Podcast
Questions and Answers
Under what condition is a train permitted to enter ABS territory without a proceed indication on a controlled signal?
Under what condition is a train permitted to enter ABS territory without a proceed indication on a controlled signal?
- When the train is behind schedule and needs to make up time.
- When the territory is known to have faulty signal.
- When the train is operated at restricted speed.
- When verbal permission is obtained from the Dispatcher. (correct)
When verbal permission is given to enter Rule 261 territory, what specific information must be included with the permission?
When verbal permission is given to enter Rule 261 territory, what specific information must be included with the permission?
- The maximum authorized speed.
- The number of passengers onboard.
- The type of locomotive being used.
- An authorized direction of movement. (correct)
What action must crew members take at a hand-operated switch NOT equipped with a bolt lock or an electric lock after receiving permission to enter ABS territory?
What action must crew members take at a hand-operated switch NOT equipped with a bolt lock or an electric lock after receiving permission to enter ABS territory?
- Ensure the switch is lined and secured, then wait for a proceed signal.
- Contact the dispatcher again to confirm the route.
- Promptly operate the switch, then wait 5 minutes before starting train movement. (correct)
- Immediately proceed through the switch and continue at normal speed.
Under what circumstance should the switch be secured in the normal position after receiving permission to enter ABS territory, even after the crew has begun the 5-minute waiting period?
Under what circumstance should the switch be secured in the normal position after receiving permission to enter ABS territory, even after the crew has begun the 5-minute waiting period?
What is the procedure at switches equipped with an electric lock when entering ABS territory?
What is the procedure at switches equipped with an electric lock when entering ABS territory?
Under what condition can the Dispatcher relieve crew members from the 5-minute waiting period at a hand-operated switch?
Under what condition can the Dispatcher relieve crew members from the 5-minute waiting period at a hand-operated switch?
What action must a train take when entering an ABS block between signals?
What action must a train take when entering an ABS block between signals?
Under what condition can a train proceed according to cab signal rules and signals when entering a block between signals?
Under what condition can a train proceed according to cab signal rules and signals when entering a block between signals?
Under what condition can a train make a reverse movement, at Restricted Speed, within the limits of the same block?
Under what condition can a train make a reverse movement, at Restricted Speed, within the limits of the same block?
What action must the Dispatcher take before permitting a train to make a reverse movement within the limits of the same block?
What action must the Dispatcher take before permitting a train to make a reverse movement within the limits of the same block?
What authorization is required for a train to make a reverse movement beyond the limits of the block on tracks where Rule 251 is in effect?
What authorization is required for a train to make a reverse movement beyond the limits of the block on tracks where Rule 251 is in effect?
In what specific manner must verbal permission be given to re-enter a block when Rule 261 is in effect?
In what specific manner must verbal permission be given to re-enter a block when Rule 261 is in effect?
What must the Dispatcher determine before verbally authorizing movement against the current of traffic at an interlocking?
What must the Dispatcher determine before verbally authorizing movement against the current of traffic at an interlocking?
Besides the dispatcher, who else must the Operator communicate with when authorizing movement against the current of traffic at an interlocking, and why?
Besides the dispatcher, who else must the Operator communicate with when authorizing movement against the current of traffic at an interlocking, and why?
What is the restriction for a train that has passed a block signal and stops for any reason other than a passenger train making a station stop, if cab signals are NOT in service?
What is the restriction for a train that has passed a block signal and stops for any reason other than a passenger train making a station stop, if cab signals are NOT in service?
What action must a push-pull train take if it has passed a distant signal and then reduces speed to less than 10 MPH?
What action must a push-pull train take if it has passed a distant signal and then reduces speed to less than 10 MPH?
Who is responsible for reporting to the Dispatcher when a train clears a block at a hand-operated switch or crossover and the switch(es) have been restored to normal position?
Who is responsible for reporting to the Dispatcher when a train clears a block at a hand-operated switch or crossover and the switch(es) have been restored to normal position?
What must occur before a train re-enters a block when hand-operated switches have been restored to normal position, even though the train has not been reported clear of the block?
What must occur before a train re-enters a block when hand-operated switches have been restored to normal position, even though the train has not been reported clear of the block?
What specific authority is required for trains that might not shunt track circuits to operate in ABS territory?
What specific authority is required for trains that might not shunt track circuits to operate in ABS territory?
What action must the Dispatcher take when admitting a train that might not shunt track circuits to a block where Rule 261 is in effect?
What action must the Dispatcher take when admitting a train that might not shunt track circuits to a block where Rule 261 is in effect?
If the condition of the track is such that track circuits may fail to shunt properly, what is the restriction on train movements between TBS’s, interlockings, or controlled points?
If the condition of the track is such that track circuits may fail to shunt properly, what is the restriction on train movements between TBS’s, interlockings, or controlled points?
What must be applied to the controls of switches and signals leading to the affected track when the condition of the track is such that track circuits may fail to shunt properly?
What must be applied to the controls of switches and signals leading to the affected track when the condition of the track is such that track circuits may fail to shunt properly?
In non-ABS territory, what does an automatic block signal indicate the condition of the track between?
In non-ABS territory, what does an automatic block signal indicate the condition of the track between?
Where can an “End Automatic Block” sign be used in addition to its use in non-ABS territory?
Where can an “End Automatic Block” sign be used in addition to its use in non-ABS territory?
What does the last automatic block signal indicate when an “End Automatic Block” sign is used at the end of ABS territory?
What does the last automatic block signal indicate when an “End Automatic Block” sign is used at the end of ABS territory?
Flashcards
Automatic Block Signal (ABS) System
Automatic Block Signal (ABS) System
A system using signals to control train movement within blocks, indicating track occupancy ahead.
Entering ABS Territory
Entering ABS Territory
A train cannot enter ABS territory without a proceed signal or dispatcher permission.
5-Minute Wait Rule
5-Minute Wait Rule
After receiving permission to enter ABS territory at a hand-operated switch, crew members must wait 5 minutes before starting train movement.
Dispatcher Relief
Dispatcher Relief
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Speed Entering ABS Territory
Speed Entering ABS Territory
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Reverse Movement Within a Block
Reverse Movement Within a Block
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Reverse Movement Beyond Block (Rule 251)
Reverse Movement Beyond Block (Rule 251)
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Reverse Movement Beyond Block (Rule 261)
Reverse Movement Beyond Block (Rule 261)
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Movement Against Current at Interlocking
Movement Against Current at Interlocking
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Delay in a Block
Delay in a Block
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Push-Pull Train Speed After Stop
Push-Pull Train Speed After Stop
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Reporting Clear
Reporting Clear
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Re-entering a Block
Re-entering a Block
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Non-Shunting Trains
Non-Shunting Trains
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Track Condition Non-Shunting
Track Condition Non-Shunting
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ABS Signal in Non-ABS Territory
ABS Signal in Non-ABS Territory
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'End Automatic Block' Sign
'End Automatic Block' Sign
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Study Notes
- Automatic Block Signal (ABS) Rules apply only where designated and control train movement via fixed signals or cab signals.
- ABS signals show the occupancy or track condition ahead and authorize train movements under normal conditions.
Occupying or Fouling ABS Territory (Rule 500)
- Trains need proceed indication on a controlled signal or dispatcher permission to enter ABS territory.
- Permission to enter Rule 261 territory requires an authorized movement direction.
Crew Responsibility at Hand-operated Switch (Rule 500A)
- For switches without bolt or electric locks, wait 5 minutes after operating the switch before moving.
- If a train approaches, secure the switch and re-obtain permission from the dispatcher.
- For switches with bolt locks but no electric lock, operate the bolt lock and wait 5 minutes before operating the switch.
- For switches with electric locks, movement can begin once the switches are correctly lined.
Relief from 5 Minute Wait (Rule 500B)
- Dispatcher can waive the 5-minute wait if no trains are moving towards the switch from the last TBS, interlocking, or controlled point.
- Crew must notify the dispatcher immediately after lining the switches.
- The dispatcher must not authorize movement from the last TBS until notified.
Speed Entering ABS Territory Between Signals (Rule 500C)
- Trains must proceed at Restricted Speed until the entire train is within the block and beyond the next signal.
- In cab signal territory, trains follow cab signal rules.
Reverse Movement Within the Limits of the Same Block (Rule 501)
- Trains can reverse at Restricted Speed within the same block if preceded by a crew member ready to stop opposing movements.
- The dispatcher can authorize reverse movements at Restricted Speed with a crew member at the leading end.
- Before authorization, the dispatcher confirms the track is clear and applies blocking devices against opposing movements.
Reverse Movement Beyond the Limits of the Block (Rule 502)
- On Rule 251 tracks, reverse movement beyond block limits requires Form D line 2 authority.
- On Rule 261 tracks, reverse movement needs dispatcher permission after confirming:
- Track is clear of opposing movements.
- Signals for opposing movements are at Stop.
- Blocking devices are applied.
- Verbal permission must include the direction and limits of the reverse movement.
- Movement proceeds at Restricted Speed until a more favorable signal is received.
Train Movement Against Current of Traffic at an Interlocking (Rule 503)
- Dispatcher can authorize movement against the current of traffic at an interlocking, limited to one train length beyond the home signal, after ensuring:
- The track is clear of opposing movements.
- Signals for opposing movements are at Stop.
- Blocking devices are applied.
- The Operator must communicate with the next control point to prevent opposing movements.
- Blocking devices remain until the movement is completed.
Delay in a Block (Rule 504)
- These restrictions do not apply to trains with working cab signals or those experiencing cab signal failure in Rule 562 territory.
Trains Making Stops Other Than Station Stops (Rule 504A)
- After stopping (other than station stop), trains proceed at Restricted Speed until the next signal shows a proceed indication and the track is clear to that signal.
Push-Pull Trains Making Station Stops or Slow Movement After Passing Distant Signal (Rule 504B)
- Must approach the home signal prepared to stop and not exceed 40 MPH.
- Trains can resume the speed authorized by the distant signal when the home signal displays a proceed indication.
- If a push-pull train makes a stop other than a station stop in any block, paragraph (A) of this rule applies.
Clearing a Block, Switches Restored to Normal Position (Rule 505)
After Train Clears a Block: Reporting Clear (Rule 505A)
- Trains must report clear to the dispatcher after clearing a block at a hand-operated switch or crossover, once switches are restored to normal.
At Hand-operated Switch or Crossover: Permission to Reenter Block (Rule 505B)
- Even if not reported clear, trains need dispatcher permission to re-enter the block after switches are restored to normal.
Trains that Might Not Shunt (Rule 506)
- Operation in ABS territory requires dispatcher authorization.
- Following movements between TBS’s or controlled points are not allowed unless directed by Form D line 13 at Restricted Speed.
- Blocking devices are necessary to prevent following movements.
- Signals may authorize entry but must revert to Stop once the train is in the block.
- The dispatcher must notify the adjoining territory’s dispatcher about the non-shunting train.
- Rule 261 requires notification and blocking device protection against opposing movements before the train enters the block.
Track Conditions that May Cause Non-shunting (Rule 507)
- If track conditions may cause non-shunting, only one train is allowed between TBS’s or controlled points, unless directed by Form D line 13 at Restricted Speed.
- Blocking devices protect switches and signals leading to the affected track.
- Signals are only displayed for immediate movement and then immediately restored to Stop.
Automatic Block Signal Used in Non-ABS Territory (Rule 508)
- Indicates the track condition to the next signal or the "End Automatic Block" sign.
“End Automatic Block” Sign Used in ABS Territory (Rule 509)
- The last automatic block signal indicates track condition only to the "End Automatic Block" sign.
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