Week 7 - Track Defects and Broken Rails

Question 1

What does RDN stand for? (TS1 Reg 17.1)

Answer 1

Rail Defect Nominee

Question 2

What does RDE stand for? (TS1 Reg 17.1)

Answer 2

Rail Defect Examiner

Question 3

What should you do if a driver reports a deterioration in the ride quality? (TW1 Reg 5.3)

Answer 3

Inform Control

Driver’s should be reporting this to their TOC rather than the signaller

Question 4

If a driver reports feeling or hearing a track defect what must you do? (TW1 reg 5.3)

Answer 4

• Stop trains from passing over the affected line

- Arrange for the line to be examined

Question 5

You receive a report of a track defect being felt or heard. The driver examining the line reports that the line appears to be safe for the passage of trains. How do you signal subsequent trains? How long must you do this for? (TS1 Reg 20.5)

Answer 5

• Stop each train and inform the driver that a track defect has been reported
• Instruct the driver to proceed at caution over the affected portion of line at a speed not exceeding 20mph (30km/h)
• Continue to do this until a competent engineer has confirmed that the affected portion of line is safe for normal operation

Question 9

If you are told about a broken, distorted or damaged rail or that both fishplates are broken, what must you do? (TS1 Reg 17.1.1)

Answer 9

• Stop trains from passing over the affected line
• Inform Control
• Arrange for a RDN or RDE to examine the rail or fishplates concerned

Question 10

When the RDN or RDE has examined a defective rail or fishplates and gives permission for trains to proceed at a specified reduced speed, what must you tell each driver? (TS1 Reg 17.1.2)

Answer 10

• Tell the driver what has happened
• Tell the driver the location of the defective rail or broken fishplates
• Instruct the driver not to exceed the specified reduced speed over the defective rail or broken fishplates

Question 11

When signalling a train over a defective rail or broken fishplates what must you do with the adjacent lines? (TS1 Reg 17.1.2)

Answer 11

You must not allow trains to pass over the adjacent line when a train is passing over the defective rail or broken fishplates

Question 12

An RDN or RDE has authorised trains to pass over a rail defect at no more than 20mph, how long must you continue to instruct drivers? (TS1 Reg 17.1.2)

Answer 12

• The RDE (and only the RDE) authorises that the normal speed of trains may be resumed
• An ESR is imposed over the line concerned
• The RDN or RDE advises that the condition of the defect has worsened and train movements must be stopped

Question 13

You have received a report of a single broken fishplate. Until it has been replaced or an emergency speed restriction has been imposed, what must you do? (TS1 Reg 17.1.3)

Answer 13

• Stop each train over the affected line
• Tell the driver what has happened
• Tell the driver the location of the broken fishplate
• Instruct the driver not to exceed 20mph (30km/h) over the broken fishplate

Question 14

When a train is passing over a single broken fishplate what do you need to do with trains on adjacent lines? (TS1 Reg 17.1.3)

Answer 14

Nothing, you do not need to stop trains on adjacent lines