Definitions Flashcards
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 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, by block-limit signals or both, upon information received by telephone, radio or other means of communication
Automatic Speed Control System (ASC)
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 operative condition for the direction in which it is to move
Engine (ENG)
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
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 tracks 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 Singal
A fixed signal indicating the limit of the block, the use of which is governed by manual clock signal system rules
Block Singal
A fixed signal or a hand signal in the absence of a fixed signal, at the entrance to a block that governs trains using that block
Can 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 its most restrictive aspect and governs the entrance to a route or block
Indication
The information conveyed by the aspect of a signal
Interlocking Signals
The fixed signals 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
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 not 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 entry and movement of trains
Job Briefing
When reporting for duty, employees whose duties require coordination which other employees must hold a job briefing to review operational and safety conditions. If these conditions change, employees must hold and additional job briefing to discuss the new conditions
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
Watchmen/Lookout
A properly equipped employee that has been annually trained on roadway worker protection whose sole duty is to provide at least 15 seconds advanced visual and auditory warning of approaching trains or on-track equipment to roadway workers
Working Limits
A segment of track with definite boundaries upon which trains may move only as authorized by the roadway worker in charge of that segment of track
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 Init, sealed ACSES valve or switch, audible warning device and acknowledging switch in operative condition
Limited Speed
A speed not exceeding 45 mph
Maximum Authorized Speed (MAS)
The highest speed that is permitted over a specific portion of the railroad. 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
Medium Speed
A speed not exceeding 30 mph, except on ASC territory, train will be governed by speed displayed on the cab signal indicator
Reduced Speed
A speed at which a train can be stopped short of another train or obstruction
Restricted Speed (RS)
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 15 miles per hour
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
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
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
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 or other accidents
Dual Control Switch
A power-operated switch also equipped for hand operation
Electric Lock Switch
A hand-operated switch equipped with an electrical device that restricts the movement of the switch
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 (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
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
General Order
An order issued to employees by General Superintendent— Transportation. It may change or annul operating rules, timetable information or special instructions.
Schedule
The part of a timetable that prescribes direction, number and movement of a regular train.
Temporary Speed Restriction Bulletin (TSRB)
A daily bulletin containing necessary speed restrictions issued by the Train Dispatcher
Timetable
The authority for the movement of regular trains subject to the rules. It contains classified schedules and special instructions relating to the movement not trains.
Controlled Siding
A designated track, the entrance and exit of which are governed by home signals.
Current of Traffic
The movement of trains in a main in one direction, as specified by special instruction
Industry Track
A track, or series of tracks, serving the needs of a commercial industry other than a railroad
Main Track
A designated track upon which trains are operate 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 instructions.
Siding
A designated track adjacent to a main track for the meeting 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 hook which trains are operated as designated in the special instructions.
Yard
A system of tracks, other than main tracks, secondary tracks or sidings, 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 instruction
Camp Car
Any on-track vehicle, except a wreck train, that is sued to house railroad or contract employees
Extra Train
A train not authorized by a timetable schedule. It must be designated as:
Passenger Extra — for passenger train extra
Work Extra — for work train extra
Track Car Extra — for track car extra
Extra — For any other extra train except passenger extra, work extra or track car extra
Passenger Train
A train carrying revenue passengers
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
Regular Train
A train authorized by a timetable schedule.
Superior Train
A train having precedence over another train
Train
An engine or more than one engine coupled, with or without cars, displaying markers.
Train of Superior Direction
A train given precedence in the direction specified as between opposing regular trains
Train of Superior Right
A train give precendee by Form L
