What constitutes a properly completed air brake test?

• A. An initial test showing the brake pipe pressure decays correctly, followed by a full service and release test per procedure.
• B. A visual inspection of brake rigging only.
• C. A test of the horn and bell systems.
• D. A test of locomotive traction motors.

Answer: (A)

Air brake testing must actually verify the brake system works, not just look at it. A properly completed test starts with an initial check to ensure the brake pipe behavior is correct when the system is charged and brakes are applied and released. This includes watching how the brake pipe pressure changes and confirming the brakes respond as they should during both application and release. After that, you perform a full service and release test in accordance with the procedure to confirm that, when commanded, all brakes apply and release properly along the train.

This approach ensures there are no hidden leaks and that the brakes operate correctly under service conditions, which is why the two-step sequence described in the option is the correct choice. The other options focus on aspects outside the air brake system or only perform superficial checks (visual inspection, horn/bell systems, traction motors), which do not verify the brake functionality required by the test.