Low Adhesion

Question 1

What are the visual indications of contaminated rail

Answer 1

Black railhead

Greasy/oily railhead

Question 2

What are the consequences of low adhesion

Answer 2

SPAD
Station overrun
Level crossing incident
Collision
Loss of track circuit
Exceeding speed limit
Damage to wheel and track

Question 3

Best ways to mitigate against low adhesion

Answer 3

Anticipation
Route knowledge and sectional appendix for know low adhesion areas
Brake earlier
Non-aggressive driving style
Use low power setting to get going
Read the notice cases
Be aware of track gradient

Question 4

What do Sandite marker boards look like and mean

Answer 4

They are 3 yellow rectangles
The first one has 3 black diagonal lines on it and is an advance warning of sandite application site

Second has 2 diagonal black markers on it and is start of applying sandite

Last has one black diagonal marker and means stop applying sandite

Question 5

What does PADS stand for

Answer 5

Poor Adhesion Display Sign

A permanent sign used to warn the driver of poor adhesion area

Question 6

What is WSP

Answer 6

Wheel slide protection

Fitted to some traction, when detecting wheel slip it will release brakes and reapply up to 10 times a second
If active a blue light will illuminate in cab

Question 7

What does TIGER stand for

Answer 7

Track Is Good, Expected, Reportable

Question 8

When talking about rail head condition what is meant by good, expected, reportable

Answer 8

Good = rail head condition is good

Expected = rail head condition is no worse than expected for the location and environment

Reportable = rail head is worse than expected for location and environment

You must tell the signaller immediately if you experience “reportable” rail head condition

Question 9

How do you perform a controlled test stop

Answer 9

Signaller will stop you and ask you to perform a controlled test stop in a particular area.
Once up to speed you will break using normal technique down to a stop and report findings to the signaller

Question 10

When must you avoid using sandite equipment

Answer 10

Near points or crossings

During braking at speeds less than 12mph

When at a standstill

Question 11

If driving in falling snow or snow being disturbed by your train what must you do

Answer 11

Additional running brake tests every 3-5 minutes
Maximum speed 100mph
Reduce permissible speed by 10mph down to 50mph
Use horn periodically to prevent freezing

Question 12

What are your actions for a station overrun

Answer 12

Place brake into emergency
Give 2+2 on the buzzer to the guard not to open doors
Operate manual sanding if required
Contact the signaller
Consider pressing the red button if the location demands it