When securing a train with a locomotive attached, what must be done?

When securing a train with a locomotive attached, securing equipment against undesired movement is crucial for safety. This involves not only ensuring that the air brakes are in good working condition but also engaging the hand brakes appropriately on the rail cars and the locomotive.

The necessity for securing the entire train is based on the understanding that trains can move due to external factors like wind, slope, or failure of the brake system, and thus comprehensive measures must be taken to prevent any accidental movement. Neglecting to secure the additional cars and relying solely on the locomotive brakes or air brakes would not provide the same level of safety.

In this situation, the option about only securing the head end locomotive hand brakes would be insufficient, as it ignores the need to secure the entire train. Relying exclusively on emergency brakes also does not guarantee that the entire train is secure, as emergency brakes are typically designed for immediate stops rather than for securing equipment against movement. Leaving air brakes engaged without any additional measures, such as hand brakes, may not be adequate to prevent movement, particularly in the event of air leakage or brake failure.

By focusing on securing all equipment against undesired movement, the approach is more comprehensive and aligns with safe train handling practices.