Speeds

Question 1

Permissible speed means…..

Answer 1

Is the normal maximum speed permitted on a section of line. This is shown in the sectional appendix and also sign posted on track. Permissible speeds can vary depending on the type of train.

Question 2

These are called differential speeds. The bottom figure always shows the higher speed it applies to which are… 3

Answer 2

Passenger trains (loaded or empty)

Parcels and postal trains (loaded or empty)

Light locomotives

(The top figure applied to all other trains eg freight)

Question 3

Temporary speed restrictions
(TSRS) temporary speed restrictions are always published in the weekly operating notice. All locations and speeds are published so that drivers are aware of the speed restriction before starting their journey.

Answer 3

See picture of AWS magnet ! This is exam hint one!

180metres between portable AWS magnet and warning board

Braking distance from warning board to speed indicator

Speed restriction between speed indicator and termination indicator

(Trains can accelerate once end of train is past the termination indicator)

Question 4

Acceleration indicator
In some cases, for both temporary and emergency speed restrictions, an acceleration indicator may be used instead of a termination indicator. The acceleration indicator allows….

Answer 4

Acceleration up to the permissible speed when the front of the train is at the position of the sign. Square sign with A on it (yellow background)

Question 5

The termination indicator shows the….

Answer 5

End of the speed restriction and requires the whole train to pass the position of the sign before accelerating back to the permissible speed. Sign with a T on it with yellow background.

Question 6

When a TSR is eased to allow a higher speed earlier than published in the WON, the warning boards and speed indicator are changed to show the higher speed.

When a TSR is removed earlier than the time shown in the WON, the warning boards and speed indicator are changed to show either the permissible speed for that line or a spate indication.

Answer 6

A spate indicator looks like….
Yellow background sign, with a black line through it (top right corner to bottom left corner)

Question 7

Spade indicator shows the speed restriction has been withdrawn or will not be imposed. Spate is an abbreviation of……

Answer 7

Speed previously advised terminated early

Question 8

Emergency speed restrictions
An emergency speed restriction (ESR) is a speed restriction that has not been published, or that has been extended or moved. Will also become an ESR.

Answer 8

ESR is…. Emergency speed restriction!

Question 9

If an ESR is imposed and it is necessary to allow trains to pass over the ESR before the equipment is in place, you must stop each train which will travel over the ESR and tell the driver….2

Answer 9

The location where the ESR begins and ends

The speed limit imposed (you do not have to do this if the train has a maximum speed that is lower than the one imposed in the ESR)

Question 10

The normal equipment used for a TSR is also provided for an ESR. But two additional pieces of equipment are required. This is to give the driver an additional warning of speed restriction, due to it not being published or being different to what was published.

Answer 10

A emergency indicator looks like….
Triangle with flat top, yellow background and 3 waves of black on it horizontal

Yellow square on track with wire either side is portable AWS magnet.

Question 11

Emergency speed restriction- see picture

Answer 11

Two AWS magnets on emergency one.

180m between AWS magnet and the next AWS magnet

180m between 2nd AWS magnet/emergency indicator and speed sign (20)

Braking distance is from 20 sign to next 20 sign

Speed restriction is from 20 sign to speed restriction ends sign! One with T on it ends it.

Question 12

The emergency indicator has two flashing white lights which must be lit at all times. It is placed adjacent to the second portable AWS magnets on, which is….

Answer 12

180 metres on the approach to the warning board.

Question 13

TSR are….

Answer 13

Published (not ESR)

Question 14

Problems with equipment
If you receive a report that a warning board, a repeating warning board or a speed indicator is…..3

Answer 14

Missing or becoming difficult to see

In a different place from the one published in the WON

Is more restrictive than that shown in the WON

Question 15

You must then….2

Answer 15

Report the defect to operations control

Tell the driver of each train which will travel over the restriction about the irregular until has been put right

Question 16

If you are told that there is anything wrong with the emergency indicator…..2

Answer 16

Report this to operations control.

Stop each train approaching the emergency indicator and tell the driver of er about the ESR until the irregularity has been put right

Question 17

If TCB areas, if all the criteria had been met, a GSMR safety broadcast may be used to advise drivers of a defective emergency indicator. If there is anything wrong with termination board or the acceration board, we do not need to….

Answer 17

Tell drivers, however it must still be reported to operations control.

Question 18

Blanket speed restrictions is….

Answer 18

A speed restriction which is imposed over an entire area as opposed to specific lines at specific locations.

For example a blanket speed restriction of 50MPH May be imposed over Scotland due to high winds so no train in Scotland can exceed 50MPH!

Question 19

If you are told by operations control that a blanket speed restriction is to be imposed, you must arrange for….

Answer 19

The driver of each affected train to be told about the speed restriction and the locations between which it is to be observed.