What should be inspected on the angle cocks during an air brake test?

During an air brake test, it is essential to inspect the angle cocks for their position to ensure proper coupling. Proper positioning of the angle cocks is crucial because they play a vital role in the functionality of the air brake system. If the angle cocks are not in the correct position, it could lead to inefficient air flow, which could compromise the brakes' effectiveness and overall safety of the train operation.

This inspection helps to confirm that the angle cocks are aligned correctly and ready for operation. It ensures that they can be opened and closed as needed without obstruction, which is critical for maintaining an effective braking system during train operations.

While aspects like material composition, visibility, and rust can be important in other contexts, they do not directly impact the immediate operational readiness during an air brake test in the same way that the position does.