Shunting

Question 1

What does Tandem mean?

Answer 1

2 or more locos being driven by 2 or more drivers.

Question 2

What does Multiple mean?

Answer 2

2 or more locos being driven by 1 driver through control cables.

Question 3

You should never board a moving train, but when (if absolutely necessary and safe to do so) can you board a moving train?

Answer 3

For run-away trains.

Question 4

Minimum distance between trains to be able to cross them?

Answer 4

15m / 50ft

Question 5

Before a shunt move commences, what do you need to do with the shunter?

Answer 5

Reach a clear understanding about what needs to be done and how the shunting movements will be controlled. (Hand signals? Radio?)

Question 6

If a shunter authorised you to move but the shunting signal is at danger what should you do?

Answer 6

Never pass a signal at danger

Question 7

What’s the speed limits in a depot?

Answer 7

5mph
3mph on fuel/wash roads and sheds

Question 8

The shunter is communicating via hand signals or radio. You can’t see/hear the shunter during a movement, what should you do?

Answer 8

Stop immediately. Don’t restart the movement until the shunter gives you the appropriate instructions.

Question 9

What must you do if leaving a train on a running line/sidings of a running line.

Answer 9

Get authorisation from the Signaller and leave a red light on the rear and white light on the front.

Question 10

What lights should you use when shunting?

Answer 10

1. Marker lights
2. Tail lights

Question 11

What must you make sure of when setting points?

Answer 11

1. Make sure the blades on the points are seated correctly and flush with no gaps.
2. Make sure when setting facing points, you don’t forget to set the trailing points. You must not trail through points as it damages them over time.

Question 12

What’s propelling?

Answer 12

Pushing from other than the leading cab. Shunter will stand at the leading end and control the movement via hand signals/radio. The shunter can also ride in the leading cab giving hand signals/using radio/buzzer codes. The shunter can also operate the horn as a warning and can press the emergency stop button or pass com.

Question 13

Before shunting what must you check is not showing?

Answer 13

1. Red flag
2. Red light
3. Not to be moved board
4. Scotches
5. Shore supply cable or fuel hoses or other cables/hoses.

Question 14

Before shunting what must you check is not showing?

Answer 14

1. Red flag
2. Red light
3. Not to be moved board
4. Scotches
5. Shore supply cable or fuel hoses or other cables/hoses.

Question 15

What are the 5 types of points?

Answer 15

1. Motorised
2. Hand
3. Spring
4. Catch
5. Trap

Question 16

What must you check first before moving into a shed?

Answer 16

1. Shed door open?
2. Derailer/scotch blocks down?
3. Locking points set correctly?
4. Stop boards down? 🛑
5. People in a position of safety?
6. Depot protection is off?

Question 17

What must you check after a shunting move?

Answer 17

1. Train secured? (Brakes/DRA/Reverser/Key out)
2. Scotches in place if required?
3. Handbrakes set on vehicles?
4. Not left on running line? (Unless signaller has been informed or it is a regular method of working that takes place)
5. Not fouling another line?
6. Clear of points?
7. Not left within trap points/derailers/scotch blocks?