Unit 5 - Operate Trains In Service

Question 0

What are the key aspects of the company professional driving policy in relation to starting trains?

Answer 0

Allow plenty of time when taking over a train.
Do not become distracted by station or on-train announcements,
When moving under the authority of shunting staff and GPLs make sure when the signals are cleared they are for your train.
IF IN DOUBT ALWAYS STOP, ASK THE SIGNALLER.

Question 1

Describe the method of controlling and operating trains over single lines that you sign?

Answer 1

One train working with staff electric token,
Absolute block,
Track circuit block,
Staff to be kept with driver also in the event of a train failure

Question 2

What are the potential causes of being unable to obtain traction interlock and what actions would you take?

Answer 2

Not being able to get brake release,

Check the coach displaying the Orange hazard light outside and go to the door concerned and try to manually close it.

Question 3

For each signal type, explain the correct action you must follow if your train is detained?

Answer 3

Track circuit 2mins

Track circuit diamond in an absolute block area unusually long term within 10 mins

Question 4

Which signals over the routes that you sign have the potential for a SAS SPAD or SOY SPAD. And what actions must you use to prevent a SPAD in these circumstances???

Answer 4

As Per route knowledge!!!

Get learning!!!

Question 5

Give 2 examples of locations for each route you sign where low adhesion can affect starting?

Answer 5

As per route knowledge

Question 6

Give examples of signalling types/systems in use for routes that you sign? Including signal types, the position, sighting and function of signals and associated route indicators???

Answer 6

FGW signalling / single line system
•Absolute block
• Track circuit block
• Track circuit block with axle counters
• Track circuit block single line
• One train section with staff
• One train section without staff
• No signaller token
• Tokenless block

Route indications :-

• Junction indicators
• Flashing double
• Splitting distant signals
• PRIs
• Theatre box indicators
• Stepped semaphor
• Stacked semaphore

Question 7

Level crossings : the location of level crossings, including cctv, open crossings, those fitted with AHBC and mini r/g lights. Relevant speed restrictions for level crossings, including special working arrangements for degraded situations???

Answer 7

AS PER ROUTE KNOWLEDGE????

Question 8

Describe the requirements of the company professional driving policy in relation to driving trains?

Answer 8

Don not use more than power notch 4 until the rear of the train is clear of the platform.

Question 9

What is the meaning of flashing double yellow signals and what are the company’s professional driving policy instructions relating to these?

Answer 9

Used for high speed crossovers, double flashing yellow, single flashing yellow, single steady yellow with junction indicator , to be prepared for next signal to be displaying a red aspect.

Question 10

Under what circumstances must the train warning horn be used??

Answer 10

At whistle boards between 07:00-23:00, and any track workers on the lineside

Question 11

How and why must you conduct a running brake test?

Answer 11

Up to a sufficient line speed to ensure you have brake continuity throughout the train.
When performing a running brake test , make a suitable brake application to be able to feel the retardation of the train and observe a reduction in speed.

Question 12

Explain the function of all equipment associated with TPWS (in cab and infrastructure)?

Answer 12

The AWS system

Train stop and over speed sensor protection

Question 13

What are the typical indications of potential low adhesion and what actions should you take where low adhesion is anticipated?

Answer 13

Moist , dew in the mornings, leaf fall, brake earlier and lighter.

Question 14

Give two loactions of known areas of low adhesion for the routes you sign?

Answer 14

As per route knowledge!

On approach to goring station on the up ??

Before Pangbourne on the up aswell??

Approach to Maidenhead on the up aswell??

Question 15

What are the requirements and actions to conduct a controlled test stop correctly??

Answer 15

For a controlled test stop to be of any value it must be conducted in such a way as to simulate a normal approach for the conditions.
- For a site of known poor rail adhesion, or during autumn for a black day / red day / site of known poor adhesion then approach with an early/ light brake application.

• for a site not listed as poor, approach with a braking technique you would usually use.
  Control measures :
• signaller will not ask you to conduct a controlled test stop approaching a red signal.

Question 16

Explain the authorised methods of use the DRA on approach to and and when stopped at danger signals??

Answer 16

DRA is authorised to be moved as follows-
• At a red signal
• At a station when signalled in on a PLS signal / yellow / past a signal at danger with authority.
• When handing over to a relieving driver
• when relieving a driver
• When immobilising the cab
• When commissioning cab for the first time!

CHECK THE LATEST?????

Question 17

Describe three typical hazards relating to stations and permissive working and the actions a driver needs to take to manage these risks?

Answer 17

Go slower,
Be prepared to stop short of any obstruction,
Proceed as far as the line is clear.

Question 18

Describe the types of train / traction unit positioning indicators and stop boards fitted on routes that you sign and the risks associated with incorrect positioning of train / traction units within platforms??

Answer 18

AS PER ROUTE KNOWLEDGE

Risks :

• Train vehicles not platformed the customers at risk of falling from the train.
• Train not in clear of the platform resulting in delay to other services of train is not in clear.
• Train not positioned behind next start signal if booked to reverse.

Question 19

What route risks need to be considered prior to commencing journey?

Answer 19

Railhead conditions
ESRs 
TSRs 
Weather conditions
Any out of course request stops
Engineering works

Question 20

What actions are required before starting a train if stopped out of course, including requirements of the train stops in a platform where it is not booked to call??

Answer 20

Communication authority from train manager that doors have not been realeased,
signal is clear ,
knowledge of previous aspect.

Question 21

What action should you take if frontal/rear lighting, destination indicator, TMS or PIS becomes defective?

Answer 21

Have the availability of bardic lamp or use portable headlamp,
line speed 75mph with portable any other lamp 20 mph.

Question 22

What action must you take if the OTMR is defective?

Answer 22

Stop and report to controlling signaller do not move unless authorised to do so.

Question 23

What action is required if the cab radio is defective?

Answer 23

Stop and contact the controlling signaller,

Advice will be given by FGW control of company mobile phone can be used on silent mode in an emergency

Question 24

What action would you take if the relieving driver is not present at the designated location?

Answer 24

Contact FGW control, and platform staff, if delayed controlling signaller

Question 25

How do you make contact with operations control?

Answer 25

By calling 01793389202

Question 26

What are the key route knowledge requirements for conducting in line with the company professional driving policy?

Answer 26

If a driver is required to operate a train over a section of route for which they do not hold the required route knowledge, the services of a conductor driver must be provided.
• a FGW driver can conduct another FGW driver working one of our own services even if the conducting driver does not know the traction.
• FGW will accept the services of a competent conductor driver from any other operator. If he/she is competent on the train/traction then they must drive.
• FGW will not normally provide a conductor to another operator unless the FGW driver is competent on the type of train/traction, which requires conducting

Question 27

What issues must you discuss and clarify between drivers prior to conducting / being conducted?

Answer 27

How the brakes are performing

Formation of train

Question 28

What actions must you take if a train has to be left foul?

Answer 28

Advise the signaller if authority can be given,
Correct lights at the rear,
And the train is secure