Form D Control System Rules

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Questions and Answers

In the context of Form D control systems, what is the critical distinction between signaled and non-signaled territory that dictates the application of specific rules?

Signaled territory relies on train dispatcher commands for all train movements, whereas non-signaled territory operates independently.
Signaled territory requires Form D authorization for every train movement, unlike non-signaled territory which permits movement based on verbal instructions.
Signaled territory is governed by ABS rules for the direction of movement, while non-signaled territory does not have ABS rules in effect. (correct)
Signaled territory has designated operators at control points, a feature absent in non-signaled territory.

Under what specific condition is a train permitted to occupy DCS territory outside yard limits without a Form D line 2 authority, according to the exceptions outlined in Rule 400?

During daylight hours on a clear track.
If the train's conductor has prior experience operating within the specified territory.
When the train is moving at a speed not exceeding 10 mph.
When entering DCS territory at a hand-operated switch to clear the switch and proceed in the opposite direction, as verbally authorized by the Dispatcher. (correct)

How does the location of a station determine the limit of authority when Form D line 2 ends at that station?

The authority always ends at the station's main entrance, regardless of the station type.
The ending point varies depending on station type: at the home signal for interlockings, as specified by the Dispatcher for passenger stations, at the fouling point for hand operated switches or the station sign for other stations. (correct)
The authority extends 500 feet beyond the station, providing a buffer zone for stopping.
The authority ends at a point determined by the train's engineer, based on visibility and safety considerations.

When is it permissible for a train to proceed beyond a home signal at an interlocking, and what specific condition must the Dispatcher ensure before granting permission for such movement?

When authorized one train length beyond the home signal via verbal permission from the Dispatcher, provided the Dispatcher ensures the track is clear and no opposing movements are authorized. (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to Rule 400, what specific action must the Dispatcher take to authorize a train to operate against the current of traffic, ensuring the safety of opposing movements?

Ensure that opposing movements are restricted by blocking devices or Form D. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What precise procedure must be followed when the Dispatcher directs the addition of further line 2 authorities to a Form D already in effect, and what critical step must occur before the addressee acts upon the additional authority?

The Dispatcher states intent, transmits the additional line 2 authority, and gives the time of the addition only after the addressee correctly repeats the authority; the addressee must not act until receiving the time of the addition. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the scenario where an additional line 2 authority is communicated to an employee on a train, what specific responsibility does the receiving employee have regarding the dissemination of this information, ensuring all relevant parties are informed?

The receiving employee must ensure that all addressed employees on the train receive the additional information and mark their Form D accordingly. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Under what precise conditions may the Dispatcher verbally authorize a train to enter DCS territory at a hand-operated switch, and what critical limitations are placed on the ensuing movement?

To clear the switch and proceed in the opposite direction, provided the track is clear and the train has a Form D for movement in that direction; the move is limited to one train length beyond the switch at Restricted Speed, with a crew member providing flag protection. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What are the designated maximum authorized speeds for passenger and freight trains when operating in non-signaled DCS territory, assuming no other restrictions are in place?

59 MPH for passenger trains and 49 MPH for freight trains. (C) Signup and view all the answers

When approaching home signals, controlled point signals, and signals at the beginning of ABS territory, what precise action must trains take, and under what specific condition is this action modified?

Trains must approach prepared to stop, unless a distant signal is in service; if delayed after passing a distant signal, they must still approach the home signal or controlled point signal prepared to stop. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In non-signaled DCS territory, a train authorized by Form D line 2 to operate in a specified direction needs to make a reverse movement. Besides receiving another Form D, what other specific procedures can be followed, and what conditions apply?

The train can reverse with verbal permission from the Dispatcher at Restricted Speed, not beyond the last point reported clear, with a crew member on the leading end; or precede the movement with a crew member at Restricted Speed, not beyond the last milepost or station; or operate with current of traffic per ABS rules after Dispatcher ensures track is clear and cancels Form D line 2. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Under what specific circumstances is a train considered to have cleared the limits of its line 2 authority when operating in a specified direction?

When it clears the limits of its line 2 authority; or when it leaves the specified track at a hand-operated switch and the switch is restored to normal position. (D) Signup and view all the answers

When a train is authorized by Form D line 2 to operate in both directions, what unique privilege does it possess regarding track occupancy, and what associated responsibilities must be fulfilled before the Form D is canceled?

The train has exclusive occupancy and switches within limits may be left reversed; before Form D cancellation, the Conductor must ensure all switches used are locked in normal position. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the event that a crew with a still-active Form D line 2 authorizing movement in both directions is relieved, what specific procedures must the relieved crew follow to ensure the safety and awareness of the incoming crew?

The relieved crew must inform the new crew of any switches left reversed; if physical contact fails, the Dispatcher must be notified, and the new crew must check with the Dispatcher before proceeding. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Under what specific conditions are train crews obligated to promptly notify the Dispatcher upon entering DCS territory, and what are the exceptions to this notification requirement?

Except when entering at an interlocking, controlled point, or TBS, or when verbally relieved from clearing by the Dispatcher; crews must notify upon entering DCS territory and clearing line 2 authority limits, except when clearing at an interlocking station or TBS. (C) Signup and view all the answers

When can trains be reported clear of DCS territory or 'complete by' intermediate points, and what specific means must an employee use to verify track clearance before reporting?

After observing the marker; observing the last car number; observing telemetry device indication; using distance measuring equipment; receiving a correct axle count from an equipment defect detector; receiving data from an Automatic Equipment Identification (AEI) reader. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the event of an ABS failure, under what precise conditions may non-signaled DCS rules be implemented as a substitute, and what preliminary actions must the Dispatcher undertake before this substitution takes effect?

DCS rules may be substituted by Bulletin Order or Form D line 6, but the Dispatcher must ensure interlocking and CP signals are at Stop and blocking devices are applied before the order or Form D takes effect. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Following the substitution of ABS with non-signaled DCS rules due to an ABS failure, what specific sets of rules become inapplicable, and what governs movement within interlocking limits or CP?

Both ABS and CSS rules do not apply; signal indication governs movement within interlocking limits or CP only. (D) Signup and view all the answers

After substituting to non-signaled DCS rules as a result of ABS failure, how should trains approach highway grade crossings equipped with automatic warning devices, and under what specific conditions is it permissible to proceed without stopping?

Trains must stop and provide on-ground warning unless the automatic warning device has been operating at least 20 seconds, or if equipped with gates, they are in the horizontal position; the leading end must not exceed 15 MPH over the crossing. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Under what specific conditions can an interlocking or controlled point be removed from service, and what crucial steps must the Dispatcher take before issuing Form D line 7 or implementing a Bulletin Order for this purpose?

If switch points are spiked or wedged for the route to be used; interlockings with movable bridges or railroad crossings at grade must not be removed from service; if a diverting route is used, Form D line 1 or Bulletin Order item must indicate speed. (C) Signup and view all the answers

When approaching hand-operated facing point switches, what specific precautions must trains take in the context of ABS failure and non-signaled DCS substitution?

Approach prepared to stop and not pass over them until it is determined that the switches are properly lined, unless otherwise instructed by Bulletin Order or Form D line 13. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios accurately describes the application and impact of Form D Control System (DCS) Rules?

DCS Rules are selectively applied as designated by Timetable, Bulletin Order, or Form D line 6, influencing train movement in both signaled and non-signaled territories. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Considering a scenario where a train is operating under non-signaled DCS territory rules, how are additions to Form D Line 2 managed to ensure safe and compliant train operations?

Additional authorities may be issued only after the Dispatcher confirms that the track is clear, communicating the intent to add a line 2 authority, transmitting the information, and providing a time only after the addressee correctly repeats the authority. (B) Signup and view all the answers

When operating in a specified direction within non-signaled DCS territory, which procedure must be followed to execute safe reverse movements?

The train must receive another Form D, line 2; or receive verbal permission from the Dispatcher and proceed at Restricted Speed, with specified limitations; or precede the movement with a crew member at Restricted Speed; or operate with the current of traffic according to ABS rules after Dispatcher approval. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances can trains be reported clear of DCS territory, and what criteria are used to confirm the train's complete passage from a particular section of the track?

The crew must ensure the Dispatcher is notified. Observation of the marker and, last, car count, telemtry devices, distance measuring equipment or data from an equipment detector or AEI all can provide data about whether the train is clear of DCS territory. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In the event of an ABS failure leading to the substitution of non-signaled DCS rules, what specific protocols must be adhered to when approaching highway grade crossings equipped with automatic warning devices?

The train must stop and provide on-ground; warning unless the device have been operating for 20 second or the gates are horizontal, the leading end must not exceed 15 MPH over the crossing. (C) Signup and view all the answers

When non-signaled DCS rules are substituted for ABS due to an ABS failure, what specific actions are required when approaching hand-operated facing point switches?

Trains must approach hand-operated facing point switches prepared to stop and not pass over them until it is determined that the switches are properly lined. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How do the rules differentiate maximum authorized speeds in non-signaled DCS territory for passenger versus freight trains and what factors might lead to further restrictions?

Passenger Trains must not exceed 59 MPH and fright trains 49 MPH unless otherwise restricted. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In what specific circumstances must the train crew notify the dispatcher of it locations?

Enter DCS territory, except when at TBS or controlled points. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Form D Control System (DCS)

A system to control train movement, designated by Timetable, Bulletin Order, or Form D.

Signaled Territory

Territory where ABS rules are in effect for the direction of movement.