Definitions Flashcards
Timetable
The authority for the movement of regular trains subject to the rules. It contains classified schedules and special instructions related to the movement of trains.
Controlled Siding
A designated track the entrance and exit of which are governed by home signals
Current of traffic
The movement of trains on a main track in one direction as specified by special instructions
Industry Track
A track or series of tracks servicing the needs of a commercial industry other than a railroad
Main track
A designated track upon which trains are operated by timetable, Form L or both or the use of which is governed by block signals
Secondary Track
A designated track upon which trains may be operated without timetable or form L authority,or block signals subject to the prescribed signals, rules and special instruction
Siding
A designated track adjacent to a main track for the movement or passing of trains
Single Track
A main track upon which trains are operated in both directions
Two or more tracks
Two or more main tracks upon which trains are operated as designated in the special instructions
Yard
A system of tracks other than main tracks secondary tracks or siding used for making up trains storing cars and other purposes. All movements are subject to prescribed signals rules and special instructions
Yard limits
A portion of single main track between yard limit boards as specified by special instructions.
Camp Car
Any on track vehicle except a wreck train that is used to house railroad and contract employees.
Extra Train
A train not authorized by a timetable schedule. It must be designated as;
Passenger Extra: For passenger extra trains
Work extra: for work extra trains
Train car extra: for train car extra
Extra: for any other extra train except passenger extra, work extra, or train car extra
Derail
A track safety device fixed or portable designed to guide a car off the rail at a specific location on a track as a means of protection against collisions or other accidents.
Crossover
A track connection between two adjacent not necessarily parallel tracks consisting of a minimum of two switches which is intended to be used primarily for the purpose of crossing over from one track to another
Automatic safety switch
A switch identified by a yellow switch stand. Trains may make trailing point moves through this switch without previously aligning it by hand unless otherwise specified
Slow speed
A speed not exceeding 15mph except in ASC territory, train will be governed by speed displayed on the cab signal indicator not to exceed 30mph
Restricted Speed
A mode of operation at which a train can be stopped within one half the range of vision, short of the next signal, another train, obstruction, derail, or switch improperly lined, looking out for broken rail or crossing protection not functioning, not exceeding 15mph
Reduced Speed
A speed at which a train can be stopped short of another train or obstruction
Medium Speed
A speed not exceeding 30mph except in ASC territory, train will be governed by speed displayed on the cab signal indicator not to exceed 40 mph
Maximum Authorized Speed
The highest speed that is permitted over a specific portion of the railroad. It may be authorized by the special instruction of the current timetable, rules of the operating department, or any publication authorized by the General Superintendent- Transportation.
Limited Speed
A speed not exceeding 40mph
Working Limits
A segment of track with definite boundaries upon which trains move only as authorized by the roadway worker in charge of that segment of track
Watchman/Lookout
A properly equipped employee that has been annually trained on roadway worker protection, whose sole duty is to provide at least 15 second advanced visual and auditory warning of approaching train or on track equipment to roadway workers
Electric Lock Switch
A hand operated switch equipped with an electrical device that restricts the movement of the switch
Dual Control Switch
A power operated switch also equipped for hand operation
Block
A length of track of defined limits, the use of which is governed by block signals, block limit signals, automatic speed control or any combination thereof
Absolute Block
A block established between block stations block limit stations interlockings or any combination thereof which may not be occupied by more than one train except as provided by the rules
Train of Superior Right
A train given precedence by Form L
Train of Superior Direction
A train given precedence in the direction specified as between opposing regular trains
Train
An engine or more than one engine coupled with or without cars displaying markers
Superior Train
A train that has precedence over another train
Regular Train
A train authorized by a timetable schedule
Push-Pull Train
A train consisting of a bi-level cab control car at one end and a diesel or dual mode locomotive at the opposite end
Passenger Train
A train carrying revenue passengers
Automatic Block Signal System
A block signal system wherein the use of each block is governed by an automatic block signal, the cab signal indicator or both
Block Signal System
A series of consecutive blocks
Manual Block Signal System
A block signal system wherein the use of each block is governed by block signals controlled manually by block limit signals or both upon information received by telephone, radio or other means of communication
Automatic Speed Control System
A system so arranged that it’s operation will automatically result in the following: a full service application of the train brakes if, while operating under a speed restriction the speed of the train exceeds the predetermined rate. The application will continue until the train is either brought to a stop or under the control of the engineer, it’s speed is reduced to the predetermined rate
Speed Controlled Train
A train equipped with the following speed control apparatus, a cab signal indicator, sealed application valve or switch, audible warning device and acknowledging switch in operating condition for the direction in which it is to move
Engine
A unit propelled by any form of energy or a combination of units operated from a single control, used in road or yard service
Hand-Operated Switch
A switch that must be aligned by hand before a train makes a trailing point movement through the switch
Interlocking Switch
A switch within interlocking limits controlled by the block operator or train dispatcher working in conjunction with interlocking signals and other interlocking appliances.
Spring Switch
A switch equipped with a spring mechanism that will restore the switch points to the normal position after having been trailed through
Block Limit Station
A place at which a block limit signal is displayed
Block Station
A place at which manual block signals are displayed
Interlocking Station
A place from which an interlocking is operated
Passenger Station
A place at which trains are scheduled to receive and/or discharge passengers
Station
A place designated by name on the station pages of the current timetable
Bulletin Notice
A notice issued to employees by the General Superintendent-Transportation. It may contain special schedules or other information pertaining to track work program or special events and will be issued at a minimum of once per work
General Notice
A notice issued to employees by The General Superintendent- Transportation. It may contain operating instructions or other information as may be necessary.
General Order
An order issued to employees by the General Superintendent-Transportation. It may change or annul operating rules, timetable information or special instructions
Schedule
That part of a timetable schedule that prescribes direction number and movement of regular trains
Multiple Unit Equipment
Equipment capable of being propelled by electrical energy through the use of third rail contact shoes
Track Car
A roadway maintenance machine not classified as an engine which is operated on track for inspection or maintenance. It may not shunt track circuits or operate signals and will be governed by rules and special instructions for trains other than passenger trains.
Interlocking
An arrangement of signals and signal appliances so interconnected that their movements must succeed each other in proper sequence and for which interlocking rules are in effect .
Interlocking Limits
The track between the extreme opposing home signals of an interlocking
Pilot
An employee assigned to a train or track car when the engineer conductor or track car driver is not qualified on the physical characteristics or rules of the railroad or portion of the railroad over which the movement is to be made
Aspect
The appearance of a fixed signal which conveys an indication as viewed from the direction of an approaching train; the appearance of a cab signal indicator as viewed in the engine control compartment.
Block Limit Signal
A fixed signal indicating the limit of the block the use of which is governed by manual block signal system rules.
Block Signal
A fixed signal or hand signal in the absence of a fixed signal at the entrance to a block that governs trains using that block
Cab Signal Indicator
A signal indicator located in the engine control compartment displaying the maximum speed for the movement of the train. It will be used in conjunction with interlocking signals and either in conjunction with or in lieu of block signals
Distant Signal
A fixed signal used to govern the approach to a home signal
Fixed Signal
A signal of a fixed location indicating a condition which affects the movement of a train.
Home Signal
A fixed signal that displays Stop Signal as it’s most restrictive aspect and governs the entrance to a route or block
Indication
The information conveyed by the aspect of a signal
Interlocking Signal
The fixed signal of an interlocking
Marker
A highly visible marking device in the red-orange-amber color range affixed to the rear of the train to indicate that the train is complete.
Advanced Civil Speed Enforcement System(ACSES)
A transponder and data radio based train control system which will automatically apply the brakes of an equipped train if while approaching a speed restriction or positive train stop location the speed of the train exceeds the predetermined rate
ACSES Controlled Train
A passenger or freight class train equipped with the following ACSES controlled apparatus: A Data Radio, Aspect Display Unit, Sealed ACSES valve or switch, audible warning device and acknowledging switch in operative condition
Foul Time
A method of establishing working limits on a main track, secondary track, or siding in which a roadway worker is notified by the Train Dispatcher through the Block Operator that no trains will operate within the working limits established on that track until the roadway worker reports clear of the track
Inaccessible Track
A method of establishing working limits on tracks not controlled by the Train Dispatcher or Block Operator by physically preventing the entrance and movement of trains.
Job Briefing
When reporting for duty employees whose duties require coordination with other employees must hold a job briefing to review operational and safety conditions. If these conditions change employees must hold an additional briefing to discuss the new conditions.
Temporary Speed Restriction Bulletin
A daily bulletin containing necessary speed restrictions issued by the train dispatcher
Roadway Worker
An employee of a railroad or of a contractor to a railroad whose duties include inspection, construction, maintenance or repair of railroad track, bridges,roadway, signal and communication systems, electric traction systems, roadway facilities or roadway maintenance machinery on or near track or with the potential of fouling a track and flagmen and watchmen/lookouts responsible for their protection
