If a hot box is suspected, how many cars must be inspected?

When a hot box is suspected, the procedure typically requires inspecting the affected car along with a specific number of cars adjacent to it. The recommended protocol involves inspecting two cars in front of and two cars behind the suspected hot box. This is to ensure that any potential issues related to the bearings, wheels, or overall condition of the train do not extend beyond the immediate vicinity of the suspect car.

Inspecting this range helps ensure safety and allows for a comprehensive check of both the affected car and nearby cars that could also be at risk. This is crucial because any failure can pose additional hazards beyond just the initial car suspected of having the problem. The requirement to check an adequate number of surrounding cars is a preventative measure to mitigate risk and enhance overall safety in train operations.