Signals Flashcards
What is a BLOCK?
A length of track of defined limits, governed by block signals, block-limit signals, automatic speed control, or any combination thereof.
What is an ABSOLUTE BLOCK?
A block established between block stations, block limit stations, interlockings, or any combination thereof which must not be occupied by more than one train except as provided by the rules.
What defines an AUTOMATIC BLOCK SIGNAL SYSTEM?
A block signal system wherein the use of each block is governed by an automatic block signal, the cab signal indicator, or both.
What is a BLOCK SIGNAL SYSTEM?
A series of consecutive blocks.
What is a MANUAL BLOCK SIGNAL SYSTEM?
A block signal system where the use of each block is governed by block signals controlled manually, by block-limit signals, or both, upon information received by telephone, radio, or other means of communication.
What does AUTOMATIC SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM (ASC) do?
Automatically applies full service application of the train brakes if the speed of the train exceeds the predetermined rate while operating under a speed restriction.
What is a SPEED CONTROLLED TRAIN?
A train equipped with speed control apparatus, a cab signal indicator, sealed application valve or switch, audible warning device, and acknowledging switch, in operative condition.
Define ENGINE (ENG).
A unit propelled by any form of energy or a combination of units operated from a single control, used in road or yard service.
What is MULTIPLE UNIT EQUIPMENT?
Equipment capable of being propelled by electrical energy through the use of third rail contact shoes.
What is a TRACK CAR (TC)?
A roadway maintenance machine, not classified as an engine, operated on track for inspection or maintenance.
What is INTERLOCKING (INT)?
An arrangement of signals and signal appliances interconnected so their movements must succeed each other in proper sequence.
Define INTERLOCKING LIMITS.
The tracks between the extreme opposing home signals of an interlocking.
What is a PILOT?
An employee assigned to a train or track car when the engineer, conductor, or track car driver is not qualified on the physical characteristics or rules of the railroad.
What does ASPECT refer to?
The appearance of a fixed signal which conveys an indication as viewed from the direction of an approaching train.
What is a BLOCK-LIMIT SIGNAL?
A fixed signal indicating the limit of the block, governed by manual block signal system rules.
What is a BLOCK SIGNAL?
A fixed signal or a hand signal in the absence of a fixed signal, at the entrance to a block that governs trains using that block.
What does CAB SIGNAL INDICATOR display?
The maximum speed for the movement of the train.
What is a DISTANT SIGNAL?
A fixed signal used to govern the approach to a home signal.
What is a FIXED SIGNAL?
A signal of a fixed location indicating a condition affecting the movement of a train.
Define HOME SIGNAL.
A fixed signal that displays Stop signal as its most restrictive aspect and governs the entrance to a route or block.
What is INDICATION in the context of signals?
The information conveyed by the aspect of a signal.
What are INTERLOCKING SIGNALS?
The fixed signals of an interlocking.
What is a MARKER?
A highly visible marking device in the red-orange-amber color range, affixed to the rear of the train to indicate that the train is complete.
What is ADVANCED CIVIL SPEED ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM (ACSES)?
A transponder and data-radio based train-control system which will automatically apply the brakes of an equipped train if the speed exceeds the predetermined rate.
What is an ACSES CONTROLLED TRAIN?
A Passenger or Freight class train equipped with ACSES controlled apparatus.
What is FOUL TIME?
A method of establishing working limits on a track where a roadway worker is notified by the Train Dispatcher that no trains will operate within the limits until the worker reports clear.
Define INACCESSIBLE TRACK.
A method of establishing working limits on tracks not controlled by the Train Dispatcher by physically preventing the entry and movement of trains.
What is JOB BRIEFING?
When reporting for duty, employees must hold a job briefing to review operational and safety conditions.
Define ROADWAY WORKER.
An employee of a railroad or contractor whose duties include inspection, construction, maintenance, or repair of railroad infrastructure.
What is a WATCHMAN/LOOKOUT?
An employee trained on roadway worker protection whose duty is to provide advanced warning of approaching trains.
What are WORKING LIMITS?
A segment of track with definite boundaries upon which trains may move only as authorized by the roadway worker in charge.
What is LIMITED SPEED?
A speed not exceeding 45 mph.
Define MAXIMUM AUTHORIZED SPEED (MAS).
The highest speed permitted over a specific portion of the railroad.
What is MEDIUM SPEED?
A speed not exceeding 30 mph, except in ASC territory.
What is REDUCED SPEED?
A speed at which a train can be stopped short of another train or obstruction.
What does RESTRICTED SPEED (RS) mean?
A mode of operation at which a train can be stopped within one half the range of vision, not exceeding 15 mph.
What is SLOW SPEED?
A speed not exceeding 15 mph, except in ASC territory.
What is an AUTOMATIC SAFETY SWITCH?
A switch identified by a yellow switch stand, allowing trailing point moves without hand alignment.
What is a CROSSOVER?
A track connection between two adjacent tracks, consisting of a minimum of two switches.
What is a DERAIL?
A track safety device designed to guide a car off the rails at a selected location.
What is a DUAL CONTROL SWITCH?
A power-operated switch also equipped for hand operation.
Define ELECTRIC LOCK SWITCH.
A hand-operated switch equipped with an electrical device that restricts the movement of the switch.
What is a HAND-OPERATED SWITCH?
A switch that must be aligned by hand before a train makes a trailing point movement through the switch.
What is an INTERLOCKING SWITCH?
A switch within interlocking limits controlled by the Block Operator or Train Dispatcher.
What is a SPRING SWITCH?
A switch equipped with a spring mechanism that restores the switch points to the normal position.
What is a BLOCK-LIMIT STATION?
A place at which a block-limit signal is displayed.
What is a BLOCK STATION?
A place at which manual block signals are displayed.
What is an INTERLOCKING STATION?
A place from which an interlocking is controlled.
What is an ITCH?
A switch equipped with a spring mechanism that will restore the switch points to the normal position after having been trailed through.
Define BLOCK STATION.
A place at which manual block signals are displayed.
What is an INTERLOCKING STATION?
A place from which an interlocking is operated.
What is a PASSENGER STATION?
A place at which trains are scheduled to receive and/or discharge passengers.
What does STATION refer to?
A place designated by name on the station pages of the current timetable.
What is a BULLETIN NOTICE (BN)?
A notice issued to employees by the General Superintendent – Transportation, containing special schedules or other information.
What is a GENERAL NOTICE (GN)?
A notice issued to employees by the General Superintendent - Transportation, containing operating instructions or necessary information.
Define GENERAL ORDER.
An order issued to employees by the General Superintendent - Transportation that may change or annul operating rules or instructions.
What is a SCHEDULE?
That part of a timetable that prescribes direction, number, and movement of a regular train.
What does a TEMPORARY SPEED RESTRICTION BULLETIN (TSRB) contain?
A daily bulletin containing necessary speed restrictions issued by the Train Dispatcher.
What is a TIMETABLE?
The authority for the movement of regular trains subject to the rules, containing classified schedules and special instructions.
Define CONTROLLED SIDING.
A designated track, the entrance and exit of which are governed by home signals.
What is CURRENT OF TRAFFIC?
The movement of trains on a main track in one direction, as specified by special instruction.
What is an INDUSTRY TRACK?
A track, or series of tracks, serving the needs of a commercial industry other than a railroad.
Define MAIN TRACK.
A designated track upon which trains are operated by timetable or the use of which is governed by block signals.
What is a SECONDARY TRACK?
A designated track upon which trains may be operated without timetable authority, subject to prescribed signals and rules.
What is a SIDING?
A designated track adjacent to a main track for the meeting or passing of trains.
What does SINGLE TRACK refer to?
A main track upon which trains are operated in both directions.
Define TWO OR MORE TRACKS.
Two or more main tracks upon which trains are operated as designated in the special instructions.
What is a YARD?
A system of tracks used for making up trains, storing cars, and other purposes, subject to prescribed signals.
What are YARD LIMITS?
A portion of single main track between yard limit boards, as specified by special instruction.
What is a CAMP CAR?
Any on-track vehicle used to house railroad or contract employees.
What is an EXTRA TRAIN?
A train not authorized by a timetable schedule, designated as Passenger Extra, Work Extra, or Track Car Extra.
Define PASSENGER TRAIN.
A train carrying revenue passengers.
What is a PUSH-PULL TRAIN?
A train consisting of a bi-level cab control car at one end and a locomotive at the opposite end.
What is a REGULAR TRAIN?
A train authorized by a timetable schedule.
Define SUPERIOR TRAIN.
A train having precedence over another train.
What does TRAIN refer to?
An engine or more than one engine coupled, with or without cars, displaying markers.
What is a TRAIN OF SUPERIOR DIRECTION?
A train given precedence in the direction specified as between opposing regular trains.
Define TRAIN OF SUPERIOR RIGHT.
A train given precedence by Form L.
What methods show signal aspects according to FIXED SIGNALS RULES?
- The color of lights
- The position of lights
- The flashing of lights
- The shape, color or lettering of signs
What is required for the Pre-Employment Entrance Exam regarding Railroad Signals?
Students will be responsible for the names and indications of all Railroad Signals.
What does a LOW HOME PEDESTAL COLOR LIGHT indicate?
Proceed; manual block clear.
What is the indication of a STOP SIGNAL?
Stop.
What does an APPROACH MEDIUM signal indicate?
Proceed approaching next signal at Medium speed.
What is the indication of a CAUTION signal?
Train exceeding Medium speed must at once reduce to that speed.
What does a RESTRICTING signal indicate?
Proceed at Restricted speed.
What does the term ‘Approach Block-limit’ indicate?
Proceed approaching next block-limit signal prepared to stop.
What does the Block-limit signal indicate?
Prepared to stop at the next block-limit signal
Train exceeding Medium speed must reduce to that speed immediately.
What is the purpose of a Train-order signal?
Applies to trains governed by fixed signal and TSRB/SRF delivery
May be mounted on either side.
True or False: The yellow lamp of a Train Order Signal is displayed by day.
False
The yellow lamp is not displayed by day.
What does the Caution Indicator signify?
Numeral indicates the number of facing point switches connected to the signal
Trains exceeding Slow speed must reduce speed approaching switch.
What does a Clear Indicator indicate?
Facing point switches closed.
What does the Yard Switch Indicator signify for a white signal?
Switch normal, proceed at restricted speed.
What does the Yard Switch Indicator signify for a yellow signal?
Switch reverse, proceed at restricted speed.
What does a Stop board indicate?
Stop, then governed by timetable or special instructions.
What does the End of Block signal indicate?
Train must operate in accordance with Rule 153.
What does the Begin ASC signal indicate?
Automatic speed control begins.
What is the purpose of a Standard whistle post?
Indicates to sound whistle approaching crossings at grade.
What does the Spring switch marker indicate?
Spring switch.
What does the Quiet Zone Indicator signify?
Approaching crossing at grade without sounding Rule 14L, except as specified.
What does the Distant Signal Marker serve as?
Visual reminder that Rules 28B and 33B apply between the distant signal and home signal.
What is indicated by the Delay in Block sign?
Displayed at or near departure end of passenger stations.
What does the Begin MTEA signal indicate?
Location at which MTEA limits begin.
What does the End MTEA signal indicate?
Location at which MTEA limits end.
What does the Clearance Point Sign indicate?
Location at which equipment must clear for facing point moves.
What does the Permanent Speed Restriction Sign indicate?
Reduce speed as prescribed by timetable.
What does the Temporary Advance Speed-limit sign indicate?
Indicates speed limit at the sign ahead.
What does the Proceed signal indicate?
Proceed, governed by cab signal indications.
What is indicated by the Absolute Proceed signal?
Proceed; slow speed within interlocking limits.
What does the Slow Proceed signal indicate?
Proceed; slow speed within interlocking limits.
What does the Restricting Proceed signal indicate?
Proceed; restricted speed within interlocking limits.
What does the Reduced Proceed signal indicate?
Proceed; governed by cab signal indications.
What is the indication of Stop-and-proceed signal?
Stop, then proceed at restricted speed.
What does the Approach Limited signal indicate?
Proceed approaching the next signal at limited speed.
What does the Limited Clear signal indicate?
Proceed at limited speed until the entire train clears all interlocking or spring switches.
What is indicated by the Advance Approach signal?
Proceed prepared to stop at the second signal.
What does the Medium Approach signal indicate?
Proceed prepared to stop at the next signal.
What does the Restricting signal indicate?
Proceed at restricted speed until the entire train has passed a more favorable aspect.
What are automatic signals in Zone A territory represented by?
A placard ending in a numeral.
What is the name of the signal that indicates a stop?
Stop-signal.
What does a stop-signal indicate?
Stop.
What type of signals are interlocking color light signals that are numbered?
Those whose most restrictive aspect is ‘Stop-signal’ and end with a letter.
Where are the interlocking color light signals in service?
Between the westward limits of A and KN interlockings and the eastward limits of C and JO interlockings.
