Signal and ASR Flashcards
What are the three signal classes?
- Absolute
- Permissive
- Departure
Signal call, next likely signal, action.
- Normal Clear
- Proceed at normal speed staying on the main line.
- G/R, Y/R, FY/R, Y/G
Signal call, next likely signal, action.
- Advanced caution to stop
- Proceed cautiously on the main line prepared to stop at second signal ahead.
- Y/R
Signal call, next likely signal, action.
- Caution to stop
- Proceed on the main line prepared to stop at the next signal.
- R/R, R/R/y
Signal call, next likely signal, action.
- All red stop
- Stop
Signal call, next likely signal, action.
- Advanced caution to medium
- Proceed on the main line. Prepare to diverge at the second signal ahead at medium speed.
- Y/G
Signal call, next likely signal, action.
- Reduce to medium
- Reduce to medium speed. Diverging at next signal.
- R/Y, R/G
Signal call, next likely signal, action.
- Medium clear
- Proceed at medium speed, diverging at this signal.
- Y/R, G/R
Signal call, next likely signal, action.
- Medium to stop
- Proceed at medium speed prepared to stop at next signal. Diverging at this signal.
- R/R, R/R/y
How is “Low Speed” displayed? What does it mean?
Not to exceed 25 km/h, able to stop clear of any obstruction. Indicates the points are correctly set but not necessarily that the track is unoccupied.
How is “Medium Speed” displayed? What does it mean?
Not to exceed 25 km/h unless a speed board authorises a higher speed. Medium speed must be maintained until clear of all points to which the signal applies.
How is “Restricted Speed” displayed? What does it mean?
Not to exceed 40 km/h. Able to stop within half the distance of clear line visible ahead.
How is “Intermediate Speed” displayed? What does it mean?
Not exceed 50 km/h. Maintain Intermediate Speed until clear of all points to which the signal applies.
Define a fixed signal
A coloured light signal, it includes station entry and block entry boards.
What does a two position signal indicate?
The route set but not the permissible speed.
Define an imperfectly displayed signal.
A signal displaying an aspect not described in the rules or an unauthorised aspect. Also the absence of a signal where one is usually displayed.
What are the three reasons you would use an “R” light?
- Reset an axle counter
- Recover a disabled train
- For stacking trains if the frequency required it.
What three things do you need to ensure before using an “R” light?
- Points are correctly set.
- Following a movement in the same direction.
- Opposing signal is not cleared.
What is “Normal Speed”?
Not to exceed the maximum speed laid down for the locality or as limited by the class of train.
What is a controlled signal?
A signal controlled by a signaler / Train Control.
Where are directing signals located and what are their purpose?
- Within station limits.
- They direct movements to platforms/sidings and protect the lines to which they apply.
What is the purpose of an intermediate signal?
Divides a section into smaller sections and governs entry into such sections.
What is the purpose of a home signal?
Governs entry into station limits.
The Automatic Signaling System uses continuous track-circuiting and/or axle counter to: (3)
- Detect the presence of rail vehicles.
- Prevent following and opposing rail traffic entries into occupied sections of track.
- Provide advance warning of the status of the next signal.
What are the five key features to an Automatic Signaling Area?
- Block sections.
- Intermediate sections.
- Interlocked stations.
- Interlocked junctions.
- Switch lock sidings.
What are the seven circumstances that will prevent an automatic running signal from being placed at proceed?
PASTABV
- Train or vehicle in the section
- Any metallic or other conducting substance so placed as to form a connection.
- Broken or displaced rail.
- Any bond wire becoming detached or broken.
- Points not correctly set.
- Switch lock and releasing switch doors not closed.
- Vehicle in a siding fouling the track circuit.
DADSAHOI
In addition to shunting and distant signals, what are the other 8 signal classifications?
- Departure
- Approach
- Directing
- Starting
- Arrival
- Home
- Outer Home
- Intermediate
What authority is required to pass a starting signal at stop?
Verbal
What authority is required to pass a starting signal at stop when wrong line running?
Written
What authority is required to pass a departure signal at stop?
Written
What authority is required to pass an absolute intermediate signal at stop, not fitted with an A light?
Verbal
What authority is required to pass an absolute intermediate signal at stop with an A light but not illuminated?
Verbal
What authority is required to pass a permissive intermediate signal at stop?
Self authorisation
Describe the process for passing a permissive intermediate signal at stop.
Stop at the signal, wait for 10 seconds, then proceed at restricted speed.
What authority is required to pass a home signal at stop?
Verbal
What authority is required to pass an outer home signal at stop?
Verbal
What authority is required to pass a directing signal at stop?
Verbal
What authority is required to pass a station entry board?
Verbal
What authority is required to pass a block entry board?
Written
What is wrong line running?
Train movements running in the opposite direction in a block section where the automatic signalling signalling system is designed to allow trains to move in one direction only.
What authority is required to set back in a block section to recover a disabled train?
SWA-02
What is a switch lock siding?
A siding fitted with points that can only be reversed after an electric lock has been released.
What is the process for opening a switch lock? (5)
- Stop the train on the track circuit extending from a white marker post to the switch locked points.
- Obtain Train Control authority to open the switch lock (if not already obtained).
- For points that cross multiple main line, obtain TC authority after the train has stopped at the siding and before opening the switch lock door to prevent the signal protecting the switch lock reverting to stop for an approaching train.
- Open the switch lock door and “release” the switch lock.
- Once the “release” button is pressed the switch lock flashes on the TC panel and TC releases the switch lock from their end enabling the operator to operate the switch lock freely.
What must the operator do when shunting in a switch lock siding and not required to completely enter the siding?
- Leave the switch lock in “release” until shunting is complete and the locomotive has returned to the main line.
- Set the points in the normal position for the main line, restore the switch lock to “locked” and close and padlock the door.
What must be done with the switch lock when a train has entered a block on a SWA-01 authority and is required to shunt a switch lock siding?
Switch lock must be left in the “released” position until the train has returned to the main line.
What does SPAD stand for?
Signal Passed At Danger
What are the two classifications of SPAD?
- SPAD-A. A failure of the train interface / operation of the train.
- SPAD-B. Failure of the operating interface / signalling / network / network integrity.
Other than for an overrun after signals / points indicators have reverted, what must occur after a SPAD?
Mandatory relief provided for the operator.
What options are available to TC to get a train moving after a SPAD of a starting signal?
- Verbal authority for the movement to continue.
- Arrange for the movement to be piloted back within the signal to allow it to depart on a proceed indication.
