During an air test the engineer makes a brake pipe reduction, the set, and the inspector walks the train confirming that every car's piston has extended and the shoes are against the wheels. The engineer then recharges the brake pipe, the release, and the inspector checks that each car's brakes come off. Out on the road, a set means any service application, so crews talk about a light set, a heavy set or taking a set off.
Conductor to head end, they're all laced up, give me a set and I'll walk 'em, then release when I call it.
Also heard as
- set and release test
- a set of air
Related terms
Brake pipe
The air line running the full length of a train that charges and controls every car's brakes.
Lace up the air
To connect the air hoses between cars and open the angle cocks so the brake pipe runs through.
Car knocker
A carman, the mechanical worker who inspects and repairs railcars and tests their brakes.
Kicker
A car whose brake valve throws the whole train into emergency when only a normal service application was made.