Principles

Question 1

Definition of a clearing point-

Answer 1

‘The point beyond the home signal up to which the line must be clear before a train can be accepted’

Question 2

Definition of an intermediate block section?

Answer 2

The line between the section signal and the intermediate block home signal worked by the same signal box in the same direction of travel.

Question 3

Definition of an absolute block section?

Answer 3

The line between the last stop signal controlled from one signal box and the home signal controlled by the next signal box.

Question 4

Definition of a section signal?

Answer 4

A stop signal that controls the entrance to an absolute block section or an intermediate block section.

Question 5

Intermediate block home signal definition?

Answer 5

A stop signal that controls the exit from an intermediate block section and the entrance to an absolute block section.

Question 6

Home signal definition

Answer 6

The first stop signal controlled by a signal box that controls the exit from the absolute block section.

Question 7

Distant signal definition?

Answer 7

A signal that cannot show a stop aspect or indication

Some colour light distant signals are identified by a white triangle or the letters ‘R’ or ‘RR’ on the signal id plate

Question 8

Look at signs pictures - make sure know them still !

Answer 8

Eg controlled signal, automatic signal

Question 9

What is the principal of absolute blocking?

Answer 9

To prevent more than one train being in a section of the same line at the same time.

Question 10

What phrase would you begin a call when reporting an accident?

Answer 10

This is an emergency call

Question 11

What is the definition of station limits?

Answer 11

The line between the home and section signal on the same line controlled by the same signal box.

Question 12

What does a track circuit do?

Answer 12

Electrical detection of the presence or the absence of a train on a section of line.

Question 13

What is the definition of a run through?

Answer 13

A movement runs through a set of trailing points that are not set in the correct position for the movement.

Question 14

Where is the absolute block?

Answer 14

From section signal to the home signal in the next signal box

Question 15

Breaking distance from distant to home signal? (Semaphore)

Answer 15

400 metres

Question 16

Breaking distance distant to home signal (colour lights)

Answer 16

183 metres

Question 17

Where is the station limits?

Answer 17

Between home signal and section signal
(Portion of line between home section and section signal )

Question 18

Where is a IB? (Immediate block)

Answer 18

Our section signal to intermediate block home signal worked by the same signal box in the same direction of travel

Question 19

What should you check for when a train passes your signal box?

Answer 19

Tail lamps, door not closed, insecure load, veichle on fire, a hot axle box, headlight missing or not lite, tail lamp missing or not lit, the driver sounding the train in distress, the driver or guard displaying a red hands signal, hazard warning indicators (flashing headlights)

Question 20

What does maintaining the clearing point mean?

Answer 20

After you have accepted a train from the signal box in the rear, you must not allow the line to be obstructed within the clearing point for that train unless one of the following applies

Question 21

What four things must you check before a train approaches?

Answer 21

1- the line, or at a facing junction the line for which the facing points are set, is clear up to and including the clearing point.
2- All points within the clearing point have been set for the safety of the approaching train.
3) No conflicting movement has been authorised that will cross or foul the line within the clearing point.
4) No train has been accepted from another direction that requires a portion of the same line within the clearing point for acceptance.

Question 22

What is the definition of a clearing point track circuit?

Answer 22

Track circuit or circuits beyond the home signal that control the block indicator.

Question 23

What does facing point locks do? 1

Answer 23

Lock the facing points

Question 24

Definition of a trap point? (Sidings)

Answer 24

Facing points at an exit from a siding or converging route that derail an unauthorised movement, so protecting the adjacent line.

Question 25

Definition of catch points? (Slope)

Answer 25

Points designed to derail vehicles running back on a gradient in the wrong direction. These points may be unworked if trains normally pass over them in one direction only.

Question 26

Principle of wrong direction movements? (Exam question)

Answer 26

A train is to return after over running a platform as long as the overrun is NOT more than 400 metres beyond platform.

Question 27

Name 6 of the 12 occasions when you may authorise a wrong direction movement.

Answer 27

returning from an overrun platform, taking a wrong route, returning from a blocked line, or when a train has failed