Marshalling Yards and Freight Terminals

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of a Marshalling Yard in a railway system?

To serve as a resting place for trains

To provide maintenance facilities for trains

To load and unload goods directly from trains

To receive, sort, and dispatch wagons to their destinations (correct)

Why are Marshalling Yards described as 'necessary evils'?

They are costly to maintain

They complicate the train scheduling process

They consume a lot of resources without direct productivity (correct)

They cannot accommodate large amounts of traffic

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a Marshalling Yard?

It has a network of tracks for receiving and sorting trains

It serves as a terminal for passenger trains (correct)

It is laid out in several grids for organization

It facilitates the forming and despatching of trains

What can lead to congestion in a Marshalling Yard?

Increasing the number of trains put in without taking them out Signup and view all the answers

How does the functioning of a Marshalling Yard impact the railway system?

It contributes to the efficiency of the entire railway system Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a Terminal Yard from a Marshalling Yard?

Terminal Yards are linked to goods sheds for loading and unloading Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the operational role of Marshalling Yards?

They require constant vigilance and efficient management Signup and view all the answers

Marshalling Yards are vital for which of the following reasons?

They manage the distribution of wagons efficiently Signup and view all the answers

Which time is excluded when calculating shunting engine hours?

Excess time spent over the normal time for locomotive duties Signup and view all the answers

How should the allocation of shunting engine hours to goods and coaching stock be determined?

Using a percentage basis after examining the work done Signup and view all the answers

When should the percentage allocation of shunting engine hours be rechecked?

At least once a year and when traffic type changes Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the time spent on repairs of a shunting engine in the Yard?

Excluded if it exceeds 30 minutes during a shift Signup and view all the answers

What is the basis for reckoning shunting engine hours?

From the arrival in the Marshalling Yard to departure, excluding extra time Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of retarders in a hump yard?

To prevent damage from humped wagons colliding Signup and view all the answers

Which type of siding is designated for brake vans of terminating trains?

Brake Van Siding Signup and view all the answers

What type of wagons cannot be humped and require special stock siding?

Cattle wagons containing explosives Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of skids in yards without mechanical retarders?

To control the speed of humped wagons Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT influence the speed of humped wagons rolling down?

The color of the wagons Signup and view all the answers

What is typically done with sick wagons in a sorting yard?

They are stored in a sick line for repairs Signup and view all the answers

In a large yard, what is the significance of ample stabling accommodation?

To ensure the yard remains mobile despite setbacks Signup and view all the answers

What are the possible types of operation for retarders mentioned?

Both automatic and manual Signup and view all the answers

What may skids do after a wagon comes to a stop?

They are removed or retracted Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a type of point typically found in a hump yard?

Lady points Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of an Assistant Yard Master/Shunting Master?

To control the movements of the shunting engine. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main duties assigned to the Pointsmen?

To uncouple wagons. Signup and view all the answers

In situations where the shunting work is not heavy, who takes charge?

The Shunting Jamadar. Signup and view all the answers

What function does the Trains Clerk perform in the Trains Branch?

Prepare Marshalling Yard statistics. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect is NOT typically covered in the Yard Working Instructions?

Reception and despatch procedures. Signup and view all the answers

Who holds overall responsibility for efficient working in the Trains Branch?

Head TNC or CTNC. Signup and view all the answers

How many Pointsmen are generally assigned to each shunting engine?

Three or four. Signup and view all the answers

What should the Yard Working Instructions provide in addition to the general working procedures?

General guidance for new staff. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a Shunting Jamadar in the organization?

To assist with shunting work assigned to each engine. Signup and view all the answers

What record is maintained by TNCs during shift duties?

Phase-wise Detention Register. Signup and view all the answers

What does item 3.01 refer to?

Number of by passing trains Signup and view all the answers

In the context of item 5, which of the following is a factor in calculating the number of wagons dealt with per shunting engine hour?

Number of pilots working in the station Signup and view all the answers

Which item provides information on the total number of trains dispatched?

Item 4.3 Signup and view all the answers

What does item 3.03 measure?

Number of wagons carried by by passing trains Signup and view all the answers

In item 5.1, which of the following does NOT contribute to the overall number of pilots working in the station?

Total shunting hours from all engines Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the data is concerned with the average performance of by passing trains?

Average detention to by passing trains Signup and view all the answers

Which item directly indicates the shunting hours for regular shunting engines employed in the Marshalling Yard?

Item 5.3 Signup and view all the answers

Which metric would you examine to find out the contribution of by passing trains in terms of wagons?

Item 3.03 Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of item 5.5?

To measure the total time taken for locomotive duties and minor repairs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a calculated sum of by passing and terminating trains?

Item 3.00 Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main objectives of modern Marshalling Yards?

Ensuring timely supply and placement of wagons Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary benefit of eliminating yard accidents in Marshalling Yards?

It ensures minimum damage to wagons and consignments. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect differentiates a Hump Yard from a Flat Yard?

The inclusion of gradients for sorting operations Signup and view all the answers

What element is primarily optimized in terms of productivity within Marshalling Yards?

The trailing load of the trains Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes negatively to the efficiency of Flat Yards?

Slow working rates and waste of shunting engine hours Signup and view all the answers

What is one disadvantage of Transit Yards mentioned in the content?

They have become outdated compared to modern freight terminals. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor affecting the efficiency of Yard working?

Effective communication between Yard staff Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key consideration in the operational efficiency of Marshalling Yards?

The batching of block loads for distant destinations Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of Yard management is crucial for minimizing delays during operations?

Grouping empty stock strategically Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant safety measure emphasized for Marshalling Yards?

Ensuring safe marshalling and examination patterns Signup and view all the answers

How should sick wagons be managed to ensure effective Yard operations?

Kept in specified lines strictly according to schedule Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is a common cause of trouble in the functioning of the Yard?

Irregular placement of loaded wagons in sidings Signup and view all the answers

What is one recommended practice for handling emptied stock in the Yard?

Sorting them according to type and usage Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Engine Run Round Line in a Marshalling Yard?

For the movements of train engines and shunting engines Signup and view all the answers

Which line is specifically designed to avoid an engine going over the hump?

Bypass or avoiding line Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes King Points from Queen Points in a sorting yard?

Queen Points further divide the sorting area into four portions. Signup and view all the answers

What telecommunications feature is essential for fast communication with supervisory staff in a Marshalling Yard?

Direct Dialing Trunk Facilities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a primary purpose of loudspeakers in a Marshalling Yard?

To convey instructions to various staff members Signup and view all the answers

What function do Transfer Lines serve in a Marshalling Yard?

To transfer wagons between different yards Signup and view all the answers

In a dual yard system, how are the responsibilities structured?

There are multiple Yard Masters for various shifts Signup and view all the answers

Which type of point serves to divert the rolling wagons into different grids of the sorting yard?

Jack Points Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a Shunting Neck in a Marshalling Yard?

It allows for shunting clear of running lines. Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of using walkie-talkies in a Marshalling Yard?

They improve efficiency by enabling immediate communication Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Paging and talk-back sets in a Marshalling Yard?

To issue orders from a central point to staff throughout the Yard Signup and view all the answers

What role do Engine Escape Lines play in a Marshalling Yard?

Preventing interference between outgoing and incoming engines Signup and view all the answers

What is the specific function of Gathering Lines in a Yard?

To arrange turn outs to other lines Signup and view all the answers

Who primarily oversees operations in larger Marshalling Yards?

Area Officer Signup and view all the answers

Which staff member is ultimately responsible for the overall functioning of a Marshalling Yard?

The Chief Yard Master Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a Departure Yard?

To prepare loads ready for departing trains Signup and view all the answers

What is a common issue faced by hump yards related to the descent of humped wagons?

Potential damage from collisions with other stationary wagons. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical need for effective communication in vast areas of a Marshalling Yard?

A centralized electronic exchange Signup and view all the answers

Which line in a Marshalling Yard is used to separate sorted wagons according to multiple criteria?

Marshalling Lines Signup and view all the answers

What determines the speed of humped wagons as they roll down a hump?

The combination of engine push, hump height, and wagon weight. Signup and view all the answers

What condition necessitates having multiple Yard Masters in a Marshalling Yard?

In a dual yard system with high demand Signup and view all the answers

Which area in the Marshalling Yard benefits directly from the use of loudspeakers?

Sorting Yard for staff communication Signup and view all the answers

In yards lacking mechanized retarders, what method is typically used to control humped wagon speed?

Manual skids placed by skid porters. Signup and view all the answers

What special consideration is required for certain types of wagons in a special stock siding?

They contain hazardous materials that can't be humped. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of installing retarders in a hump yard?

To provide a braking force to control wagon descent speed. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the condition of sick lines in a yard?

Wagons are sorted and then sent to these lines for repair. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for a large yard to have ample stabling accommodation?

To ensure operational mobility despite potential wagon accumulation. Signup and view all the answers

What function do skids serve in yards without mechanical retarders?

They slow down the speed of humped wagons upon descent. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is critical when managing the time spent on sick wagons?

Ensuring repairs are conducted inside the sorting yard when possible. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Marshalling Yards and Freight Terminals

A Marshalling yard is a railway facility used for receiving, sorting, and distributing wagons (freight cars) to their destinations. It is an essential element of the railway system, enabling the efficient movement of goods.
Although yards are considered indirect productivity, they are a vital operational necessity.
A congested yard can significantly impact its capacity and the overall efficiency of the railway system.

Classification of Yards

Terminal Yards are located adjacent to terminal goods sheds where wagons undergo significant loading/unloading activities. They are also used for terminating goods trains.
Marshalling Yards are nominated based on the type of work and wagons they handle.

Hump Yards

Hump yards are designed to use gravity for efficient wagon sorting.
The wagons are pushed up a hump and then allowed to roll down onto different tracks, sorted by destination.
Retarders are mechanical devices used to control the speed of the wagons as they roll down the hump, preventing damage to other wagons.
Skids are placed on sorting lines to control speed when mechanical retarders aren't available.

Other Facilities in Marshalling Yards

Brake Van Siding: Detached brake vans are stored here for later use on other trains.
Special Stock Siding: Specialized stock, like cattle wagons or wagons carrying explosives, which cannot be handled on the hump are located here.
Stabling Lines: Empty wagons or trains are stored here for future use. The size of the stabling lines should accommodate fluctuations in wagon traffic.
Sick Lines: Wagons needing repairs are placed here for evaluation and potential immediate repair.

Staff and Responsibilities

Yard Master: Oversees the overall operation of the yard.
Assistant/Shunting Master: Assists the Yard Master, manages the shunting engines.
Shunting Jamadar: Assists in handling shunting work, may be in charge for yards with less frequent shunting.
Pointsmen: Operates points switches, uncouples wagons, brakes wagons, and relays signals.
Train Clerks (TNCs): Responsible for yard statistics, maintaining wagon exchange registers, and tracking wagon detention.

Working Instructions

Yard Working Instructions are necessary for the efficient and safe operation of the yard.
Instructions should cover all aspects of yard operations, including reception and dispatch of trains, staff responsibilities, and statistics tracking.

Transit Yards

Transit Yards are used to receive and despatch trains without any shunting.
Crew changes, engine maintenance, and wagon inspections occur in Transit Yards.
Transit Yards have become less popular over the last 50 years as modern freight terminals have evolved.

Marshalling Yard Objectives

Quick Transit:
- Trains are accepted without delays at adjacent stations.
- Wagon detention in the Yard is minimized.
- Wagons are efficiently placed and removed from the Yard.
- Wagons are assembled for their final destinations.
- Wagons are marshaled according to operational efficiency.
- Outgoing trains depart on time.
Economy:
- Maximize resource productivity.
- Minimize detention of trains, engines, crews, and staff.
- Optimize train loads.
- Optimize shunting engine utilization.
Safety:
- Minimize damage to wagons and goods during shunting.
- Ensure safe marshalling and wagon examinations.
- Eliminate Yard accidents.

Kinds of Yards

Flat Yards:
- Located on flat land.
- Use engines to shunt wagons by pushing and pulling.
- Economical in space, but slow and wasteful of shunting engine time.
Hump Yards:
- Constructed with gradients between reception lines, sorting lines, and grids.
- Utilize an artificial "hump" for efficient shunting.
Marshalling Lines:
- Wagons are sorted by commodity, type, order, direction, and destination.
- Wagons are reformed into trains according to specific transportation needs.
Departure Yard:
- Used to hold loaded trains ready for departure.
- Large Marshalling Yards have dedicated Departure Yards for different directions.
Shunting Neck:
- A line leading to sorting lines, allowing for shunting away from running lines.
Gathering Lines:
- Lines with turnouts to other lines for efficient wagon routing.
Transfer Lines:
- Used to move wagons between Up and Down Yards.
Bypass or Avoiding Lines:
- A line that avoids the hump.
- Used for vehicles unable to traverse the hump.
Engine Run Round Line:
- Used for engine movements to and from the Yard or loco shed.
Engine Escape Line:
- Allows engine movements to and from the loco shed without interfering with Yard operations.
King Points:
- The first set of points a wagon encounters after passing over the hump.
- Divide the sorting Yard into two sections.
Queen Points:
- The second set of points a wagon encounters.
- Further divide the sorting Yard into four sections.
Jack Points:
- The third set of points a wagon encounters.
- Divert rolling wagons to different grids within the sorting Yard.
Retarders:
- Rail brakes used to control the speed of humped wagons.
- Prevent damage from collisions during shunting.
- Can be automatic or manually operated.
Skids:
- Used in Yards without mechanical retarders.
- Placed on sorting lines to control the speed of humped wagons.
Brake Van Siding:
- Used for detaching brakevans from terminating trains for subsequent attachment to originating trains.
Special Stock Siding:
- Designated for special stock types, such as cattle wagons or those carrying explosives.
Stabling Lines:
- Used for storing special trains or large accumulations of stock.
Sick Lines:
- Used for sorting out and repairing damaged wagons.

Telecom Equipment of Marshalling Yards

Telecommunication Arrangement:
- Extensive telecom network using an electronic exchange and intercoms.
- Essential for fast communication between different parts of the Yard.
Paging and Talk-Back Arrangement:
- Used to issue orders and instructions to staff from a central point.
Loudspeakers:
- Used to broadcast announcements and instructions to staff in specific areas.
Walkie-Talkies:
- Used to improve communication efficiency within the Yard.

Yard Organisation

Chief Yard Master:
- Responsible for overall Yard operations.
Yard Masters:
- Responsible for operational work in each shift.
- May be dedicated to specific parts of the Yard.
Field Staff:
- Includes Yard Masters, Assistant Yard Masters, and other staff.
Coordination:
- Effective operation requires coordination between control, loco shed staff, and carriage and wagon staff.
Planning:
- Yard staff must plan work in advance, collaborating with control and adjacent Yards.
Team Spirit:
- Effective Yard operation requires cooperation between all staff.
Empty Stock:
- Empty wagons should be sorted in groups and kept in designated lines.
- Special stock should be kept separately from general wagons.
Sick Wagons:
- Sick wagons should be collected and placed in designated lines.
- Repairs should be done in the Yard whenever possible.
Wagons for Adjustment or Transhipment:
- These wagons should be placed in designated lines and attended to promptly.

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Description

This quiz explores the functionality and classification of marshalling yards and freight terminals within the railway system. Understand various types of yards, including terminal and hump yards, and their significance in the effective movement of goods. Test your knowledge on the impact of yard congestion and operational necessities.