Critical Zone A Lesson Points

Question 1

Who controls the interlocking’s in Penn?

Answer 1

Console operator PSCC

Question 2

Each interlocking within Penn station has a unique numbering sequence, describe each.

Answer 2

West end interlocking’s:

A - trks 1-18 ( 0 - 199 series)

KN - trks 19-21 ( 400 series)

East end interlocking’s:

JO - trks 5-15 ( 500 series)

C- trks 16-21 ( 600 series)

Question 3

Is it possible to get to track 17 from JO? How?

Answer 3

Yes, proceed to ladder track governed by 558w

Question 4

What must be considered when leaving east off of the tracks 5–9 on an approach signal?

Answer 4

You must be aware of the “wall” signal 516E only becomes visible when one car length away

Question 5

Which lines can be accessed from JO?

Answer 5

1 & 2

Question 6

Describe how the number plates on the westbound signals change at JO.

Answer 6

On tracks 10 through 13 inclusive the westbound traffic signals change to the 0–199 series. This is considered MP 0.

Question 7

What tracks are included in C interlocking?

Answer 7

16-21

Question 8

What lines can be accessed through C interlocking?

Answer 8

Line 3 & 4

Question 9

What interlocking is on the north west end of the station?

Answer 9

KN

Question 10

What tracks are included in KN interlocking?

Answer 10

19-21

Question 11

Where is the signal (436w) on the west end of 21 track located?

Answer 11

Between 10 and 12 car markers protecting the switch to 9 and 10C

Question 12

What yard tracks does 436w signal govern the entrance to?

Answer 12

9C & 10C

Question 13

Where are the eastbound signals on these tracks located?

Answer 13

Low home signals on the ground

Question 14

Where is the next westbound signal 426w located?

Answer 14

Hanging from the ceiling just west of the west and of platform 11

Question 15

What ladder does 426w govern the entrance to?

Answer 15

F ladder

Question 16

What tracks can be accessed by 426W signal?

Answer 16

4 Lead, 1 & 2C

Question 17

What tracks can 8C be accessed from?

Answer 17

20 Only

Question 18

What lead tracks can be accessed from track 18?

Answer 18

Ladder I and G

Question 19

What Ladders are on the north west end of the station?

Answer 19

Ladder G, I, F

Question 20

What tracks can be accessed from the ladders?

Answer 20

Heading west from these ladders the following tracks are accessible:
2x-6x, 1-4 lead

Question 21

Describe the location of the signal 32w at the west end of 14 track

Answer 21

Hanging from the ceiling protecting movements to the G ladder

Question 22

Describe the physical location of signal 64w

Answer 22

The signal is on the post office bridge and is the first signal west of the 32W. It is often mistaken as the westward exiting signal on track 14.

Question 23

What is the largest interlocking in Penn station?

Answer 23

A

Question 24

How many eastbound home signals does A have?

Answer 24

A lot

Question 25

What tracks can be accessed from A interlocking?

Answer 25

1-18

Question 26

What tracks have westbound signals at 9th Avenue?

Answer 26

3x and 4x

Question 27

Which tracks have westbound signals at 10th Ave.?

Answer 27

1x - 6x

Question 28

How many X tracks are there?

Answer 28

6 | 1x-6x

Question 29

How many interlocking's are within Penn station?

Answer 29

Four: A, JO, KN, C

Question 30

What tunnels can be accessed from the X tracks?

Answer 30

North river tunnels 2 and 3

Question 31

What ladders lead to the North River tunnels?

Answer 31

Ladder tracks M U I G

Question 32

What ladders lead to the Empire tunnels?

Answer 32

M and U

Question 33

How many yards are in Penn station?

Answer 33

4 A, C, D, E

Question 34

Are there any fixed signals in Erie (E) yard?

Answer 34

Yes. There are exiting signals to 1a and 1 station

Question 35

How many tracks are there in E yard?

Answer 35

7 1E-6E. The ladder is 7E

Question 36

Are there fixed signals in D yard? If so, describe them. Westbound and eastbound.

Answer 36

Yes Westbound: on 1,3,4,5 and 6D Eastbound: on 6,5,4, and 3D

Question 37

Which mainline track can be accessed westbound through D yard?

Answer 37

#2 main

Question 38

What else is this D yard track used for?

Answer 38

Storing of engines

Question 39

What is unique about D yard track?

Answer 39

It has a westbound color light signal Mounted on a pedestal

Question 40

Are there any derails in Penn station?

Answer 40

Yes, on the west end of #5 spur

Question 41

Which tracks can the empire tunnel be accessed from?

Answer 41

Station tracks1 thru 9 via #2 main

Question 42

Where are the automatic signals in Penn station?

Answer 42

Eastbound W04 signals. Located on tracks 1X and 2X at the 10th ave. signal bridge

Question 43

Penn station station pages

Answer 43

``` PSCC A R-PSCC KN R-PSCC New York C R-PSCC JO R-PSCC F R-PSCC Harold R-PSCC ```

Question 44

Track 18 has platforms on both sides of the track. Which side must you open?

Answer 44

North side only

Question 45

Where is the mail dock platform located?

Answer 45

Between 1D and 3D

Question 46

Where is the middle track (Kelly track) located?

Answer 46

At JO Between No. 1 and No. 2 tracks

Question 47

Which tracks are the middle tracks?

Answer 47

tracks 10 through 13

Question 48

Locate the ladder tracks and what tracks do the lead to.

Answer 48

South side: M- leads to tracks 1 to 9 (106w signal) U- leads to tracks 2 to 9 (92w signal) Northside: F- leads from LIRR WSY lead 4 to 20 and 21 I- leads to tracks 14(64w signal) thru 18 G- leads to tracks 14 to 19

Question 49

Track capacities

Answer 49

``` 8 cars- 1, 5 10 cars- 2,3,4 11 cars- 6 12 cars- 7,16,17,18,19,20,21 14 cars- 8, 15 15 cars- 9 16 cars- 14 17 cars- 10,13 18 cars- 11 19 cars- 12 ```

Question 50

X tracks connect the North River tunnel tracks to the station:

Answer 50

``` 1X Leads to station tracks 1 to 9 2X Leads to station tracks 1 to 18 3X Leads to station tracks 1 to 19 4X Leads to station tracks 1 to 19 5X Leads to station tracks 2 to 19 6X Leads to station tracks 14 to 19 ```

Question 51

What rules are in effect in the East River tunnels?

Answer 51

261 409 Automatic block