Operation of Locomotives

The maximum load a locomotive can pull on a specific track, considering various factors like track condition, gradient, curves, and driver ability.

A document from RDSO used to determine assigned trailing loads for different locomotive types.

Tests conducted to establish the combined load capacity of multiple locomotives working together.

Diagrams used to optimize locomotive scheduling for maximum running time and minimum downtime at stations.

Process of determining the minimum number of operating crew needed for trains, considering rest requirements.

Creating schedules for trains, incorporating rest periods for operating staff.

Determining the permissible loads for different locomotive classes on specific railway sections.

Real-world track and environmental factors, differing from theoretical values.

Hypothetical track and environmental factors for calculating maximum load capacity.

Maintenance staff ensures the cleanliness of the locomotive's interior (HT room, cubicles, corridors), roof and body sides.

No unauthorized persons are allowed inside the locomotive or its equipment without permission from Sr.DEE/DEE/(OP).

Drivers must restrict entry to the driving compartments to authorized personnel and limit passenger counts.

An off-duty driver is not allowed in the cab unless authorized by TLC for travel to headquarters.

Drivers and assistant drivers are prohibited from tampering with measuring instruments, speed recorders, and protective relays.

Sealed equipment should only be opened or wedged as specified in troubleshooting manuals.

Drivers must constantly monitor signals, road conditions, vacuum/pressure gauges, voltmeters, ammeters, and speedometer.

Assistant Drivers need to closely monitor the battery voltage, battery current, blower functioning, and transformer/tap changer oil levels.

Responsibilities of the assistant driver include locomotive cleanliness, equipment checks (battery, generator, etc.), assisting the driver, and reporting unusual issues. They also maintain a log of times and delays.

Before operating a locomotive, the driver must ensure it's fit for service after scheduled inspection, repairs, or maintenance.

Assistant Driver is responsible for the cleanliness of the locomotive's driving desk, cab, and windows before departure, crew changes, and arrival.

The driver and assistant driver, station staff, and train guard need to coordinate signals according to the General and Subsidiary Rules.

On Rajdhani/Shatabadi Express and similar trains, the assistant driver duties are usually performed by a co-driver.

Assistant drivers should regularly monitor the locomotive's battery, generator, charging current, transformer oil levels/temperature, compressor/exhaust oil levels, blowers, and relays.

The assistant driver must report unusual smells, abnormalities, and any issues on the line (e.g., ACP, HPD) to the driver.

The assistant driver is responsible for recording times and delays during the journey.

The assistant driver must drain the cocks to remove moisture whenever a train stops for more than 15 minutes.

A record book for locomotives, detailing trips, defects, occurrences, and other necessary particulars.

The office where Train/Assistant Train Staff personnel is located to manage tasks related to train operations.

A location where locomotives are stabled, requiring additional inspections.

A check of the locomotive's undercarriage and roof, conducted at specific locations.

Detailed understanding of a railway section's features (speed limits, signals, etc.)

Official document proving a driver's ability to operate a train on a specific section of track.

Requires re-learning and re-validation of road knowledge after absence from duties.

Experienced driver who accompanies another driver for a short duration on an unfamiliar section.

Documents keeping track of road knowledge for different railway sections and staff categories.

Before starting a train, the driver must examine the loco log book for previous runs' remarks, repairs, and special watch requirements.

If a traction motor was isolated previously, the driver must check the isolating switch's position. If no repair mention, notify supervisor.

Insufficient main reservoir pressure requires using the battery-powered compressor to build up auxiliary reservoir pressure. Raise pantograph, close circuit breaker.

Closing the air blast circuit breaker starts auxiliary machines; air blast (red) and charger (green) lamps/LEDs go off. The main compressor charges the reservoirs.

With vacuum brake valve in running/release position, turn on exhauster and check vacuum (53 cm) with hose to disc (8mm hole).

Apply hand brake hard; check effective grip on front axles' right side wheels. Release and ensure brake blocks are free.

Apply loco's independent air brakes; ensure effective braking on all wheels. Check maximum brake cylinder pressure (3.5 kg/cm2). Release and verify all brakes release.

Perform tests after train coupling, following instructions (paras 30623 & 30625).

Turn on the traction motor blowers, check their operation, and apply independent loco brakes.

Maintenance staff keeps the locomotive's interior (HT room, cubicles, corridors), roof, and body sides clean.

No unauthorized people can enter a locomotive or its equipment without permission from Sr.DEE/DEE/(OP).

Drivers restrict entry to driving compartments, limiting passengers (typically to three, excluding running staff).

Off-duty drivers can't enter the driving compartment unless authorized by TLC for travel to headquarters while on duty.

Drivers and assistant drivers cannot tamper with measuring instruments, speed recorders, and protective relays.

Sealed equipment should only be opened as per troubleshooting manuals.

Drivers must constantly monitor signals, road conditions, and various gauges (vacuum/pressure, volt/amp meters, speedometer, etc.).

Assistant drivers closely monitor battery voltage, battery current, blowers, and transformer/tap changer oil level.

Drivers must know permanent and temporary speed limits to avoid accidents. Permanent limits are in time tables, while temporary ones are announced at booking offices.

A record book for locomotives, documenting trips, defects, events, and other pertinent details.

The office where Train/Assistant Train Staff personnel manage train operations.

A separate log book, issued with loco equipment, records loco trips, defects, and important information. Returned to the running office upon handover.

A location where locomotives are stabled, requiring additional checks.

Special speed limits implemented on certain tracks. Drivers are informed at their booking office.

Fixed speed limits for a section of track, listed in the working time table.

A check of a locomotive's undercarriage and roof, performed at specific locations.

Comprehensive knowledge of a railway section's features, including speed limits, signals, and landmarks.

Official document verifying a driver's ability to operate a train on a particular track section.

Requires re-learning and re-validation of road knowledge after a continuous six-month absence from duty.

Experienced driver accompanying a new driver on an unfamiliar section for guidance.

Documents tracking road knowledge for different railway sections and staff categories.

Examination of the loco log book for past runs' remarks, repair needs, and any unusual incidents

The position of the reverser switch, which controls the direction of the locomotive.

The yellow lamp on the locomotive should go off in the forward position, indicating a correct switch setting.

The white lamp, or rectifier LED, shows if there is a fault in the rectifier system.

A gauge that measures the current flowing through the traction motors.

The lamp that indicates the position of the tap changer, which adjusts voltage.

A test to ensure the front and rear pantographs (conducting equipment) raise and lower correctly.

Testing if the sanders (devices for adding sand to the track) operate correctly.

Ensuring all lights operate correctly.

Checking the vacuum pressure before starting the train.

The lowest acceptable vacuum pressure for a locomotive to safely operate on a particular section.

Ensuring the locomotive is stable on a wired track and air reservoir drain cocks are closed.

Checking the tightness of electrical, air hose, and vacuum hose pipes for multiple-operation locomotives.

Checking relay targets, fuse-free breakers (MCBs), and various electrical components.

Verifying the correct voltage within the locomotive's battery system.

Inspecting if indication lamps (air blast, battery charger, etc.) and tap changer notch indicator are functioning and in the correct position.

Ensuring all fuses are in place and functional, and all fuse-free breakers are switched on.

Confirming that the earthing switch for control circuits is in the 'ON' position.

Checking the proper oil levels in the tap changer and transformer motor.

Checking the proper operation of auxiliary isolating, motor cutout, and earth fault shunting switches.

Checking if the drain cocks for the air blast circuit breaker and pantographs are closed.

Checking the isolating switch/handle for tap changer operation is in the correct position.

Confirming the proper operation of earth fault isolation switches for traction and auxiliary circuits.

Verifying the proper operation of the pressure relay for the main circuit breaker.

Notice if any relay target shows a red indication; reset relay and report.

Verifying the proper operation of isolating switches in the rectifier block.

Ensuring the Master Controller, Driver's Vacuum Brake, Independent, and Assistant Driver's brake valve handles are normal in rear cab.

Confirming the oil levels in the compressor(s) and exhausters are normal.