To prevent an overcharge and minimize the possibility of sticking brakes, what should the engineer do before opening angle cocks?

Making a full service brake application before opening the angle cocks is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the braking system and preventing situations that could lead to overcharging the air system. A full service brake application provides a uniform distribution of air pressure throughout the brake system, ensuring that all the brakes are engaged and properly adjusted.

This action helps reduce the risk of any excess air pressure from traveling back through the system when the angle cocks are opened, which could otherwise lead to an overcharge scenario. Additionally, it minimizes the chances of brake sticking or dragging, as all brakes will be properly set at the same time, promoting balanced performance across the entire train.

Other options, while important in various contexts, are not as directly relevant to preventing overcharge or sticking brakes specifically in relation to manipulating angle cocks. Adjusting locomotive speed might be beneficial in other operational scenarios but does not address the air pressure dynamics. Checking air pressure levels is important for overall safety and functionality, but it does not actively engage the brakes before the angle cocks are opened. Inspecting the brake pads is part of regular maintenance but does not play a role in the immediate concerns related to air pressure and brake application when handling angle cocks.