SRS125 wrote:detctors should count every axle from the first one on the locomotive all the way to the last car. If it's not working right it will report its self as not working. The train crew would contact the dispatcher and report the detector not working unless unless thows who are passing that area have been told about it befor hand. Amtrak trains will stop after passing a nonworking detector for inspection befor moveing on.
You only have to walk the train under certain conditions as specificed in the timetable. A detector completely failing is different from an incorrect axle count. Depending on the railroad, if the number given is more than
x from the real count, you have to go inspect the train. Sometimes you call the dispatcher and tell them, sometimes you do not have to. It's in the The Book.