What is the required identification for trains and engines?

• A. Initial and number of the engine
• B. Train name and road number
• C. Engine type and horsepower
• D. Crew initials and run number

Answer: (A)

The identification used for trains and engines is the railroad’s two-letter reporting mark together with the engine’s road number. That combination uniquely identifies a specific locomotive within a railroad. For example, on a CN locomotive you’d see something like CN 1234, where CN is the reporting mark (the railroad’s initials) and 1234 is the engine’s unique number. This enables clear communication for dispatching, records, and safety.

Trying to use a train name and road number wouldn’t guarantee uniqueness or consistency, engine type and horsepower describe capabilities rather than identity, and crew initials with a run number refer to personnel and assignment, not the locomotive itself.