Expert: Gary Wilson Date: 9/15/2007 Subject: retainer valves
Question I was recently promoted to conductor. The instructor gave us a handout on using retainer valves in place of tying hand brakes, i.e. cold weather, steep grade etc, might be easier than using hand brakes. Now I can't find my handout and would like to know how to use the retainer valves, how many to use for grades etc.
Answer Retainers are not to be used in place of hand brakes. First lesson you learn is that air brakes are not to be used for securing trains. Retainers are for heavy grades and and should be listed in your time table under special instructions on how many are to be used and where.Again retainers do not replace hand brakes Any further questions please ask.
