Automatic Track Control (ATC)

Question 1

What is the object of ATC?
How is it achieved?

Answer 1

Two or more trains in the same direction- to prevent more than one train being in the track section at the same time
Achieved by fixed signals being controlled by track circuits protecting the train

Opposing direction movements- prevent more than one train entering the Single Line section at the same time
Achieved by the opposing departure signals being secured at STOP and unable to be placed to proceed while the track direction is set for the opposing move

Question 2

What is station limits on the ATC system?

Answer 2

The section of line between opposing Home ARRIVAL signals

Question 3

What is the authority to enter the single line section?

Answer 3

A proceed aspect on a Home DEPARTURE signal (or dwarf if entering straight from the siding to the single line)

Question 4

Do all home arrivals have provision for a Low-speed aspect?

Answer 4

Yes

Question 5

When there is a CLEAR MEDIUM on a Home Departure signal or CLEAR LOW SPEED on a siding dwarf into the ATC single line, when does the speed restriction end?

Answer 5

When the train has cleared the Points that the signal is protecting
ONLY ON ATC

Question 6

What are the exceptions for passing Home Departure signals at stop?

Answer 6

*Defective signal (ATC Systems Caution order)
*To assist a disabled/derailed train (Train authority)

Question 7

How will a driver receive a ATC systems caution order at a remotely controlled location?

Answer 7

Can be:
*Transmitted over a recorded line
*Dictated to the driver (forms are stored in the signal post telephone box) If no form, can be written on any piece of paper

Question 8

What must be done if an ATC systems caution needs to be issued due to a defective home departure signal, but the points are not set?

Answer 8

The Signaller may ask the driver to manually operate the DCPM to the correct position
The driver must advise the signaller when this has been completed
The caution order may then be issued
If the points are more than 100m away, the caution order may be issued first

Question 9

What must be issued to enter the single line section from a non-signalled track?
What changes are made to the form?
Can it be transmitted?
What must the driver be informed of?

Answer 9

*An ATC System Caution Order
*The reference to the passing of a Home Departure must be deleted
*Driver must be informed why the Caution order was issued
*MUST have a physical copy, not transmitted

Question 10

What authority is issued when passing a Home Departure signal at stop when assisting a Disabled train?

If a dwarf signal controls the entrance to the single line section, do the same exceptions apply?

Answer 10

*TRAIN AUTHORITY
Locally controlled location- will be handed to the driver
Remote controlled location- Will be dictated to the driver
(Will only be issued when the disable driver is in position to protect the train)

*Same rules and authorities for Defective and Assisting a disabled train apple to a Dwarf signal if it controls the entrance into the single line section

Question 11

What is the exception for passing a Home ARRIVAL on ATC that is protection points?
Authority?

Not protecting points?

Answer 11

1. DEFECTIVE
   Protecting points=
   *Signallers caution order
   Remote location- transmitted or dictated

NOT protecting points= Verbal instruction from the controlling signaller

Question 12

Exception for passing an INTERMEDIATE home signal (not arrival or departure)?
Authority?

Answer 12

1. DEFECTIVE

Protecting points= Signallers caution order
Not protecting points= Verbal Instructions from the controlling signaller

Question 13

Exception for passing Dwarf signals within Station limits?

Answer 13

DEFECTIVE
Verbal Instructions from the Controlling signaller