Wrong Direction Movements

Question 1

When might a WDM be required?

Answer 1

Where there are no signals provided for a movement

Question 2

On what type of lines are WDMs permitted?

Answer 2

Uni-directional lines that are signalled in the normal direction only.

Question 3

When making a WDM, what will you still receive?

Answer 3

AWS warnings that apply in the normal direction

Question 4

What form must be completed after completing or being offered a WDM?

Answer 4

RT3185

Question 5

What are the reasons to make a WDM?

Answer 5

C- Cannot continue
O- Overrun platform
W- Wrong route taken
S- Single line working
B- Blocked line
A- Assisting a failed train
D- Divided train
G- Ground frame shunt
E- Engineering train or on-track machine working within a protection zone or an on track machine returning to a published start mileage of work
R- Rail Grinding Train returning to extinguish fires

Question 6

Explain why a WDM is required if you cannot continue and give an example?

Answer 6

Train cannot continue due to a defect in the leading cab and train can no longer be driven from that cab.

Eg: DSD defective and assistance from front not possible - WDM to return to original location from other cab.

Question 7

Explain why a WDM is required if you overrun a platform?

Answer 7

If you overrun a platform by up to 400m, you may WDM back to the platform with permission.

Question 8

Are you still able to WDM if you overrun a platform by more than 400m?

Answer 8

No, it must be 400m or less to WDM.

Question 9

What are your actions in the event that you overrun a platform?

Answer 9

Immediately give 2-2 to the guard to not open the doors (PA on 170), then inform signaller and control.

Question 10

Are you able to WDM if there is an AHBC near a platform with wrong direction controls?

Answer 10

You might not be able to if the movement would interfere with the AHBC treadles

Question 11

What should you do with your end lighting when making a WDM of 400m or less to return to a platform after overrunning it?

Answer 11

Do not swap headlights for tail lights when making a movement under 400m.

Question 12

Explain why a WDM might be necessary if a wrong route has been taken?

Answer 12

Train to return after taking a wrong route at a junction. Inform signaller and then WDM back to previous signal and await correct signal and routing.

Question 13

Why might a WDM be required if single line working is in operation?

Answer 13

If SLW is in operation in the wrong direction.

Question 14

Explain why a WDM might be required if the line is blocked?

Answer 14

Train to return from or proceed towards a line blocked by an accident, failure, obstruction or other incident. May need to WDM back to main-to-main cross over to get past obstruction and return to normal signalled line.

Question 15

Why might a WDM be necessary if assisting others?

Answer 15

If another train has failed and needs assistance, you may need to WDM to get to them to then couple up and proceed in the normal direction.

Question 16

Explain when a WDM might be necessary for a divided train?

Answer 16

Where your train divides and you are moving the front portion as a WDM back to the rear portion to recouple and move out of the section.

Question 17

What are your actions if your train divides and a WDM has been authorised to recouple the units?

Answer 17

Contact signaller, inspect both trains, both couplers and track before recoupling

Question 18

Explain why a WDM might be necessary for ground frame shunting?

Answer 18

A shunt movement to be made through points that are worked from a ground frame (hand operated points).

There may be a siding coming from trailing points, so you must proceed past these points, change ends, set points to enter siding and then make WDM over line to then enter the siding.

Question 19

What are the signaller’s responsibilities when authorising a WDM?

Answer 19

Ensure WDM is safe, controlled crossings closed to traffic, AHBCs under local control if no WD controls, points in correct position, unworked points secure, line clear, trains stopped on adjacent line that could be fouled by movement

Question 20

What must the signaller tell the driver when authorising a WDM?

Answer 20

What is required, the reason, how far movement can go, to check any points are set correctly, to proceed at caution, level crossing arrangements, identifiable location to proceed to and contact signaller for further instructions.

Question 21

What are the driver’s responsibilities when being authorised to WDM?

Answer 21

Confirm valid WDM reason, cancel AWS when passing signals, pass points, switch diamonds and swing noses at 15mph and check set correctly, not pass unworked points unless told they are secure by signaller or green hand signal during SLW.

Question 22

What are your actions when passing a wrong direction speed board when making a WDM?

Answer 22

Control speed to speed on board from board until on crossing, then accelerate when on the crossing itself.

Question 23

What are your actions if an AHBC does not have wrong direction controls when making a WDM?

Answer 23

Only pass on authority of a green hand signal at an AHBC under local control.

Question 24

What are your actions when approaching an ABCL/AOCL when making a WDM?

Answer 24

Stop before crossing if no WDM controls & use emergency plunger to operate crossing

Question 25

What are your actions when approaching a CCTV/OD/RC controlled crossing when making a WDM?

Answer 25

If no attendant- stop at adjacent signal on opposite line and contact signaller for instructions

If attendant present- approach at caution and only pass on authority of green hand signal.

Question 26

What are your actions when approaching a miniature red & green when making a WDM?

Answer 26

Approach at caution, stop short, sound horn and proceed when safe.

If crossing has WD controls, do not carry out above unless signaller tells you to do so throughout the movement or until you pass a WD speed board.

Question 27

What are your actions when approaching a barrow/foot crossing when making a WDM?

Answer 27

If told white light indications will not work, approach at caution and only pass when safe.

Question 28

What speed must you travel at when making a WDM?

Answer 28

Caution (up to 50mph if SLW in wrong direction)

Question 29

What must you ensure when instructed to WDM by signaller?

Answer 29

That you reach a clear understanding.

Question 30

After completing the movement, what are your actions?

Answer 30

Contact the signaller for further instructions and permission to continue.

Question 31

How should your lights be set when making a WDM?

Answer 31

If movement under 400m, do not change lights.

If movement over 400m, headlights and marker should be at leading end and tail lamps at rear end- change these accordingly.

Question 32

Do you need to continuously sound your horn throughout the movement?

Answer 32

No. Only if you see someone near track.