Train Parting:

The train parting is an unforeseen dividing of a train into two or more portions, while the train is on run or just on the move.

There are two kinds of train partings.

  • Accidental train parting.
  • Intentional train parting.
Accidental train parting:

The Accidental train parting is one, where the train is divided into two or more portions automatically or accidentally on its run, due to the failure of the coupling components or automatic opening of the center buffer couplers.

Intentional Train parting:

The intentional Train parting is one where the train is divided into two or more portions intentionally, so as to enable the driver to clear the train from the section in case of stalling.

Reasons for Train Parting:

The main reasons for Train Parting can be due to.

  • Breakage of coupling components.
  • Fatigue failure, Defective Material, Improper heat treatment
  • Excessive wear and tear, Shock loads / Excessive loads on the couplers, Blowholes or air inclusions in castings.
Working out of the couplings:
  • Dropping of yoke pin on run.
  • Uncoupling of couplers on run.
  • Due to improper locking of the knuckles, Ineffective anti-creep mechanism, Operating lever dropping on the run, Excessive explosion of the guard arm, Vertical displacement of knuckles due to the excessive buffer drooping.
Common defects noticed in CBCs:
  • Excessive wear of knuckle nose.
  • Cracks on coupler body Expansion of guard arm.
  • Breakage of the yoke. Excessive buffer drooping.
  • Best operating levers.
  • Dropping of yoke pin support plate.
  • Improper/partial locking of knuckles.
  • Breakage of front & rear stoppers.
  • Deficiency of lock lifting components.
  • Excessive wear on the lock and knuckle at locking face.
  • Stretched knuckle.
  • Dropping of the operating lever on run. Breakage of the operating lever support bracket.
  • Excessive wear of the yoke pin support plate Breakage/perished rubber pads in draft gear. Failure of the anti-creep mechanism.
Precautions to be taken by the Guard:

Ensure proper locking of knuckles. Check for cracks on the coupler body and knuckle. Check for excessive wear of the knuckle. Ensure that all the components of the lock lift assembly are intact. Ensure that the operating lever is not bent/damaged.

Check for excessive buffer drooping. Ensure that the yoke pin support plate is secured properly by rivets. Use correct size knuckle pin. Check for damaged draft gear. Check for any excessive rubbing marks on the bottom of the yoke. Check for any hit marks on the striker casting front face. Check for excessive wear on the yoke.