prevent sudden surges between the locomotive and the trailing cars. In a string of cars, slack can cause dangerous jolts or end-away movements if brakes aren’t applied, so applying brakes to control the slack keeps the operation smooth and reduces the risk of damage or derailment as you place cars into the spur.

Rushing into the end of the track or proceeding without precautions increases the chances of hitting the end, damaging equipment, or injuring personnel, which is why the other options aren’t appropriate.