What should the engineer be prepared to do if the good section has fewer cars when splitting the train?

When faced with the scenario of splitting a train where the good section has fewer cars, the engineer should be prepared to couple to a rescue train. This action is essential for ensuring that the remaining cars that are operational can safely continue their journey while maintaining efficient service delivery.

Coupling to a rescue train allows for the quicker transportation of the functioning good section, ensuring that any potential delays are minimized. In practice, this means that the train can be moved to a safer location or to a point where it can continue operations without undergoing unnecessary downtime or complications.

Other options, such as stopping to reassess the situation or waiting for instructions from control, might result in extended delays while maintenance support only becomes relevant if there's a malfunction or issue with the equipment itself. In urgent situations, the timely response of coupling to a rescue train is crucial to maintain operational efficiency and minimize disruption in train services.