04 - Level Crossings

Question 1

What is active control in reference to level crossings?

Answer 1

Flashing lights, bells and/or boom gates operate automatically on train approach

Question 2

What is passive control in reference to level crossings?

Answer 2

The crossing has signs and relies on users to observe the fixed warning.

Question 3

What’s that called?

Answer 3

Repeating side light

Question 4

If the driver becomes aware the crossing has not properly operated, the driver must?

Answer 4

• Stop the train, prior if possible, by making an emergency application
• Sound emergency whistle (short and sharp)
• Report to TC that the crossing failed
• If you stop before the crossing:
• Ensure saloon lights are on (emtpy cars)
• Sound a long blast on the train whistle
• Observe that road traffic and pedestrian have cleared (just don’t run into shit)
• Proceed when safe, sounding a continuous whistle untle leading cab is over the crossing
• Once the lead cab is clear of the crossing you may return to normal speed.

Question 5

Is it considered safe to enter a level crossing when the crossing is protected by suitably authorised staff?

Answer 5

Yes, question kinda gives it away.

Question 6

What kind of call do you make if a level crossing does not activate?

Answer 6

TEC or REC

Note: Presumably, REC if the level crossing doesn’t activate by Bell block or is obviously damaged.

Question 7

What are all the types of whistle boards?

Answer 7

Normal Type, whote cross. The ones we actually have on the network.

Healthy state indicator

Predictor boards.

Question 8

Describe a whistle board.

Answer 8

White diagonal cross approximately 400 metres from level crossing

Question 9

When another train is approaching a level crossing at the same time as you, what must you do?

Answer 9

Sound a whistle continuously until both trains have reached the crossing.

Question 10

What is the definition of a Long whistle?

Answer 10

A long whistle must be distinct and used in proportion to the distance at which is it required to be heard.

Question 11

During Single Line Working, how are level crossings passed from the wrong direction?

Answer 11

When passing a level crossing form the wrong direction during Single Line Working, the level crossing will not activate until the train activates the Bell Block.

If no hand signaller is present, driver must:

Stop the train close to the level crossing and then proceed cautiously until booms activate, using the whistle frequently.

If a hand signaller is present, driver may not exceed 15km/h when passing the level crossing.

Hand signaller will operate the test switch and give driver the ALL RIGHT.

Question 12

What does the 5P key switch do?

Answer 12

Manually operates the level crossing boom.
In normal circumstances the 5p switch is in reverse.

In “Normal” the booms will deactivate, allowing road traffic to continue.

Question 13

What are some reasons a 5P key switch may be operated?

Answer 13

• A defective train
• unruly passengers required Police
• Obstruction ahead, so your train no go go
• Medical emergency on your train
• Track maintenance operations caused the booms to operate
• Failure of the track circuit that causes the boom gates to operate.

Question 14

Describe a Tram square signs, all 4 of them

Answer 14

Yellow sign “TRAM SQUARE AHEAD 15”

These signs are 200m before the tram square, driver must slow to 15 before the next tram sign.

Yellow “TRAM SQUARE 15”
These signs are placed at the tram square

Yellow “END TRAM SQUARE 3 CAR ONLY”
placed 80m from level crossing, 3 car consist may resume signal speed.

Yellow “END TRAM SQUARE”
placed 160m from level crossing, 6 car consist may resume signal speed.

Question 15

What are the names of these three?

Answer 15

Coasting indicators

Coast

Series

Series Parellel