A conundrum of railroad cars. They'll couple together automatically (if one or both of the couplers are open), but the brake hoses must be connected by hand.
On the other hand, the couplers must be manually disengaged (by lifting the cut lever), but the glad hands separate automatically.
Either operation requires that anglecocks be opened or closed manually if there's air on the train.
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
Air hoses have to be manually coupled.
In yards that have Car Dept. personnel on duty, that is a part of their inspection and ultimately air test for a outbound track.
At outlying points where there is no Car Dept. personnel it is the responsibility of the Conductor/trainman/utility man.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOM5P0Lr4oM
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