Glossary Of Railway Terminology Flashcards
What is a conductor rail?
A rail through which electricity is supplied to electric-powered trains.
What does ‘earthed’ mean in the context of overhead line equipment?
Connected to the traction return running rail either directly or to a structure which is itself connected thereto.
Define an electrified line.
A line that is electrified either by 25,000 volts AC overhead lines or by 750 volts DC conductor rails.
What does it mean when electrical equipment is described as ‘isolated’?
Disconnected from all sources of electricity supply in a secure way.
What is isolation in electrical terms?
The action of causing electrical sections or sub-sections of the OLE or CRE to be isolated.
What does ‘live’ refer to in electrical terminology?
Connected to an electrical supply.
What is overhead line equipment?
Wires and associated equipment, suspended over or adjacent to the railway line for supplying electricity to electric trains.
What does ‘switched off’ mean?
Electrical equipment that is disconnected and separated from all sources of supply.
What does it mean to affect the normal passage of trains?
Any activity or event that allows train working to continue but causes diversion or inability to call at a planned destination or introduction of degraded-mode operations (e.g. passing signals at danger, hand signalling, manual route setting, single line working)
True or False: An engineering train includes an on-track machine.
True.
What is an Engineering Possession Reminder (EPR)?
A reminder applied by the signaller to one or more axle counter sections in advance of pre-planned engineering works in order to indicate the area affected.
Fill in the blank: An intermediate point to a possession is a location where an engineering train can enter or leave the possession to _______.
[an open line or a siding not under possession]
What is on-track plant?
A road-rail vehicle (RRV) or rail mounted maintenance machine (RMMM) known as ‘in possession only’ vehicles.
What is a Possession Limit Board (PLB)?
A double-sided board, red on both sides, with a red light (steady or flashing) and the word STOP printed on both sides.
What is a track circuit operating device (T-COD)?
A special device that can be placed on the line to provide protection by operating the track circuit holding a signal at danger.
What is a controlled evacuation?
The evacuation of passengers from a train after the signaller has confirmed that all lines have been protected.
What is a detonator?
A small disc-shaped warning device designed to be placed on the railhead for protection and emergency purposes.
What does detonator protection consist of?
Three detonators placed 20 metres apart on the same rail with a possession limit board at the first detonator in the direction of travel.
What is an emergency evacuation?
The evacuation of passengers from a train if the signaller states that protection cannot be given or the signaller cannot be contacted.
What is emergency protection?
The means of protecting a train by track circuit operating clips, hand danger signals and detonators when:
• a driver or guard cannot contact the signaller, or
• the signaller cannot provide signal protection.
What are ways to ensure protection on a line?
Keeping signals at danger, placing detonators on the line, using a track circuit operating clip, and showing a hand danger signal.
What is an uncontrolled evacuation?
The self evacuation of passengers from a train, which is not initiated by the driver or guard.
What are the 4 types of automatic level crossing?
• Automatic half-barrier (AHBC)
• Automatic barrier crossing, locally monitored (ABCL)
• Automatic open crossing, locally monitored (AOCL)
• Crossing with red and green warning lights (R/G).
Define a barrow crossing.
A crossing for railway personnel to use, often at the end of a platform. Some have white indicator lights, when lit safe to cross.
What is a controlled crossing?
• Manually-controlled crossing with barriers (MCB).
• Manually-controlled crossing with gates (MG).
• Remotely controlled crossing with barriers (RC).
• Barrier crossing with closed-circuit television (CCTV).
• Barrier crossing with obstacle detection (OD).
What is an open level crossing?
A level crossing that has no barriers, gates or road traffic signals. It has a give way sign on each road approach.
What does ‘adjacent line’ refer to?
A line or siding next to the line you are on.
What is a bi-directional line?
A line on which the signalling allows trains to run in both directions.
What is a goods line?
A line that has not been signalled to the standard required for running passenger trains.
What is a maintenance depot?
A location defined in a train operator’s Contingency Plan for repairing or replacing defective on-train equipment.
What is a no-block line?
A line on which the signaller does not monitor the condition of the block section.
What is a running line?
A line shown in Table A of the Sectional Appendix as a passenger line or as a non-passenger line.
What is a siding?
A line on which vehicles are marshalled, stabled, loaded, unloaded, or serviced clear of a running line.
What is a single line?
One line available for movements in both directions.
What constitutes a station?
Terminal, depot, yard, or halt.
What is an aspect in railway terminology?
The indication of a colour light signal that the driver sees.
What does ATWS stand for?
Automatic track warning system. An individual or lineside warning system that can be installed at a site of work to:
• detect an approaching train
• alert personnel who are on or near the line.
It may be installed temporarily for the period of work or it may be installed permanently at a location. This definition does not include TOWS or LOWS.
What is an automatic signal?
A signal operated by the passage of trains.
The signaller or a person operating a signal post replacement switch can place some automatic signals to danger.
What is an axle counter?
A method of detecting the presence of a train or vehicle on a line by counting the number of axles.
Track-mounted equipment, at each end of a portion of line, counts the number of axles passing over. This is used to identify when a portion of line is occupied or clear.
What is an axle counter head?
A device that detects the passage of a wheel passing over a running rail.
What is a block marker?
A reflective board that serves as a physical indication of signalling sections within ERTMS.
Used when degraded working is required.
What is a home signal?
The first stop signal on the approach to a signal box on a line not signalled by the track circuit block system of signalling.
What does interlocking refer to?
Equipment that controls setting and releasing signals and points to prevent an unsafe condition of the signalling system arising due to the passage of trains.
What is an intermediate block home signal?
A stop signal that controls the exit from an intermediate block section.
(Although an intermediate block home signal controls the entrance to an absolute block section, it is referred to as the intermediate block home signal).
What is a junction signal?
A signal that controls more than one running route and can display an indication of route.
What does LOWS stand for?
Lookout operated warning system.
A lineside warning system, used to warn personnel on or near the line about an approaching train. It is operated by a lookout.
What is a main aspect in signalling?
The aspects of a colour light signal:
• red
• yellow
• two yellows
• flashing yellow
• two flashing yellows
• green.
What does PoSA stand for?
Proceed-on-sight authority.
A signal used for controlling movements into a section affected by a failure of signalling equipment.
What is a section signal?
A stop signal that controls the entrance to a block section or intermediate block section ahead.
What is a semi-automatic signal?
A signal normally operated by the passage of trains, but can also be controlled from the signal box or from a ground frame, or by a person operating a signal post replacement switch.
What is a shunt entry board?
A lineside indicator board that indicates the entry of a shunt route on ERTMS cab signalled lines where lineside signals are not provided.
What is a shunting signal?
A signal provided for shunting purposes only.
What is a stop signal?
A signal that can show a stop aspect or indication.
What is a subsidiary signal?
A semaphore signal used for controlling shunting movements and movements onto occupied tracks. It is always positioned below the main semaphore arm with which it is associated.
What does TOWS stand for?
Train operated warning system.
An audible warning system at locations listed in the Sectional Appendix. When switched on, it is used to warn personnel on or near the line about an approaching train.
What is TPWS?
Train protection and warning system.
A system by which a train is stopped by an automatic application of the brakes when activated by lineside equipment.
What is a track circuit?
A method of detecting the presence of a train or vehicle on a line. An electrical device, using the rails as an electrical circuit, detects the absence of a train or vehicle. If these rules refer to track circuits, this also includes detection by axle counters unless specially excluded.
What is a wrong-side failure?
A failure that reduces or removes the protection given by signalling equipment.
What are catch points?
Points designed to derail vehicles running back on a gradient in the wrong direction. These points may be unworked if trains normally pass over them in one direction only.
What is a derailer?
A device at an exit from a siding that derails an unauthorized movement.
What does detection refer to?
An electrical or mechanical indication that points are set in the correct position.
What are facing points?
Points where two routes diverge.
What is a ground frame?
A control point containing levers or switches to allow points in running lines and sidings, and any associated signals, to be operated locally. This local operation is only possible when the signaller at the controlling signal box gives a release. Also includes a ground-switch panel.
What are hand points?
Points that are worked manually by lever independent of any other signalling controls.
What are mechanical points?
Points that are mechanically operated without any other form of power operation.
What are power-operated points?
Points that are operated by means other than mechanically.
What does ‘run through (of points)’ mean?
An incident where a movement runs through a trailing set of points not set in the correct position for the movement.
What are trailing points?
Points where two routes converge.
What are train-operated points?
Points that are continuously driven to one position such that facing movements always pass through them in the same direction. Trains themselves operate the points in the trailing reverse direction.
What are trap points?
Facing points at an exit from a siding or converging route that derail an unauthorized movement so protecting the adjacent line.
What are unworked points?
Points that are not operated from a signal box or ground frame.
What are worked points?
Points that are operated from a signal box or ground frame.
What is an absolute block?
A signalling system that allows only one train to be in a block section at the same time.
The block indicator is used to indicate whether the line between adjacent signal boxes is clear or occupied.
What is a block section?
The section of the line between the section signal of one signal box and the home signal of the next signal box ahead.
What does ERTMS stand for?
European rail traffic management system.
A signalling system that uses in cab indications as opposed to external track bourne signals.
What is an intermediate block section?
The line between the section signal and the intermediate block home signal worked by the same signal box in the same direction of travel.
What is an overlap in railway terms?
The distance beyond a stop signal up to which the line must be clear before the previous signal can show a proceed aspect.
What is a route setting position?
Location on a signalling control panel from which a route can be set or closed.
What are station limits?
The line between the home signal and the section signal worked by the same signal box and in the same direction of travel. This does not apply on a track circuit block line.
What is track circuit block?
A method of signalling trains in a section of line using track circuits or other means of automatic train absence detection and without using block instruments.
What are train signalling regulations?
Instructions for use by the signaller detailing rules and regulations for signalling systems.
What is transition in railway signalling?
The process of the onboard ERTMS signalling system transferring from one signalling system to another. This process has to be acknowledged by the driver.
What is braking distance?
The distance a train needs to stop or reduce speed from a given speed.
What does ‘coupled in multiple’ mean?
Traction units coupled to allow through controls by one driver.
What does ‘coupled in tandem’ refer to?
Each traction unit is separately controlled by its own driver with through control of the automatic brake only.
What is a driver only (or DO) train?
A train that is worked only by a driver without a guard.
What does ‘in service’ mean?
A train is in service from the time it is ready to start until it completes its journey until the time it completes its journey. A vehicle is in service when it forms part of a train which is in service.
What is the end of authority?
The location to which a train is permitted to proceed. The boundary of a movement authority.
What is full supervision in ERTMS?
An authority that gives comprehensive protection to all trains. The normal movement used by ERTMS.
What is a journey in railway terms?
The route from the starting point of a train to its planned destination or where:
• is required to reverse before continuing to its destination
• vehicles are attached or detached
• it is terminated short of its destination.
Any light locomotive movement, empty coaching stock movement or short distance shunting movement is a separate journey from the associated train movement.
What is movement authority?
Permission for a train to run to a specific location as a signalled move.
What does ‘on sight’ mean?
A type of movement authority used by ERTMS that allows entry into an occupied section. The driver will be presented with a maximum speed and must ensure that the train is stopped short of any obstruction.
What is one-train working?
Method of signalling on a single line, with or without a train staff, where only one train at a time is permitted.
What does ‘out of service (train)’ mean?
A train is out of service between the time it completes its journey and when it is ready to start another.
What does ‘out of service (vehicle)’ mean?
A vehicle is out of service when it forms part of a train that is out of service, or when it has been detached from a train in a depot, siding, platform line or other authorised place. The detraining of passengers does not in itself mean a vehicle has been taken out of service.
What is one-train working?
Method of signalling on a single line, with or without a train staff, where only one train at a time is permitted.
What does it mean when a train is out of service?
A train is out of service between the time that it completes its journey and the time it is ready to start another journey.
What defines a vehicle as being out of service?
A vehicle is out of service when it forms part of a train that is out of service or when it has been detached from a train in a depot, siding, platform line or other authorised place.
What is passenger service?
A train that is in service carrying passengers.
What is permissible speed?
The maximum permitted speed as shown in the Sectional Appendix.
Define shunting movement.
Any movement of a train or vehicle other than a train passing normally along a running line.
What is a tail lamp?
Includes an illuminated built-in red light or blind.
What is a token in railway terminology?
Any single line token, staff or tablet.
What is a brake van?
Any vehicle with a brake compartment.
What is a cant rail?
The point on the side of a locomotive or coach where the bodyside meets the roof (sometimes marked by an orange stripe).
What is central door-locking?
A secondary locking system fitted to certain slam-door passenger vehicles and controlled by the guard that prevents passengers from opening the doors.
What is considered defective on-train equipment?
On-train equipment that is not performing its intended safety function, either fully or partly, is isolated, or is missing.
What does the driver machine interface (DMI) do?
The device used by a driver to interact with ERTMS onboard equipment, typically a computer screen located in the driving cab.
What is a driver’s reminder appliance (DRA)?
A device in a driving cab that allows the driver to set a reminder that the signal ahead is at danger. While the DRA is set, the driver cannot take power.
What are power-operated doors?
Doors on a train where the opening and closing are controlled by the driver or guard.
What does TASS stand for?
Tilt authorisation and speed supervision.
What is the function of TASS?
A system on tilting trains that controls the operation of the tilt system and the speed of the train on routes where enhanced permissible speeds apply on TASS fitted lines.
What does TPWS do?
A system by which a train is stopped by an automatic application of the brakes when activated by lineside equipment.
Define track circuit actuator.
Equipment provided on certain trains to improve the operation of track circuits.
What is a traction unit?
Locomotive, multiple unit, self-propelled rail vehicle or road-rail vehicle operating in rail mode.
What is included in the definition of a train?
This includes light locomotive, self-propelled rail vehicle or road-rail vehicle in rail mode.
Who is a competent person?
A person who is passed as being qualified and has the required knowledge and skills to carry out a particular rule, regulation, instruction or procedure.
What does operations control refer to?
The term used for Network Rail Operations Control Offices.
What is the role of a pilot?
A person appointed to manage the passage of trains over a single line during a failure of equipment, during repairs or due to an obstruction.
What is a rolling stock technician?
A person who is authorised and has the necessary technical competence to examine or repair specified items of equipment forming part of a train or vehicle.
What does the term traincrew refer to?
Driver and guard.
What is a train operator?
The company responsible for operating a train.
Who is referred to as your employer in this context?
The company, or subsidiary of a larger organisation for whom you work.
What is a track circuit operating clip?
A device which, which in an emergency can be placed on top of each running rail to operate the track circuit and protect an obstruction.
What is a level crossing?
Any automatic, controlled, or open crossing shown in Table A of the Sectional Appendix.
What is a manually controlled level crossing?
A level crossing that is operated locally, either manually-controlled barriers (MCB) or manually-controlled gates (MG).
What is right-side failure?
A failure that does not reduce the protection given by signalling equipment.
What is a signal post replacement key?
The key used to operate a signal post replacement switch.
What is a signal post replacement switch?
A switch on the post of an automatic or semi-automatic colour light signal that can be operated by a key to turn it to, and keep it at, danger.
What does a facing point lock do?
Equipment that physically locks facing points so that they cannot move.
What does track circuit refer to?
A method of detecting the presence of a train or vehicle on a line. An electrical device, using the rails as an electrical circuit, detects the absence of a train or vehicle. If these rules refer to track circuits, this also includes detection by axle counters unless specially excluded .
