Definitions Flashcards
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 having 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
Camp car
Any on-track vehicle, except a wreck train, that is used to house railroad or contract employees
Yard limits
A portion of single main track between yard limit boards, as specified by special instruction
Yard
A system of tracks other than main tracks, secondary tracks, or sidings, used for making up trains, storing cars, or other purposes. All movements are subject to prescribed signals, rules, and special instructions
Two or more tracks
Two or more main tracks upon which trains are operated as designated in the special instructions
Single track
A main track upon which trains are operated in both directions
Siding
A designated track adjacent to a main track, for the meeting or passing of trains
Secondary track
A designated track upon which trains may operate without timetable or Form L authority, or by block signals subject to the prescribed signals, rules and special instructions
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
Industry track
A track or a series of tracks, serving the needs of a commercial industry other than a railroad
Current of traffic
The movement of trains on a main track in one direction, as specified by special instruction
Controlled siding
A designated track, the entrance and exit of which are governed by home signals
Timetable
The authority for the movement of regular trains subject to the rules. It contains classified schedules and special instructions relating to the movement of trains
Temporary Speed Restriction Bulletin (TSRB)
A daily bulletin containing necessary speed restrictions issued by the train dispatcher
Schedule
That part of a time timetable that prescribes direction, number, and movement of a regular train
General order
An order issued to employees by the General Superintendent-Transportation. It may change or annul operating rules, timetable information, or special instructions
General Notice (GN)
A notice issued to employees by the General Superintendent-Transportation. It may contain operating instructions or other information as may be necessary
Bulletin notice (BN)
A notice issued to employees by the General Superintendent-Transportation. It may contain special schedules or other information pertaining to track work programs or special events and will be issued at a minimum of once per week
Station
A place designated by name on the station pages of the current timetable
Passenger stations
A place at which trains are scheduled to recieve and/or discharge passengers
Interlocking station
A place from which an interlocking is operated
Block stations
A place at which manual block signals are displayed
Block-limit station
A place at which a block-limit signal is displayed
Spring switch
A switch equipped with a spring mechanism that will restore the switch points to the normal positions after having been trailed through
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
Hand operated switch
A switch that must be aligned by hand before a train makes a trailing point movement through the switch
Electric lock switch
A hand operated switch equipped with an electrical device that restricts the movement of the switch
Dual operated switch
A power operated switch also equipped for hand operation
Derail
A track safety device, fixed or portable, designed to guide a car off the rails at a selected location on a track as a means of protection against collisions and other accidents
Crossover
A track connection between two adjacent, but not necessarily parallel tracks, consisting of atleast 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 the switch without previously aligning it by hand, unless otherwise specified
Slow speed
A speed not exceeding 15 mph, except in ASC territory, train will be governed by speed displayed on the cab signal indicator not to exceed 30 mph
Reduced speed
A speed at which a train can be stopped short of another train or obstruction
Medium speed
A speed not exceeding 30 mph, 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 maximum speed permitted over a specific portion of the rail road. It may be authorized by the special instructions of the current timetable, rules of the operating department, or any other publication authorized by the General Superintendent-Transportation
Limited speed
A speed not exceeding 45 mph
Working limits
A segment of track with definite boundaries, upon which trains may only move as authorized by the roadway worker in charge of that segment of track
Watchmen/Lookout
A properly equipped employee that has been annually trained on roadway worker protection, whose sole duty is to provide atleast 15 seconds advanced visual and auditory warning of approaching trains or other on-track equipment to roadway workers
Inaccessible track
A method of establishing working limits on tracks not controlled by the train dispatcher or block operator by physically preventing the entry or movement of trains
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 can report clear of the track
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, audibles warning device and acknowledging switch in operative condition
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
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
Interlocking signals
The fixed signals of an interlocking
Indication
The information conveyed by the aspect of a signal
Cab signal indicator
A signal indicator located in the engine control compartment displaying the maximum speed of 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
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
Home signal
A fixed signal that displays stop signal as its most restrictive aspect and governs the entrance to a route or block
Fixed signal
A signal of a fixed location indicating a condition which affects the movement of a train
Distant signal
A fixed signal used to govern the approach to a home signal
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
Block limit signal
A fixed signal indicating the limit of the block, the use of which is governed by manual block signal system rules
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 job briefing to discuss the new conditions
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
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
Interlocking limits
The tracks between the extreme opposing home signals of an interlocking
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
Block
A length of track of defined limits, the use of which is governed by block signals, block limit signals, an automatic speed control or any combination thereof
Absolute block
A block established between block stations, block limit stations, interlocking, or any combination thereof, which must not be occupied by more than one train except as provided by the rules
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, block limit signals, or both. Upon information recieved by telephone, radio, or any other means of communication
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
Multiple unit equipment
Equipment capable of being propelled by electrical energy through the use of third rail contact shoes
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 operative condition for the direction in which it is to move
