APPLICATION AND RELEASE TESTS "CLASS 3"

        Application and Release Tests are now also known as "Class 3" Brake Tests.
        As you know, many conditions for air brake tests do not require the leakage and on-ground inspection as required by "Class 1" tests. Many conditions simply require the crew to know that the brakes on the last car apply and release. An example of this is when your train picks up a "solid block" of cars.
        The location for Application and Release Tests "Class 3" remain the same.
        The test has been changed a little. Now the brake system must be charged to within 15 PSI of the regulating valve setting as indicated by a gauge or device at the rear of the train before the test can begin. In other words, now a gauge or device is needed to make the Application and Release Test. With this device, verify that brakes on the rear car apply and release. The verification is to still see a reduction and increase of brake pipe pressure by 5 PSI on the rear car.
        It should be noted that by definition in a solid block of cars, the cars must be continuously and consecutively coupled together. They cannot be from more than one train. If blocks are put together from more than one train, a "Class 1" test must be performed.
        If the cars are from one train, they continue to be a "solid block" even when uncoupled if this uncoupling is for the purpose of setting out defective equipment.