How should you secure your train after making the cut at the road crossing?

To ensure the train is properly secured after making a cut at a road crossing, applying the locomotive handbrakes along with sufficient handbrakes on the cars is essential for maintaining stability and preventing unwanted movement. This approach provides a reliable method to immobilize the train, especially on grades or when unexpected conditions might lead to slippage or rolling.

By using both the locomotive handbrakes and a sufficient number of handbrakes on the cars, the entire train is secured effectively. This is crucial because the weight and configuration of a train can lead to different dynamics when stationary. If only the locomotive's handbrakes were applied, there might be insufficient control over the train if the cars were to shift. Placing handbrakes on multiple cars ensures that any potential rolling can be countered by the combined braking force of both the locomotive and the cars.

Other methods mentioned, such as only utilizing handbrakes on the last car or relying solely on the independent brake, do not provide the comprehensive security needed for train stability after a cut. They could lead to a situation where the train is not secured adequately, increasing the risk of movement and potential accidents.