Signals Flashcards
What are the two types of signals?
- 2 position
- 3 position
What are the 2 types of 2 position signals?
- light
- disc
What are the 5 classes of 2 position signals?
- home
- disc
- dwarf
- distant
- calling on
What aspects can home, normal dwarf and disc signals display? (2 position)
- stop
- proceed
What 2 aspects can a distant signal show? (2 position)
- caution
- proceed
What 2 aspects do siding dwarf and calling on signals display? (2 position)
- normal (extiniguished)
- proceed (illuminated)
What 5 things do 2 position home signals protect?
- sidings
- signal boxes
- stations
- level crossings
- junctions
Can a distant signal display stop?
No. It is just an advanced warning of the home signal ahead
Is a hand signaller required for a defective distant signal?
- only for proceed aspect
- hand signaller will:
• place 2 ATWs on one rail
• display a stop/red hand signal to stop trains until permission can be given for them to proceed
What is a disc signal described as?
- a red circular target that can be turned to the side
How do you read a 2 position signal when there are multiple signals fitted together?
Top to bottom, left to right
What are signals used for?
- control the movement of rail traffic
- keep trains separated at a safe distance
Where can disc signals and standard dwarf signals take you? (2 position)
- running line to running line
- running line to siding
- siding to siding
- siding to running line
What 3 things can a 3 position signal tell you about the line ahead?
If it is:
- damaged
- occupied
- obstructed
How are 3 position signals operated?
- by the signaller
- track circuitry
- axle counters
What 4 things do the aspects on a signal tell you?
P - points are set/not set
T - track ahead is clear/occupied
S - normal or medium track speed
N - next signal is displaying proceed or stop
What is the 1 type of a 3 position signal?
Light
What are the 4 classes of 3 position signals?
- home
- dwarf
- automatic
- repeating
How do you label the lights on a 3 position signal?
A = top light
B = bottom light
C = low speed caution, found only on home signals
What do 3 position home signals protect?
- station
- siding
- signal boxes
- level crossings
- junctions
What do automatic signals do?
Expedite the passage of trains by dividing a long section of track into shorter sections
How do you identify an automatic signal?
Lights are staggered
How do you pass an automatic signal at stop?
Under your own authority as per Rule 1 Section 3
What movements do 3 position dwarf signals control?
- running line to running line
- running line to siding
- siding to siding
- siding to running line
What is the maximum speed you can do past a signal displaying a low speed caution?
- 15 km/h
- proceed cautiously prepared to stop short of any obstruction as line ahead may be occupied
What is the maximum speed you can do at a medium speed aspect?
- max 40 km/h
- can do 65 km/h or 80 km/h if displayed on the speed indicator on the same signal
What does an illuminated letter ‘A’ mean on a 3 position home signal?
- signal is in automatic mode
- ‘A’ light will only illuminate if signal is at stop
What 3 aspects can a 3 position dwarf signal display?
- stop
- low speed caution
- clear low speed
What is the maximum speed you can do when passing a 3 position dwarf signal displaying a low speed caution or a clear low speed?
- 15 km/h
What are banner indicators used for?
- repeat the aspect of the next signal in advance
- usually used when next signal is has poor sighting distance
What are repeating signals used for?
Takes you from a 2 position system to a 3 position system
What 3 aspects can a repeating signal display?
- warning
- proceed
- reduce to medium
Can a repeating signal display a stop indication?
No - it has no red light
How do you treat a repeating signal if it is displaying and irregular aspect?
- at it’s safest position = warning
- treat the following signal as if it’s at stop until ascertained otherwise
What do you do if you lose sight of the handsignaller
- Stop + make enquiries
- Don’t move until you can see the hand signaller again
What is the hand signal for stop at day/night
- red flag
- red light
- any light waved violently
What is the hand signal for move towards me day and night
- white light waved side to side across the body
- arm across the body, beckoning towards
What is the hand signal for move slowly towards me day and night
- green light waved side to side across body
- arm across the body, beckoning with other arm up to the side of the body bent at the elbow
What is the hand signal for move away day and night
- white light waved up and down next to the body
- one arm waved around in a circle (wax on wax off)
What is the hand signal for move away from me slowly day and night
- green light waved up and down next to the body
- one arm waved around in a circle (wax on wax off) with other arm up to the side of the body bent at the elbow
What is the hand signal for ease up day and night
- green light waved side to side across the body
- both hands above the shoulders coming together above the head then move apart again
What is the hand signal for all right day and night
- steady white flag, light, paddle
- hand held straight out to the side of the body
What does a green flag/torch waved side to side during track force protection indicate?
Max 25km/h until steady green hand signal is received
What are the station limits for ABS?
- arriving home to the first automatic in advance of the departing home
- arriving home to the first automatic if there is no departing home
What is the object of the ABS system?
- where 2 or more trains are to proceed in the same direction, to prevent more than 1 train being in a track section at the same time
- on bi-directional lines, to prevent trains running in opposite directions in a single line section at the same time
What is the object of the ATC system?
- prevent more than 1 train being on a track section at the same time (2 or more trains in the same direction)
- prevent more than 1 train entering the single line section at the same time (opposing direction movements)
What are the station limits of ATC?
- opposing home arrivals
What colour flag does the outer handsignaller display during track force protection?
Yellow
What does a driver do when they run over ATWs during track force protection?
- reduce speed
- sound long whistle
- press MAD button
- look for inner handsignaller and expect it to be at stop
How many ATWs are used during track force protection?
3
How many ATWs are used when a home signal is defective at proceed?
2
How far from the point of work is the outer handsignaller in the
- inner suburban
- suburban
- country
- I.S. -> 2 signals
- S. -> 1200m, 3 fixed signals or signal box if within 1200m
- C. -> 2000-4000m, 3 fixed signals or signal box if within 2000-4000m
How far from the point of work is the inner hand signaller in the:
- inner suburban
- suburban
- country
- I.S. -> 100m
- S. -> 200m
- C. -> 200m
How far before the point of work is a warning board?
1200m
How far before the point of work is the caution board?
200m
How far after the point of work is the normal short board?
200m
How far after the point of work is the normal board?
1200m
To which trains do NS and N boards apply to?
NS -> trains shorter than 200m
N -> train longer than 200m
What do you do if you run over unattended ATWs?
- sound long whistle
- reduce speed of train
- look for signs of track workers/hand signallers
- be prepared to stop short of any obstruction
- report to T.C. and follow instruction -> stop and TEC call
- give approximate location
What are the 3 types of route indicators?
- arrow
- letter
- feather
What are the 3 subtypes of the letter type route indicator?
- dual gauge
- illuminated letters
- theatre type
What are the 2 subtypes of the arrow type route indicator?
- painted
- illuminated
What are the 2 indications you could get on the dual gauge route indicator?
- S -> standard gauge
- V -> Victorian broad gauge
Where is the only location where there are feather type route indicators?
Richmond
What are a driver’s actions if there is a failure of a route indicator?
- report to controlling signaller
- attempt to stop before the signal
- confer with signaller if correct route is set -> can continue if correct route is set
What speed are speed proving trips usually set for?
25km/h
Where are fixed train stops used?
- terminating locations
- to prevent wrong line moves
How do you ascertain if you are back tripping in a comeng?
- Attempt to reset trip from lead cab
- extreme caution to next fixed signal
What must a driver do when the trip valve is operated NOT in the vicinty of a signal?
- stop train
- check if derailed
- TEC call
- PA announcement
- look for any obvious cause
- reset trip valve
- extreme caution to the next fixed signal
- incident report
What must a driver do when tripping in the vicinity of a home signal/dwarf WITH COMMS?
- stop train
- check if derailed
- call controlling signaller
- TEC call to TC if can’t contact signaller
- PA announcement
- act under instructions from TC/signaller
What must a driver do when tripping in the vicinity of a home/dwarf signal with NO COMMS?
- stop and secure train
- check if derailed
- PA announcement
- continue to attempt to contact signaller/TC
- don’t move train until authorised
- TOS procedure
What must a driver do when tripping in the vicinity of an automatic signal WITH COMMS?
- stop train
- check if derailed
- TEC call
- PA announcement
- don’t proceed until instructed by TC
- once authorised, proceed as per R1S3
What must a driver do when tripping in the vicinity of an automatic signal with NO COMMS?
- stop and secure train
- check if derailed
- PA announcement
- continue to attempt to contact TC/signaller
- don’t move until authorised
- TOS procedure
What must a driver do after any PAE?
- stop and secure train -> don’t reset trip and don’t move
- check if derailed
- call: • signaller if at a home signal
• TC if at an auto signal - act under instruction from signaller/TC
How is a driver notified of a signal out of use?
- safeworking circulars
- W.O.N.
- placed on depot noticeboards
What will happen when a signal is booked out of use?
- X over the signal
- bag put over it
- signal turned 90 degrees
- signal blank/extinguished
What must a driver do if a signal is blocked/out of use but is illuminated?
- report to signaller as an irregularity
How do you identify a 2 position and a 3 position signal when reporting it?
- 2 position -> post number
- 3 position -> signal number
How do you read 2 position signals?
Top to bottom, left to right
What is the purpose of a co-acting signal?
- used where view of the original signal is obstructed
What are a drivers actions if the co-acting and the main signal are displaying conflicting aspects?
Treat at it’s safest position and stop before the signal
How do you identify a co-acting signal?
- same signal number as the main signal
- most of the time will also have a ‘P’ after the signal number as well
What instances is there a 15km/h speed limit?
- passing over facing points when held by hand
- passing over facing points that are usually trailing points
- trains involved in shunting moves
- pushing trains on running lines during train rescue
- all train movements within a siding
- any wrong line movement when passing over a level crossing
What is the speed restriction during WOLO when rail temperature is between 55-57 degrees?
- max 80km/h
What is the speed restriction during WOLO when rail temperature is >58 degrees?
Max 70km/h
During what times are WOLO speed restrictions in place?
1200-2000
How are drivers reminded of WOLO speed restrictions?
- notices at sign on
- TC making group calls
- WOLO board places at end of platforms
What are the 2 types of level crossing?
- active control
- passive control
What does the flashing light repeating side light indicate?
- indicates level crossing devices are active and working
What are the 2 types of whitsle boards?
- normal type
- healthy state
What does a normal whistle board look like?
White X
How far before a level crossing is a normal type whistle board?
400m
What does a healthy state whistle board look like?
Yellow X
What is the definition of a long whistle?
Sound of the whistle should be distinct, with intensity, duration or repetition appropriate at which the warning is required to be heard
What are a drivers actions if the train stops prior to the level crossing when the level crossing equipment is failing to operate?
- sound whistle
- move cautiously to within 3m of level crossing to activate
- once level crossing is active:
• ensure saloon lights are operational
• sound continuous whistle until lead cab is clear of level crossing
• max 15km/h until lead cab is clear of crossing
What must a driver do if the train fails to stop prior to the level crossing?
- emergency whistle
- flash headlights
- any means possible to warn pedestrians and vehicles
- contact TC once train is stopped
What will happen if there is a defective signal protecting a level crossing?
- signaller must ensure crossing equipment is operative prior to authorising driver
- driver must not proceed over level crossing if the equipment is inoperative
- if it is an automatic signal:
• pass as per R1S3
• move forward cautiously until crossing equipment activates
What must a driver do at a level crossing when rail traffic is operating in the wrong direction?
- stop 3m short of level crossing
- move forward cautiously until level crossing equipment activates
- max 15km/h over level crossing
What will happen with level crossings during single line working?
- competent employee will manually operate the level crossing equipment
- all right hand signal once protection is in place
- max 15km/h
What is the purpose of a 5P key switch at stations with level crossings?
- puts the signal back to stop
- raise the level crossing equipment
- stops traffic being held up if there is an issue with a train etc.
What is the normal and reverse position of a home signal?
- normal -> stop
- reverse -> proceed
What are the normal and reverse positions of an automatic signal?
- normal -> proceed
- reverse -> stop
What are the normal and reverse positions of boom gates?
- normal -> down
- reverse -> up
How far before a tramway crossing is the advanced warning sign?
200m
How far past the tramway crossing is the clearance sign?
160m
Can the 5P key be removed from the key switch once it has been operated?
No
How far past the tramway crossing is the clearance sign for 3 cars?
80m
What does a limited trackside structure clearance marker indicate?
The trackside infrastructure has limited clearance from the train
What are the coasting, series and series parallel indicators?
- coasting -> =
- series -> \\
- series parallel -> //
What does a train stop here board indicate?
The ideal stopping point for a driver
What does a terminal stop board indicate?
- overhead runs out in 15m
- driver must stop at least 3m before it
- fitted to the trackside or on the overhead itself
What does an occupation stop board indicate?
- section ahead is under an absolute occupation
- no trains are to enter
How far before a station are the station approach boards?
400-600m
What do altered stopping condition boards indicate?
- used where stations are to be closed for a period of time
- will be fitted to the station prior to advise of the change in conditions ahead
What are departure instruction boards used for?
Indicate important details to be completed prior to departure from a siding or yard
What are arrival instruction boards for?
Indicate specific restrictions on stabling instructions at a yard or siding
What are speed indication boards for?
Indicate a special speed restriction for entering workshops or wash areas of a siding or yard
What are point machine indicator boards for?
Indicate a specific type of point machine being in operation in the area
What are stopping indication markers in a siding/yard for?
Indicates the limit of shunting that can occur within a siding or yard -> must not pass this sign without authority
What are TR point indicators for?
Indicates the location a train us to move to prior to departure from the siding
What are baulks signs for?
Indicates an end of track barrier ahead on a dead end road or siding
What are limit of shunt boards for?
- Indicate the maximum premitted area a train can move -> must not pass this sign
- can also indicate when a driver must pass a certain point (to be clear of points so they can return)
What are a drivers’ actions after any PAE?
- bring train to a stand
- assess situation and potential risk to other trains
- REC call if other trains affected
- don’t move train unless instructed to
- contact signaller or TC, provide requested info and follow instructions
- move train only as far as authorised
What information should you provide after a PAE?
- name and employee number
- shift number
- leading motor car number
- TDN
- location
- signal number
- estimated distance authority was exceeded
- whether brake was applied prior to PAE
- any considerations regarding fitness for duty
- answers to any further questions that may be asked
What are the 3 exceptions to pass a fixed signal on ABS?
- defective
- track circuited - no low speed or calling on
- single line working
What are a drivers’ actions if detained at a home signal at stop?
- sound long whistle (if local signal box)
- contact signaller
- provide signaller: TDN, signal/post number and position of train
- PA announcement
- contact signaller every 5 minutes
- contact TC if:
1. Can’t contact signaller
2. Not satisfied with reason for delay
3. Delay will exceed 5 minutes
What are the exceptions to pass a home signal on ABS?
- defective
- track circuited - no low speed or calling on
- single line working
What are the exceptions to pass a disc/dwarf signal at stop in ABS?
- defective
- single line working
What is the only 3 times an automatic signal can be passed at stop?
- when performing R1S3
- authorised by the driver of disabled train who is acting as the pilot
- where special instructions apply to the contrary
Can you assume an automatic signal is defective?
No
When performing R1S3, what must you assume the line ahead to be?
Occupied, damaged or obstructed
What must you consider before performing R1S3 that could make it unsafe to do?
- braking ability of the train with consideration to the gradient
- defective/isolated equipment
- extremely bad weather conditions
- poor/restricted visibility
What do you do if you need to perform R1S3 with NO COMMS?
- wait 30 seconds then trip past
- record signal number, lead motor and TDN still to report later
What number do you call before performing R1S3 if COMMS AVAILABLE?
R1S3 number
What 4 pieces of information do you provide when doing R1S3?
- name
- TDN
- lead motor number
- signal number
What are the restrictions when performing R1S3?
- must not be distracted while train is in motion
- stop train before performing any other function
- if train is spotted ahead while on parallel lines, stop until ascertained it is on the other track
- if train is spotted ahead on same track -> stop, once it starts moving again, follow at a safe distance until you come up to the next signal
- extreme caution until whole train is clear of next fixed signal displaying a proceed aspect
What is the definition of extreme caution?
- able to stop in half the distance you can see
- max 25km/h or the posted track speed if it’s lower
- expect the line ahead to be occupied, damaged or obstructed
What is your authority when passing a defective home signal on ABS?
- no points = verbal
- points = signallers caution order (SCO)
What is your authority when passing a home signal under the exception of track circuited - no low speed or calling on?
- verbal; and/or
- green signal from controlling signaller
What is your authority when passing a home signal during single line working?
Pilot’s authority
What are the 2 exceptions to pass a disc/dwarf signal on ABS?
- defective
- single line working
What is your authority to pass a defective disc/dwarf signal on ABS?
Verbal (regardless if points or not)
What is your authority to pass a disc/dwarf signal during single line working on ABS?
Pilot’s authority
What are your 2 rules for passing an automatic signal at stop on ABS?
- R1S3
- assisting a disabled train
What is your authority for passing an automatic signal at stop when assisting a disabled train?
- driver of the disabled train or train control/rail safety manager once the disabled train is protected
What is your authority for passing an automatic signal as per R1S3?
R1S3
What are the exceptions to pass a fixed signal in ATC?
- defective
- assisting a disabled train
What are the 2 exceptions for passing a home departure signal on ATC?
- defective
- assisting a disabled train
What is your authority when passing a defective home departure signal on ATC?
- ATC systems caution order
- if no home departure signal -> ATC systems caution order with reference to signal number deleted
What is your authority when passing a home departure signal to assist a disabled train on ATC?
- train authority (TA)
- home departure signal will be sleeved at stop
What is the exception for passing a home arrival signal in ATC?
- defective
What is your authority when passing a defective home arrival signal on ATC?
- no points = verbal
- points = signallers caution order (SCO)
What is the exception for passing dwarf signals within station limits on ATC?
- defective
What is your authority to pass a defective dwarf signal in station limits on ATC?
Verbal (regardless of points or not)
What is your authority to pass a defective dwarf signal that governs the entrance to the single line section on ATC?
- ATC systems caution order
What does ABS stand for?
Automatic block signalling
What does ATC stand for?
Automatic track control
What 3 ways can a driver receive caution orders?
- handed
- transmitted
- dictated
What 2 ways can a driver receive a TA?
- handed
- dictated
How do you cancel a TA?
- local signal box -> hand back to the signaller who will cancel it
- not local -> contact TC, then write cancelled, time, date, signature
What should a driver do if they receive an irregular/imperfectly displayed aspect?
- treat it at it’s safest position
- don’t pass without correct authority
Can a CAN notice authorise you past a signal?
No
How may a driver be notified of a failure of signal lights?
- CAN notice
- radio call
What are some types of signal irregularities?
- absence if a signal aspect at a place where it is normally shown
- signal imperfectly displayed
- signal that keeps flickering/cycling
- seeing white light in a place where there is normally a coloured light
- seeing 2 signal aspects where normally 1 should be seen (2 position)
- conflicting aspects on co-acting signals
- signal reverting to stop prior to train passing it
- any other signal displaying any indications mot specified in the book of rules
- illuminated signals when on CBTC where the signals should be blanked out
What must happen if a home signal is defective at the proceed position?
- light must be obscured
- 2 ATWs before signal
- handsignaller -> red flag and inform driver
- get authority from controlling signaller to pass -> extreme caution
What must happen if a disc/dwarf signal is defective at proceed?
- obscure light/disc
- no ATWs needed
- handsignaller -> red flag and inform driver
- can pass with handsignallers authority acting under the signaller
What should a driver do if a signal reverts to stop in front of them?
- attempt to stop before signal
- need correct authority before moving train
What should a driver do if they have been wrong routed?
- attempt to stop before signal
- contact signaller to get correct route
- if unable to stop before the signal:
• may set back before signal with correct authority
• continue on wrong route to terminated at an available location
What authority does a driver need to pass a signal protecting a tramway crossing?
- SCO
- must be handed by the controlling signaller
- signaller must ensure boom barriers are lowered
What are a driver’s actions if the ‘A’ light is illuminated and the signal is at stop?
- can pass as per R1S3 as it’s now treated as an automatic signal
What are a driver’s actions if the signal is at stop and there is no illuminated ‘A’?
- contact signaller and follow their instructions
- if can’t contact signaller -> call TC, they will ascertain beyond reasonable doubt that the signaller is switched out
Should you assume that the illuminated ‘A’ has failed?
No
What are a driver’s actions if the signal is at stop with no illuminated ‘A’ and there are COMMS AVAILABLE?
- sound long whistle (if locally controlled)
- PA announcement
- contact controlling signaller
- contact TC if unable to contact signaller
- they will check beyond reasonable doubt the signaller is switched out
- if signal box confirmed closed -> inspect points and ensure theyre set for the correct route
- TC will issue verbal instructions to pass home signal at stop as per failure of illuminated ‘A’
- exchange names - driver <-> TC
- extreme caution as per R1S3
What are a drivers actions if detained at a home signal with no illuminated ‘A’ lit up and NO COMMS?
- sound long whistle
- PA announcement
- secure train, full cab unattened
- proceed to signal box and ascertain if open/closed -> if closed, inspect points and pass as per R1S3, contact TC at first opportunity
- use platform PEI button to contact TC
- if unable to contact anyone and can’t ascertain if signal box is closed - TOS
What are a drivers actions if detained at a home signal and the illuminated ‘A’ is not lit up at a REMOTE location with NO COMMS?
- PA announcement
- stay on train - TOS
- continue to attempt to contact signaller/TC
What are a drivers actions if the trip valve is operated irregularly in the section?
- stop train and check if derailed
- TEC call (REC if affecting other lines)
- PA announcement
- look for debris/other obvious causes
- reset trip
- proceed with extreme caution
What is the only signal that has no exceptions to pass?
Hand signal
What do steady white departure lights indicate?
Platform work complete, close saloon doors and obey signal aspect
What does extinguished white departure lights indicate?
Platform work not complete, don’t close doors, don’t depart
What does flashing white departure lights indicate?
- emergency stop
- wait for steady white lights or again or communication from station staff