Who is responsible for performing air brake tests on a locomotive if inspection forces are unavailable?

The engineer taking charge of a locomotive is the individual responsible for performing air brake tests when inspection forces are unavailable. This responsibility is part of the engineer's role in ensuring the safety and operational readiness of the locomotive before it departs. Engineers are trained to understand the nuances of air brake systems, including how to conduct tests to ensure they are functioning properly. This includes checking for adequate pressure, ensuring that the brakes engage and release as needed, and verifying the overall integrity of the braking system.

Having the engineer perform this test is crucial because they are the ones who will be operating the locomotive, and thus have firsthand knowledge of its performance characteristics. Their training equips them to identify any potential issues that may arise, thus making it imperative that they have a clear understanding of the air brake functionality for safe railway operations. Other personnel, such as conductors or maintenance crews, may have roles related to the locomotive's operation or upkeep but are not typically the ones designated to perform the initial air brake tests in this scenario.