ABS Train Disabled

Question 1

What is considered a disabled train?

Answer 1

When (due to a fault that cannot be rectified) a train cannot be moved under its own power

Question 2

What steps are required if a train stops midsection? (7)

Answer 2

1. Check not derailed or fouling a parallel line
2. Secure the train
3. Contact TC (TEC/REC)
4. Tell them what’s happening and obtain Track Access if required
5. State location and length of train
6. Make a PA announcement
7. Fault finding

Question 3

How does a driver declare a train disabled?

Answer 3

Contact the Train Controller (TEC/REC) and declare the train disabled.

Question 4

To which direction does the driver protect the train, and how far do they go?

Answer 4

Whichever direction they are told by the Train Controller
500m or the first fixed signal

Question 5

What are the first two steps after declaring a train disabled?

Answer 5

1. Fill in a Driver’s Relief Authority
2. Dictate the DRA to the Train Controller

Question 6

When can a disabled train be moved?

Answer 6

Only AFTER the Driver’s Relief Authority has been cancelled (by the arriving relief driver)

Question 7

In a locally controlled location, how does the relief driver obtain the Train Authority?

Answer 7

Handed by the controlling signaller (who had it dictated to them from TC)

Question 8

In a remotely controlled location, how does the relief driver obtain the Train Authority?

Answer 8

Dictated to them by the Train Controller

Question 9

When can a Train Authority for a relief train be issued?

Answer 9

Only after the disabled train is protected by the driver

Question 10

What does the driver of a disabled train do (after filling out a DRA)? (7)

Answer 10

1. Obtain track access (if required)
2. Secure the train (full cab unattended)
3. Take DRA, train radio, red hand signals and operational torch
4. Ensure red marker lights are illuminated on back of train (potentially also activate emergency marker lights)
5. Proceed to 500m from train OR first (properly facing) fixed signal at stop
6. Display a red hand signal
7. Inform TC that train is protected

Question 11

When assisting a train to the rear, what does the relieving driver need?

Answer 11

A Train Authority (and/or a proceed signal; if no proceed signal possible, must use Track Circuited Exception to pass)

Question 12

What speed does a train assisting to the rear travel?

Answer 12

Per signals up until the signal protecting the train; then 15km/h

Question 13

What are the 5 Cs?

Answer 13

Confer (with the driver)
Couple (the trains)
Cancel (the DRA)
Continuity (test the trains)
Contact (the TC to get permission to move)

Question 14

If the assisting train is already in the block section and is approaching from the rear, does the relief driver need a Train Authority?

Answer 14

No; merely stop and talk to the TC to ascertain location of disabled train

Question 15

When clearing the section after assisting from the rear, what directs the driver?

Answer 15

Wait until permission to move has been given by TC
Then move in direction stated on the Train Authority

Question 16

When clearing the section after assisting a train that was already in the block section, what directs the driver?

Answer 16

If continuing in the advance (original direction of travel): signal aspects and any operational or speed defects, whichever is lower

If returning to the rear: train authority to move, and then Extreme Caution or defect limitations, whichever is lower

Question 17

What authority is required to assist a train from the advance on double line ABS?

Answer 17

A train authority, plus Exception: Track Circuited (as signal will be at STOP) OR (if no signal) verbal permission and/or green hand signal from controlling signaller

Question 18

When assisting a train from the advance, what speed must the relieving train travel?

Answer 18

Reduced speed until 2km from the disabled train
Then STOP and continue on at 15km/h (prepared to stop short of any obstruction)

Question 19

How do you clear the section after assisting a train from the advance?

Answer 19

Wait to be granted permission from the TC
Move in direction stated by Train Authority

Question 20

What rules are followed for relief from the rear on bi-directional ABS?

Answer 20

The same as double line ABS

Question 21

What rules are followed for relief from the advance on bi-directional ABS?

Answer 21

Need a Train Authority to enter the section
All signals at STOP; travel at Extreme Caution and trip past them all, following S 3 Rule 1

Question 22

How is a Train Authority cancelled after assisting a disabled train?

Answer 22

If arriving to a locally controlled location: hand the TA to the signaller.

If arriving to a remotely controlled location: driver cancels the TA and informs TC of the time it was cancelled

Question 23

What happens if a relieving train also becomes disabled?

Answer 23

A new Train Authority must be issued.

Question 24

If a train becomes disabled and there is a communication failure, what should the driver do?

Answer 24

Try to protect the train (PA announcement, full cab unattended, 500m/first fixed signal, red hand signal) BUT do not put yourself in danger – so realistically, don’t do it.

Keep trying to contact Train Controller