Signals

Question 1

What is the object of the Automatic Block Signalling (ABS) System and how is it achieved?

Answer 1

Where 2 or more trains are to proceed in the same direction:

Object | To prevent more than one train being in a track section at the same time

Achieved | By securing the fix signals at stop, unless the track section ahead is clear

On bi-direction lines:

Object | To prevent trains running in opposite directions in a single line section at the same time

Achieved | Signals controlled by the track circuit and display a Stop indication. Stopping a train from entering the single line section from the opposite end.

ABS operates either by track circuitry or axle counters

Question 2

What are the station limits for ABS?

Answer 2

From the arriving home signal to the first automatic signal after the departing home signal.

Or

If there’s no departing home signal. It’s from the arriving home signal to the first automatic signal ahead.

Question 3

What are the 2 types of ABS?

Answer 3

1. Automatic Block Signalling - Double line
2. Automatic Block Signalling - Single line

Question 4

What is the object of the Automatic and Track Control System (ATC) and how is that achieved?

Answer 4

Two or More Trains in the same direction:
Object | Prevent more than one train being on a track section at the same time

Achieved | By fixed signals being controlled by track circuitry protecting the train in advance

Opposing direction movements:
Object | Prevent more than one train moving through the single line section

Achieved | By opposing departure signals controlling the entrance to the section, being secured at stop and unable to be placed at proceed while set for opposing movements

Question 5

What are the Station limits for ATC?

Answer 5

The portion of line between opposing ATC Home Arrival signals.

Question 6

3P
🟢
🔴

Answer 6

Clear Normal Speed
P - Points are set
T - Track is clear
S - Track Speed
N - Next signal is a proceed aspect

Question 7

3P
🟡
🔴

Answer 7

Normal Speed Warning
P - Points are set
T - Track is clear (until next fixed signal)
S - Track Speed but be prepared to stop
N - Next signal is at Stop

Question 8

3P
🟡
🟢

Answer 8

Reduce to Medium
P - Points are set
T - Track is clear
S - Track Speed but be prepared to reduce to 40km/h
N - Next signal is a medium aspect

Question 9

3P
🔴
🟢

Answer 9

Clear Medium Speed
P - Points are set
T - Track is clear
S - Max 40km/h
N - Next signal is a proceed aspect

Question 10

3P
🔴
🟡

Answer 10

Medium Speed Warning
P - Points are set
T - Track is clear
S - Max 40km/h but be prepared to stop by the next fixed signal
N - Next signal is at Stop

Question 11

3P
🔴
🔴

Answer 11

STOP
P - Points may or may not be set
T - Track may be occupied
S - STOP. Set reverser to OFF or controller to Neutral
N - Next signal is unknown

Question 12

3P
🔴
🔴
🟡

Answer 12

Low Speed Caution
P - Points are set
T - May or may not be set
S - Max 15km/h but be prepared to STOP
N - Next signal unknown but will most likely be at STOP

Question 13

3P Dwarf
🔴
🔵
🟣

Answer 13

STOP
P - May or may not be set
T - May or may not be occupied
S - Stop. Set reverser to OFF or controller to Neutral
N - Next signal is unknown

Question 14

**3P Dwarf **
🟡

Answer 14

Low Speed Caution
P - Points are set
T - May or may not be occupied
S - Max 15km/h but be prepared to stop
N - Next signal unknown but prepare to stop

Question 15

3P Dwarf
🟢

Answer 15

Clear Low Speed
P - Points are set
T - Track is clear to the next signal
S - Speed is Max 15km
N - Next signal is a proceed aspect

Question 16

What are the Banner Indicators?

Answer 16

🟢 = ⚪️
⚪️
⚪️

🟡 = ⚪️
⚪️
⚪️

🔴 = ⚪️⚪️⚪️

Question 17

What are the Repeating Signals?

Answer 17

🟡
🟡
= Warning

🟢
🟡
= Proceed

Question 18

What are the types and classes for 3P Signals??

Answer 18

Type
- Light

Class
- Home
- Automatic
- Dwarf

Question 19

What do Home signals protect?

Answer 19

• Stations
• Signal Boxes
• Sidings
• Junctions
• Level crossings

Question 20

What movements are Dwarf and Disc Signals used for? (Between)

Answer 20

Movements between:
- Siding to Siding
- Siding to Running line
- Running like to Running line
- Running line to Siding

Question 21

What are the 3 main types of Route Indicators?

Answer 21

Arrow Type
- Painted arrows
- Illuminated arrows

Letter Type
- Dual gauge route indicators
- Illuminated letters
- Theatre type

Feather Type

Question 22

How is a Home Signal with an ‘Illuminated A’ treated?

Answer 22

It is treated as an Automatic Signal as this indicates the signaller has switched out.

Question 23

What are the two types of 2P Signals?

Answer 23

• Disc
• Light

Question 24

What are the classes of 2P Signals?

Answer 24

• Home
• Dwarf
• Disc
• Calling On
• Distant

Question 25

**2P Home** 🟢

Answer 25

**Proceed** P - Points are set T - Track is clear until next fixed signal S - Track speed but be prepared to STOP N - Next Signal is unknown

Question 26

**2P Home** 🔴

Answer 26

**STOP** P - Points may or may not be set T - Track may or may not be occupied S - STOP. Set controller to Neutral or reverser to OFF N - Next Signal is Unknown

Question 27

**Disc** 🟢

Answer 27

**Proceed** P - Points are set T - Track may or may not be occupied S - Speed is Cautiously but be prepared to stop N - Next Signal is unknown

Question 28

**Disc** 🔴

Answer 28

**STOP** P - Points may or may not be set T - Track may or may not be occupied S - STOP. Set controller to Neutral or reverser to OFF N - Next Signal is Unknown

Question 29

**2P Dwarf** 🔴 🔵 🟣

Answer 29

**STOP** P - May or may not be set T - May or may not be occupied S - Stop. Set reverser to OFF or controller to Neutral N - Next signal is unknown

Question 30

**2P Dwarf** 🟢

Answer 30

**Proceed** P - Points are set T - May or may not be occupied S - Speed is Cautiously but be prepared to stop N - Next signal is unknown

Question 31

**2P Siding Dwarf** 🔴 🟡 Siding

Answer 31

**Proceed** P - Points are set T - May or may not be occupied S - Speed is Cautiously but be prepared to stop N - Next signal is unknown

Question 32

**2P Siding Dwarf** 🔴 ⚪️ (Extinguished) Siding

Answer 32

**Normal** P - May or may not be set T - May or may not be occupied S - Stop. Set reverser to OFF or controller to Neutral N - Next signal is unknown

Question 33

What are the exceptions for passing a Home Signal?

Answer 33

1. Defective 2. Single-line Working 3. Track circuited/Obstructed with no low speed caution

Question 34

What are the exceptions for passing a Dwarf or Disc Signal?

Answer 34

1. Defective 2. Single-line working

Question 35

What are the exceptions for passing an Automatic Signal?

Answer 35

1. Rule 1 - Section 3 2. Assisting a disabled train

Question 36

What Home Signals are controlled in the MURL?

Answer 36

- Junctions - Entry/Exit of loop - End of PLT's

Question 37

What are the exceptions for passing a Home Departure Signal on the ATC network?

Answer 37

1. Defective 2. Assisting a disabled train

Question 38

What are the exceptions for passing a Home Arrival Signal on the ATC network?

Answer 38

1. Defective

Question 39

Whats the Authority to pass a **Defective** Home Signal **protecting points**?

Answer 39

Signallers Caution Order

Question 40

Whats the Authority to pass a **Defective** Home Signal **not protecting points**?

Answer 40

Verbal permission by **Signaller**

Question 41

Whats the Authority to pass a Home Signal during **Single-line Working**?

Answer 41

Pilot's Authority

Question 42

Whats the Authority to pass a Home Signal when it is **Track circuited/Obstructed with no low speed caution**?

Answer 42

Verbal permission or green hand signal by **Signaller** and a competent worker to pilot the train.