Shunting And Shunting Signals

Question 1

What do position lights control?

Answer 1

Position lights control the exit from a stabling siding back into the platform.

Question 2

What does a yellow aspect on a position light indicate?

Answer 2

A yellow aspect means you should stop only if you wish to go on to the mainline.

Question 3

What should you be aware of when passing a yellow aspect?

Answer 3

You must be aware of potential vehicles ahead and obey the aspect of any subsequent signal.

Question 4

What must you do if passing a position light displaying yellow/white or yellow/yellow?

Answer 4

You must be prepared to stop short of any vehicle, obstruction, or signal that you encounter.

Question 5

What types of semaphore shunting signals exist?

Answer 5

Semaphore shunting signals may be a disc type with a white disc and red bar, or a miniature semaphore arm.

Question 6

How are shunting discs read?

Answer 6

Shunting discs are read ‘top to bottom-left to right.’

Question 7

What must be done if a fixed signal reverts to a danger aspect?

Answer 7

The movement must be brought to a stand immediately and the appropriate person informed.

Question 8

What is required for a wrong direction movement during a shunt?

Answer 8

The signaller’s permission must be ascertained to carry out a wrong direction movement.

Question 9

What might some places have to prevent trains from stopping foul of another line?

Answer 9

Some places may have a sign to represent that the rear is clear of the risk.

Question 11

What lights must be on during shunting in a yard or siding?

Answer 11

Marker lights must be on the front and taillights at the back. No headlight should be lit.

Question 12

What lights are required if movement is needed on a running line?

Answer 12

Headlights need to be lit for that portion of the movement in addition to the marker and taillights.

Question 13

What lighting is required for a shunting loco?

Answer 13

One red and one white light lit at either end.

Question 14

Do lights need to be changed when shunting in the wrong direction?

Answer 14

Lights do not need to be changed unless exceeding 400m.

Question 15

What is the general speed limit in yards, depots, and sidings?

Answer 15

The speed limit is generally 5mph.

Question 16

What is the speed limit in washers, fuelling roads, wheel lathes, and sheds?

Answer 16

The speed limit is 3mph.

Question 17

What must be ensured when shunting beyond a limit of shunt signal or indicator?

Answer 17

No part of the movement may pass a limit of shunt signal or indicator unless the signaller has given permission.

Question 18

What must not be allowed when shunting beyond a home signal?

Answer 18

A wrong-direction shunting movement must not go beyond a home signal unless the signaller has given permission.

Question 19

What conditions must be met for a movement on a falling gradient towards the next signal box?

Answer 19

The automatic brake must be working throughout the train, or the locomotive must be at the end nearer to the signal box.

Question 20

What steps must be taken before allowing a movement to enter a shed or building?

Answer 20

Stop the movement at the entrance, check it is safe to proceed, and sound the horn as a warning before restarting, unless otherwise authorised.

Question 22

What must you understand with the signaller before operating a ground-frame?

Answer 22

You must reach a clear understanding about the movement required and whether the train will be shut in the siding.

Question 23

What must you confirm to the signaller if you shut the train in the siding?

Answer 23

You must confirm that the train is clear of the running line before restoring the ground frame to normal.

Question 24

What must be ensured when attaching to or detaching from a passenger or postal train?

Answer 24

You must make sure the automatic brake is in use.

Question 25

What is the first step when attaching a traction unit to a train or vehicles?

Answer 25

Always stop the traction unit 2 metres from the vehicle.

Question 26

What should you do after stopping the traction unit 2 metres from the vehicle?

Answer 26

Stop again at any distance set out in the instructions for the class of traction unit involved.

Question 27

What should you do if the movement is being controlled by a shunter?

Answer 27

Move forward only when authorised by the shunter.

Question 28

What must you ensure before detaching a dead traction unit from a train?

Answer 28

You must make sure it is properly secured.

Question 29

When can you uncouple a traction unit from another traction unit on a running line?

Answer 29

You must not uncouple except at a signal box, at a signal, or on a platform line.

Question 30

What must you do before uncoupling traction units at a location where this does not happen routinely?

Answer 30

You must tell the signaller what movements need to be made.

Question 32

What must you do before authorising a movement over points worked from a signal box?

Answer 32

Get the signaller's permission either verbally or by a hand signal. ## Footnote Daylight: Arm raised above the head. Darkness: White light twisted quickly.

Question 33

When is the signaller's permission not needed?

Answer 33

You do not need the signaller's permission if: 1. The signaller has cleared a signal for movement. 2. The movement will pass a shunting or PL with a yellow 'stop' indication, and the points are set for a route to which the signal does not apply when cleared.

Question 34

How do you indicate to the signaller that a movement is clear of points?

Answer 34

You must give one short blast of the horn.

Question 35

What must you ensure when leaving vehicles in a safe position?

Answer 35

Vehicles must not be left on a running line, not fouling any other line, clear of any points which may need to be moved, and left within the protection of any trap points, derailers or scotch blocks.

Question 36

What must be ensured for safe passage at fouling points?

Answer 36

There must be enough room at fouling points for anyone to pass safely between the vehicles which are to be left and any movement on the adjoining line or siding.

Question 37

How must traction units be secured?

Answer 37

Traction units must be properly secured to prevent them from moving.

Question 38

What must be done when leaving vehicles on a dead-end line with a red or white light?

Answer 38

A light of the same colour must be placed on the end of the vehicles which faces approaching movements.

Question 40

What is required before making a propelling movement outside a worksite?

Answer 40

Details must be published in the WONs or Engineering Notices.

Question 41

What must be agreed upon regarding unloading vehicles during engineering?

Answer 41

A clear understanding with the PIC regarding control of movements must be established.

Question 42

What aspects should be clarified with the PIC for unloading vehicles?

Answer 42

1. When the PIC will take over control of movements 2. How the movement will be controlled 3. When control will be handed back to the driver or shunter.

Question 43

What must you do during the movement of vehicles?

Answer 43

Carry out the instructions given by the PIC.

Question 45

What happens to trains at the end of a working day?

Answer 45

Trains are often shunted onto a yard, depot, or siding for fuel, maintenance, stabling, or cleaning.

Question 46

What is learned as part of route learning?

Answer 46

Depot shunts and various stopping positions for each traction.

Question 47

What are maintenance sheds used for?

Answer 47

Various types of repair and maintenance work.

Question 48

What protection arrangements must be in place for staff and contractors?

Answer 48

Appointing a DP to authorise entry, use of hazard klaxons, derailers, position lights, and stop boards.

Question 49

What should you do when entering a shed?

Answer 49

Stop at the entrance of the walkway and await authority to proceed if necessary.

Question 50

What measures have been implemented to protect employees?

Answer 50

Side rails, isolation switches, warning lights, and sirens.

Question 51

What do side rails protect against?

Answer 51

They protect walking areas from the movement of trains and help prevent people from falling into inspection pits.

Question 52

What is the function of isolation switches?

Answer 52

They remove power from traction units and equipment in the event of an emergency.

Question 53

What do warning lights and sirens indicate?

Answer 53

They warn of the movement of a train into or out of a building.