Interim 3

Question 1

Draw and fully label a diagram of an absolute block signalling system with two signal boxes. Identify signals for both, including an intermediate section and any related track equipment show which signals are controlled by which box.

Answer 1

Question 2

What is service breaking distance?

Answer 2

Service breaking distance is the area between the first restrictive signal and the stop signal. This is set to allow trains to stop safely and comfortably under normal braking.
4 aspect - double yellow to red
3 aspect - single yellow to red

Question 3

What is permissive working?
How would you be signalled into a platform under permissive working in both absolute block and colour light signalling?

Answer 3

Permissive working, allows one or more trains into a section

Permissive working is allowed in
* signal
* block
* dead end platform areas as mentioned in the sectional appendix.

Coloured light.
You will be authorised into a platform, working permissively by an associated position. Light
(note, main aspect will remain at danger.)

Semaphore :
See image of mini semaphore in proceed status

Question 4

State a number of RISKS which need to be mitigated when being permissively worked into a platform

Answer 4

Risk of collision.
Risk of injury.
Risk of damage to infrastructure or other vehicles.

Question 5

What are GWRs regulations for permissive working movements into platforms?

Answer 5

No more than 10 mph
Travel at extreme caution
Stop short of signal or another vehicle (Min 6ft)
Low power notch’s

Question 6

What is meant by the instruction to proceed at caution?

Answer 6

If instructed to proceed at caution, you must, as well as not exceeding any specified speed,

*proceed at a speed which takes account of conditions (such as the distance you can see to be clear), that will allow you to stop the train short of any train, vehicle or other obstruction, or the end of your movement authority.

Expect the line to be occupied

Question 7

Why is a banner repeater provided on the approach to some main signals?

Answer 7

Banner repeaters are provided due to poor sighting of the main signal
They are sighted 7 seconds away (normal speed) to provide advanced warning

Question 8

In areas of colour light signals what are distant signals and how can they be identified ?

Answer 8

Distant signals are signals that cannot show a red aspect

On the signal identification plate they can have

R
RR
Or a triangle 🔺(white on black background)

Question 9

If a signal is required to display more routes than available on a junction indicator, how will this be achieved?

Answer 9

By using a route indicator

Question 10

You are passing through a station and you observe an activated SPAD indicator. What has happened and what should you do?

Answer 10

Someone in the area has had a SPAD

Stop and secure the train
Contact the signaller - follow all instructions

Question 11

Draw a yellow ground position disc in the on/off positions

Answer 11

Question 12

You observe both lights out on a limit of shunt indicator applicable to your line. When must you stop and report to the signaller? What must you do then?

Answer 12

Stop immediately
Report to signaller
Complete form RT3185

Question 13

What is the definition of a bi-directional line?

Answer 13

A line signalled in both directions with no priority of direction of travel

Question 14

What is the definition of a reversible line?

Answer 14

A track on which traffic may be worked in either direction (bi directional) *Network rail definition.

Normal flow of traffic priority
Reversible when in degraded mode.

Question 15

What is the authority to enter a single line worked by token?

Answer 15

The correct token
The entrance signal showing a proceed aspect

Question 16

Under what circumstances can a driver enter a single line without procession of the token?

Answer 16

P - pilot-man working
A - assisting a failed train
L - line under procession
M - modified working
S - shunting purposes (electric)

Question 17

If there is more than one loco on the train, what is the rule regarding the token?

Answer 17

Show token to all drivers
Keep token in leading cab

Question 18

What does OTDR stand for and what is the purpose of this equipment?

Answer 18

On Train Data Recorder

Monitoring of drivers actions for example,
Speed
Reactions to AWS
TPWS
Braking

Question 19

What does DSD stand for and what is it’s purpose?

Answer 19

Drivers Safety Device
Also know as dead man’s handle

Monitors drivers pressure on foot pedal. If driver releases pressure this will instigate a bleeping noise, which, after a number of seconds, will apply the emergency brakes.

Question 20

Where would you find TPWS sensors?

Answer 20

Major junctions
Some signals (protecting locations)
Buffer stops
Level crossings
Some PSR

Question 21

What are the drivers actions after a TPWS brake demand?

Answer 21

Secure train
DRA set
Contact signaller
Complete paperwork RT3185
Follow all instructions

Press reset button on panel to allow for 60 second timer to start. This will then give brake release.

Question 22

Give three examples of where you would find AWS magnets?

Answer 22

TSR
PSR (some)
EROS
Distance signals

Question 23

What is the permitted maximum speed of the AWS/TPWS is FULLY isolated?

Answer 23

With a competent person (C/P) - line speed
No C/P - 40 mph
Fog or snow With or Without C/P 40mph

Question 24

What does DRA stand for and what is it’s purpose?

Answer 24

Drivers Reminder Appliance
When used correctly, for example, changing ends/drivers starting on single yellow - will stop the driver taking power acts as a reminder for the driver to question why is it set

Question 25

List 12 items of on train equipment relevant to your traction that must be reported Immediately, if defective?

Answer 25

Speedo Headlight/taillight DSD Dragging brake Complete lost of horn GSM-R Windscreen broken or obstructed Lifeguard missing Hot axle box Sanders (low adhesion) if you feel you would have trouble stopping Windscreen wipers (rain or snow)

Question 26

What does TCA stand for and what is it’s purpose?

Answer 26

Track Circuit Actuator Shows the presence of the train on the signallers panel via equipment underneath the train. This equipment boosts the signal in TCB areas

Question 27

When can you continue normally with a defective/isolated TCA?

Answer 27

If you have at least one working in the rear two and one working in the front two vehicles.

Question 28

Who must you inform of an external orange hazard light remains on during the running of a train?

Answer 28

The signaller so they can advise other drivers

Question 29

What are the applicable speeds for a defective headlight and reasons?

Answer 29

Failed headlight - switch to other headlight ie day to night etc. - line speed Total failure - 20mph and sound horn frequently to warning anyone on or near the line including trackside workers.

Question 30

What are your actions if there is a complete failure of the tail-lights on your train?

Answer 30

Stop and report to signaller Follow all instructions Organise for a red light to be fitted or placed in the rear

Question 31

If a hot axle box has been activated, what are the sequences of events that will occur?

Answer 31

Signaller will bring you to a stand Signaller will inform driver what axle and side of train Driver to examine (Don’t forget to obtain line block if needed)

Question 32

Hot axle box- If you are unable to examine within 10 mins what speed must you proceed at?

Answer 32

20 mph

Question 33

If there is no evidence of a hot axle box found during your inspection but a second hot axle box detector is activated, if authorised to continue what is your maximum speed?

Answer 33

20 mph

Question 34

If there is evidence of a hot axle box and there is doubt over the safety of any movement, at what speed must the train be driven?

Answer 34

10 mph 5 mph over points/crossings

Question 35

Can a train enter service with a missing lifeguard?

Answer 35

No

Question 36

What are the instructions if the speedo fails in service?

Answer 36

Stop and report to signaller immediately Follow all instructions Keep the train at a speed that you know will not exceed any speed restrictions (travel at caution) Fill out the repair book or via tablet

Question 37

What are the risks of starting a train with a NOT TO BE MOVED board attached?

Answer 37

Injury/ death Collision Damage to railway infrastructure

Question 38

What is the maximum speed a train can travel if it has been established that there are serious flats less than 60mm in length?

Answer 38

20 mph

Question 39

What are your instruction if there is a partial failure of the horn?

Answer 39

Report to signaller at first opportunity Report to your TOC/maintenance control Follow all instruction given by both Add details into repair book or via tablet

Question 40

What are you actions if you have complete failure of the warning horn?

Answer 40

Report immediately to signaller Follow all instructions Do not move until authorised Maximum speed 20mph

Question 41

You are driving your rain and observe track workers on the line. You have blown your warning horn (high/low tone) but the group have failed to move to a place of safety. What must you do?

Answer 41

Sound horn again - Still no response Apply emergency brake Bring train to a stand Report immediately to the signaller

Question 42

The rule book states 16 reasons to pass a signal at danger with authority from the signaller - list 5

Answer 42

Think 🤔 P A S S E S R E D S I G N A L & Check line P - pilotman or modified working applies A - assist a failed train / evacuate passengers from a failed train S - shunting purposes, a main aspect or stop signal is to be passed at danger when there is no associated position-light or semaphore shunting signal, or an EoA passed when it is not possible to issue an MA. S - Single line working applies E - ERTMS equipment is defective or disconnected and is preventing an MA from being issued. S - starting beyond the signal (The signal cannot be cleared because a train or movement which has reversed is then required to start ahead) R - remove a portion of a divided train / remove a train or vehicles that have proceeded without authority. E - electric train is to pass the signal or EoA protecting an isolated section and proceed towards the limiting point. D - defective or disconnected signal S - section signal cannot be cleared. (A train has been accepted using restricted acceptance because the line is clear only up to the home signal of the next signal box) I - In an emergency, and then only when authorised by the signal box supervisor or Operations Control, on a TCB or ERTMS line a signal or EoA is to be passed, so that a train carrying passengers can enter an occupied section to use a station platform. G - gain access to: * a station where the train is required to start back * a line under single line working * a siding. N - no authority - A train is to enter the section after: * a train or vehicle that has proceeded without authority has been removed, or * the front portion of a divided train has passed through the section. A - An engineering train is to: * move towards a possession, or * leave a line under possession at an intermediate point. * engineering train is to move towards a protection zone. L - level crossing equipment has failed and signal cannot be cleared 1. The line is to be examined to check that it clear

Question 43

Who can authorise a driver to pass a signal at danger?

Answer 43

Driver Shunter Hand-signaller Pilot-man Any person mentioned in the rule book

Question 44

What are the drivers actions for passing a signal at danger with authority?

Answer 44

Reset DRA TPWS override Proceed at caution 15mph over points/crossings Follow all instruction given by signaller

Question 45

What signal can drivers pass at danger on their own authority and under what circumstances?

Answer 45

Control signal - when the driver can confirm the signal box is closed and only when the driver has exhausted all means of contacting the signaller.

Question 46

What precautions must be made through the section after passing a signal at danger on your own authority?

Answer 46

Proceed at caution - expect the line to be occupied 15mph over points/crossings Only pass through a tunnel if you know it is definitely clear and at 10mph Stop at the next stop signal and try to contact the signaller.

Question 47

What are the areas on the WON

Answer 47

A - temp speed B - engineering works C - signalling (permanent way) D - other notes / anything else

Question 48

Speeds with a DSD failure?

Answer 48

Line speed with CP 60 MPH no CP

Question 49

Speed if complete lost of horn and lights

Answer 49

20 mph for each Remember Eyes 👀 & ears 👂