Before a crew leaves equipment unattended, it must tie it down: tighten a set number of hand brakes based on train weight, grade and car count, then prove they hold by releasing the air brakes and gently pulling or shoving against them. Air brakes alone cannot be trusted, because the air leaks off over hours and the brakes release. Runaways caused by too few hand brakes are among the worst accidents in railroading, so securement is audited hard.
Tie down twelve on the head end and test 'em, then we'll leave this cut in the siding for the dog catchers.
Crews call the hand brake count over the radio and write it on the paperwork, because the next crew needs that number before releasing anything.
Also heard as
- tie on
- tie 'em down
- securement
Do not mix it up with
- Tie up: Tying up ends the crew's shift; tying down secures equipment with hand brakes.
Related terms
Cut
A group of cars coupled together and handled as one piece; as a verb, to uncouple them.
Hours of service
The federal limit on how long train and engine crews may stay on duty before mandatory rest.
Dog catch
To relieve a crew that has run out of legal hours; the relief crew are the dog catchers.
Brake pipe
The air line running the full length of a train that charges and controls every car's brakes.