Interim 3 Flashcards
Draw and fully label a diagram of an absolute block signalling system with two signal boxes. Identify signals for both, including an intermediate section and any related track equipment show which signals are controlled by which box.
What is service breaking distance?
Service breaking distance is the area between the first restrictive signal and the stop signal. This is set to allow trains to stop safely and comfortably under normal braking.
4 aspect - double yellow to red
3 aspect - single yellow to red
What is permissive working?
How would you be signalled into a platform under permissive working in both absolute block and colour light signalling?
Permissive working, allows one or more trains into a section
Permissive working is allowed in
* signal
* block
* dead end platform areas as mentioned in the sectional appendix.
Coloured light.
You will be authorised into a platform, working permissively by an associated position. Light
(note, main aspect will remain at danger.)
Semaphore :
See image of mini semaphore in proceed status
State a number of RISKS which need to be mitigated when being permissively worked into a platform
Risk of collision.
Risk of injury.
Risk of damage to infrastructure or other vehicles.
What are GWRs regulations for permissive working movements into platforms?
No more than 10 mph
Travel at extreme caution
Stop short of signal or another vehicle (Min 6ft)
Low power notch’s
What is meant by the instruction to proceed at caution?
If instructed to proceed at caution, you must, as well as not exceeding any specified speed,
*proceed at a speed which takes account of conditions (such as the distance you can see to be clear), that will allow you to stop the train short of any train, vehicle or other obstruction, or the end of your movement authority.
Expect the line to be occupied
Why is a banner repeater provided on the approach to some main signals?
Banner repeaters are provided due to poor sighting of the main signal
They are sighted 7 seconds away (normal speed) to provide advanced warning
In areas of colour light signals what are distant signals and how can they be identified ?
Distant signals are signals that cannot show a red aspect
On the signal identification plate they can have
R
RR
Or a triangle 🔺(white on black background)
If a signal is required to display more routes than available on a junction indicator, how will this be achieved?
By using a route indicator
You are passing through a station and you observe an activated SPAD indicator. What has happened and what should you do?
Someone in the area has had a SPAD
Stop and secure the train
Contact the signaller - follow all instructions
Draw a yellow ground position disc in the on/off positions
You observe both lights out on a limit of shunt indicator applicable to your line. When must you stop and report to the signaller? What must you do then?
Stop immediately
Report to signaller
Complete form RT3185
What is the definition of a bi-directional line?
A line signalled in both directions with no priority of direction of travel
What is the definition of a reversible line?
A track on which traffic may be worked in either direction (bi directional) *Network rail definition.
Normal flow of traffic priority
Reversible when in degraded mode.
What is the authority to enter a single line worked by token?
The correct token
The entrance signal showing a proceed aspect
Under what circumstances can a driver enter a single line without procession of the token?
P - pilot-man working
A - assisting a failed train
L - line under procession
M - modified working
S - shunting purposes (electric)
If there is more than one loco on the train, what is the rule regarding the token?
Show token to all drivers
Keep token in leading cab
What does OTDR stand for and what is the purpose of this equipment?
On Train Data Recorder
Monitoring of drivers actions for example,
Speed
Reactions to AWS
TPWS
Braking
What does DSD stand for and what is it’s purpose?
Drivers Safety Device
Also know as dead man’s handle
Monitors drivers pressure on foot pedal. If driver releases pressure this will instigate a bleeping noise, which, after a number of seconds, will apply the emergency brakes.
Where would you find TPWS sensors?
Major junctions
Some signals (protecting locations)
Buffer stops
Level crossings
Some PSR
What are the drivers actions after a TPWS brake demand?
Secure train
DRA set
Contact signaller
Complete paperwork RT3185
Follow all instructions
Press reset button on panel to allow for 60 second timer to start. This will then give brake release.
Give three examples of where you would find AWS magnets?
TSR
PSR (some)
EROS
Distance signals
What is the permitted maximum speed of the AWS/TPWS is FULLY isolated?
With a competent person (C/P) - line speed
No C/P - 40 mph
Fog or snow With or Without C/P 40mph
What does DRA stand for and what is it’s purpose?
Drivers Reminder Appliance
When used correctly, for example, changing ends/drivers starting on single yellow - will stop the driver taking power acts as a reminder for the driver to question why is it set
List 12 items of on train equipment relevant to your traction that must be reported Immediately, if defective?
Speedo
Headlight/taillight
DSD
Dragging brake
Complete lost of horn
GSM-R
Windscreen broken or obstructed
Lifeguard missing
Hot axle box
Sanders (low adhesion) if you feel you would have trouble stopping
Windscreen wipers (rain or snow)
What does TCA stand for and what is it’s purpose?
Track Circuit Actuator
Shows the presence of the train on the signallers panel via equipment underneath the train. This equipment boosts the signal in TCB areas
When can you continue normally with a defective/isolated TCA?
If you have at least one working in the rear two and one working in the front two vehicles.
Who must you inform of an external orange hazard light remains on during the running of a train?
The signaller so they can advise other drivers
What are the applicable speeds for a defective headlight and reasons?
Failed headlight - switch to other headlight ie day to night etc. - line speed
Total failure - 20mph and sound horn frequently to warning anyone on or near the line including trackside workers.
What are your actions if there is a complete failure of the tail-lights on your train?
Stop and report to signaller
Follow all instructions
Organise for a red light to be fitted or placed in the rear
If a hot axle box has been activated, what are the sequences of events that will occur?
Signaller will bring you to a stand
Signaller will inform driver what axle and side of train
Driver to examine
(Don’t forget to obtain line block if needed)
Hot axle box-
If you are unable to examine within 10 mins what speed must you proceed at?
20 mph
If there is no evidence of a hot axle box found during your inspection but a second hot axle box detector is activated, if authorised to continue what is your maximum speed?
20 mph
If there is evidence of a hot axle box and there is doubt over the safety of any movement, at what speed must the train be driven?
10 mph
5 mph over points/crossings
Can a train enter service with a missing lifeguard?
No
What are the instructions if the speedo fails in service?
Stop and report to signaller immediately
Follow all instructions
Keep the train at a speed that you know will not exceed any speed restrictions (travel at caution)
Fill out the repair book or via tablet
What are the risks of starting a train with a NOT TO BE MOVED board attached?
Injury/ death
Collision
Damage to railway infrastructure
What is the maximum speed a train can travel if it has been established that there are serious flats less than 60mm in length?
20 mph
What are your instruction if there is a partial failure of the horn?
Report to signaller at first opportunity
Report to your TOC/maintenance control
Follow all instruction given by both
Add details into repair book or via tablet
What are you actions if you have complete failure of the warning horn?
Report immediately to signaller
Follow all instructions
Do not move until authorised
Maximum speed 20mph
You are driving your rain and observe track workers on the line. You have blown your warning horn (high/low tone) but the group have failed to move to a place of safety. What must you do?
Sound horn again -
Still no response
Apply emergency brake
Bring train to a stand
Report immediately to the
signaller
The rule book states 16 reasons to pass a signal at danger with authority from the signaller - list 5
Think 🤔
P A S S E S
R E D
S I G N A L
& Check line
P - pilotman or modified working applies
A - assist a failed train / evacuate passengers from a failed train
S - shunting purposes, a main aspect or stop signal is to be passed at danger when there is no associated position-light or semaphore shunting signal, or an EoA passed when it is not possible to issue an MA.
E - ERTMS equipment is defective or disconnected and is preventing an MA from being issued.
S - starting beyond the signal (The signal cannot be cleared because a train or movement which has reversed is then required to start ahead)
R - remove a portion of a divided train / remove a train or vehicles that have proceeded without authority.
E - electric train is to pass the signal or EoA protecting an isolated section and proceed towards the limiting point.
D - defective or disconnected signal
S - section signal cannot be cleared. (A train has been accepted using restricted acceptance because the line is clear only up to the home signal of the next signal box)
I - In an emergency, and then only when authorised by the signal box supervisor or Operations Control, on a TCB or ERTMS line a signal or EoA is to be passed, so that a train carrying passengers can enter an occupied section to use a station platform.
G - gain access to:
* a station where the train is required to start back
* a line under single line working
* a siding.
N - no authority - A train is to enter the section after:
* a train or vehicle that has proceeded without authority has been removed, or
* the front portion of a divided train has passed through the section.
A - engineering train is to:
* move towards a possession, or
* leave a line under possession at an intermediate point.
* engineering train is to move towards a protection zone.
L - level crossing equipment has failed and signal cannot be cleared
S - Single line working applies
- The line is to be examined to check that it clear
Who can authorise a driver to pass a signal at danger?
Driver
Shunter
Hand-signaller
Pilot-man
Any person mentioned in the rule book
What are the drivers actions for passing a signal at danger with authority?
Reset DRA
TPWS override
Proceed at caution
15mph over points/crossings
Follow all instruction given by signaller
What signal can drivers pass at danger on their own authority and under what circumstances?
Control signal - when the driver can confirm the signal box is closed and only when the driver has exhausted all means of contacting the signaller.
What precautions must be made through the section after passing a signal at danger on your own authority?
Proceed at caution - expect the line to be occupied
15mph over points/crossings
Only pass through a tunnel if you know it is definitely clear and at 10mph
Stop at the next stop signal and try to contact the signaller.
What are the areas on the WON
A - temp speed
B - engineering works
C - signalling (permanent way)
D - other notes / anything else
Speeds with a DSD failure?
Line speed with CP
60 MPH no CP
Speed if complete lost of horn and lights
20 mph for each
Remember
Eyes 👀 & ears 👂
