Car Inspector Quiry

Greetings:
I am sure I probably asked this before but have never gotten much of an answer.
Cumbres Pass in its early days had a Car Inspector. The RR even built him a house which stands today. But What did the car inspector do. I have read vague references to checking brakes and making repairs but that seems rather weak.
The job seems to have disapeared in the 1920-1930 period as the house was taken over and made into an auto repair shop. Was it something strange about the early air brakes that needed more attention than the later K system or what.
Anybody with knowledge or at least good ideas?
We are working on a kios for Cumbres to explain to the passing traveler the function of the facilities at Cumbres and this one needs help.
Frank