AWS

Question 1

What does AWS and TPWS stand for?

Answer 1

Automatic Warning System
Train Protection Warning System

Question 2

How far in advance of a signal are AWS magnets NORMALLY positioned?

Answer 2

180 metres

Question 3

What are the two parts of an AWS magnet?

Answer 3

Permanent and electro-magnet

Question 4

Where is the AWS receiver located on a train?

Answer 4

Underneath the leading bogie above the 4 foot.

Question 5

When the signal is green is the electro-magnet powered or unpowered?

Answer 5

Powered

Question 6

What indications does a driver receive in the cab when the electro-magnet is A) powered and B) unpowered?

Answer 6

A) Clear: Audible bell and black visual indicator.
B) Warning: Audible horn and yellow and black visual indicator.

Question 7

What is provided in advance of a fixed distant signal?

Answer 7

A permanent AWS magnet only.

Question 8

Where might an AWS gap area be provided at stations?

Answer 8

Where the linespeed is 30 mph or less and the track layout is complex.

Question 9

What do start of and end of AWS gap signs look like at stations?

Answer 9

Start = White circle with AWS and a red cross.
End = White square with AWS.

Question 10

What do start of and end of AWS gap signs look like when working bi-directional lines in the wrong direction?

Answer 10

Start = White diamond with AWS and a red cross.
End = White diamond with AWS.

Question 11

How long do you have to acknowledge an AWS warning indication and what will happen if you do not react in time?

Answer 11

2-3 seconds.
Emergency brakes will automatically apply.

Question 12

What type of signs are sometimes fitted with permanent AWS and what do these signs look like?

Answer 12

Warning indicators (Morpeth board).
Upside down yellow triangle.
Level crossing warning board.
White square with black St George’s cross.

Question 13

When might a portable AWS magnet be provided?

Answer 13

In advance of TSR warning boards, ESR warning boards and ESR Emergency Indicators

Question 14

When would a suppressor magnet be provided?

Answer 14

To suppress permanent and portable magnets when they do not apply. E.g. when travelling in the opposite direction on a bi-directional line.

Question 15

What may be provided to test the AWS system learning a Maintenance Depot?

Answer 15

Depot test magnet

Question 16

When passing over an AWS magnet, which does not apply to your direction of travel, what will be provided when the magnet is not supressed and where will this be positioned?

Answer 16

AWS cancelling indicator.
Normally 180 metres beyond the AWS magnet.

Question 17

What are the two types of AWS cancelling indicator and what do they look like?

Answer 17

Permanent magnet: Blue square with white St Andrew’s cross.
Portable magnet: Yellow square with black St Andrew’s square.

Question 18

When can a train with a defective AWS be permitted to start a journey from a Maintenance Depot?

Answer 18

When the defective cab is not to be driven from or AWS is not in operation.

Question 19

If AWS is defective in the leading cab of a multiple unit what could happen to enable the trains to start a journey from a Maintenance Depot?

Answer 19

Remarshal the train to “bury” the defective cab.

Question 20

When could a train with a defective or isolated AWS in the leading cab start a journey from other than a Maintenance Depot?

Answer 20

To travel to a Maintenance Depot Empty Coaching Stick (ECS) for repair. Must get permission from Maintenance Control and inform the signaller.

Question 21

What must you do if you become aware that the AWS has become defective during a journey?

Answer 21

Stop the train immediately.
Inform the signaller.
Do not move until you are instructed to do so.
Carry out instructions you have been given.

Question 22

What must you do if you become aware that the AWS has become defective during a journey when it is not required (E.g. in the rear cab).

Answer 22

Inform Maintenance Control at the first convenient opportunity.
Carry out instructions you have been given.

Question 23

When can you isolate the AWS?

Answer 23

Cancelling the AWS warning horn does not stop the horn sounding.
Successive or intermittent failures.
Train receiver stops over the track equipment

Question 24

What control measures will be implemented to enable a journey to continue with a defective AWS with and without a competent person?

Answer 24

With: Proceed at normal speed. Maximum 40 mph during poor visibility.
Without: Proceed at maximum 60 mph. Maximum 40 mph during poor visibility.

Question 25

What constitutes a "Competent Person"?

Answer 25

Qualified Train Driver with requisite route knowledge.

Question 26

List 5 types of AWS magnet.

Answer 26

1. Permanent magnet. 2. Electro-magnet. 3. Portable magnet. 4. Suppressor magnet. 5. Depot test magnet.

Question 27

List the 4 types of warning the AWS can provide.

Answer 27

1. Visual black indication. 2. Visual yellow and black indication. 3. Audible horn. 4. Audible bell.

Question 28

List the 6 lineside signs associated with AWS.

Answer 28

1. Start of AWS station gap. 2. End of AWS station gap. 3. Start of AWS section of line gap. 4. End of AWS section of line gap. 5. AWS permanent magnet warning sign. 6. AWS portable magnet warning sign.

Question 29

Name 8 situations where AWS is provided on the mainline.

Answer 29

1. Colour light signals. 2. Semaphore distant signals. 3. Fixed distant signal. 4. Warning Indicator (speed). 5. Level crossing warning sign. 6. ESR warning board. 7. TSR warning board. 8. ESR Emergency indictor.