Railway Points and Crossings Overview
82 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the main responsibility of the traffic department concerning unmanned and unlocked hand points?

  • To monitor the wear and tear of checks and flanges
  • To ensure all points are completely removed from service
  • To ensure that all movements are automated and unmanned
  • To assign pointsmen to oversee the safety of hand points (correct)

    • What is the effect of a tight gauge or inadequate clearance at the crossing's nose?

  • It increases the risk of the wheel mounting the nose of the crossing (correct)
  • It allows for smoother wheel transitions and prevents derailments
  • It prevents the wheel flange from contacting the crossing
  • It causes the check rail to wear out more quickly

    • Why is it important to have the correct check block clearance and gauge at the nose of a crossing?

  • To prevent excessive wear on wing rails during operation
  • To ensure safe passage of wheels and prevent derailments (correct)
  • To allow for the proper locking of hand points
  • To ensure proper alignment of the wing rails

    • What can occur if a new wing rail is installed without considering the wear on the crossing?

    <p>It may cause the tyre to wedge between wing rails, leading to issues</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the wing rail in the context of a crossing?

    <p>To progressively relieve the load on the 'Vee' of the crossing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the stretcher bar in a switch assembly?

    <p>To prevent the toe of the tongue rail from rising</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following components is NOT part of a crossing assembly?

    <p>Toe rail</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can cause derailment in switch assemblies?

    <p>Gap between tongue and stock rail</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which part of the tongue rail is known as the 'Heel'?

    <p>The thicker edge of the tongue rail</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it necessary to provide room for the passage of wheel flanges at points?

    <p>To avoid obstruction during train movement</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the guidelines established in IRPWM Para. 237 regarding points and crossings?

    <p>No junction fish plates at stock rail joints</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the crossing assembly play in a railway track system?

    <p>To facilitate the movement of wheels over crossings</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens if the length of the tongue rail is insufficient?

    <p>The toe may jump upwards</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What could cause wing rails or check rails to be worn laterally?

    <p>Wide gauge at the crossing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the maximum allowed vertical wear on wing rail or nose of crossing?

    <p>10 mm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How should obtuse crossings be laid in relation to the acute crossing?

    <p>Square to each other</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary responsibility of the Permanent Way Inspector (PWI) regarding switches?

    <p>Correct gauging of the switches</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is used to check the sharpness of curves during inspections of points and crossings?

    <p>Recording of versines</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What might cause gaping points at switches?

    <p>A bent tongue rail</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be marked at 1.5 meter intervals on the curve lead?

    <p>Stations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what circumstances can specific relaxation be given concerning points and crossings?

    <p>When switching is off a transition portion of a curve</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During inspections, what should be checked for the condition of turn-in curves?

    <p>Condition of sleepers and fastenings</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is essential for maintaining proper gauge at a crossing?

    <p>Provision of a gauge tie plate under the nose</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a frequent cause of defective points during shunting operations?

    <p>Forcing open of points in the trailing direction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can cause the toe of switches to lift under passing wheels?

    <p>Loose heel bolts and badly packed sleepers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an indication of points being trailed through when not set?

    <p>Bent rear point rod</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What could potentially lead to derailment due to splitting of the switch?

    <p>Excessive wear in the switches</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens when the stock rail is worn out by 5 mm?

    <p>Tyres will bear on the switch head earlier than intended</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What might grease marks on the vertical side of a flange indicate?

    <p>A defective wheel with a sharp flange</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the thickness of the switch head at a distance of 450 mm from the toe?

    <p>10 mm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can the demonstration with a loaded wagon expose?

    <p>Defects leading to derailment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can prevent the proper setting of a switch?

    <p>Crushing of the switch head</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition can lead to improper closing of points?

    <p>Obstructions like stones</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What condition must at least one rail at the points and crossing meet?

    <p>Must be of the same section as the Point and Crossing assembly rail.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where should the gauge be uniform in points and crossings?

    <p>At all places except just ahead of the toe of the switch.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What indicates that a tongue rail is badly worn?

    <p>It has developed a knife edged tip of less than 2 mm over 100 mm.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the maximum allowable vertical wear for a 60 Kg tongue rail?

    <p>8 mm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What issue can arise if a tongue rail has a knife edged tip?

    <p>It is likely to break at that location.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How much lateral wear is acceptable for a 75R tongue rail?

    <p>5 mm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the maximum limit of vertical wear for a 52 Kg tongue rail?

    <p>5 mm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What gap measurement indicates a tongue rail is not housed properly against the stock rail?

    <p>More than 5 mm at the toe.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What corrective action can be taken for slight wide gauge at the toe of the switch?

    <p>Provide suitable steel packing between the stock rail and slide chair.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can a damaged tongue rail potentially be reused?

    <p>Through reconditioning and rectifying bends or twists.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the stretcher bar in a switch assembly?

    <p>To prevent the toe of the tongue rail from jumping</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component is essential to guide the movement of wheels at crossings?

    <p>Crossing assembly</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can occur if the length of the tongue rail is insufficient?

    <p>Gap formation leading to derailment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a critical aspect mentioned in IRPWM Para. 237 regarding stock rail joints?

    <p>No junction fish plates should be present</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two main types of rails included in a crossing assembly?

    <p>V rails and wing rails</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens if the stock rail is worn excessively by 5 mm?

    <p>Potential safety hazards in switch operation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What could result from the improper setting of the switch?

    <p>Increased risk of derailments</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect is crucial in the construction of a switch assembly to prevent derailments?

    <p>The gap between the tongue and stock rails</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential risk of poorly managed clearances at the nose of a crossing?

    <p>Increased likelihood of the wheel mounting the crossing nose.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can happen if a new wing rail is installed without consideration of wear on the crossing?

    <p>The tyre may become wedged, causing a derailment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the presence of a high wing rail affect the load distribution during a wheel's passage?

    <p>It progressively relieves the load on the Vee of the crossing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of packing pieces are provided for check rail blocks for IRS crossings to account for wear?

    <p>Three mm packing pieces that can be moved.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key factor in ensuring the safety of unmanned hand points?

    <p>Manning by a pointsman to secure them.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be checked during inspections of turn-in curves on loops according to the guidelines?

    <p>The condition of sleepers and fastenings</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is critical for maintaining correct gauge at the nose of a crossing?

    <p>Use of gauge tie plates</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the maximum allowable vertical wear on the nose of a crossing?

    <p>10 mm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Under what condition may specific relaxation be given concerning points and crossings?

    <p>In exceptional situations approved by the Chief Engineer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can cause derailments at switches aside from gaping?

    <p>Improperly adjusted heel bolts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be recorded at 1.5 meter intervals during inspections of turn-in curves?

    <p>The versines to check the sharpness of the curve</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common reason for wing rails or check rails to be worn laterally?

    <p>Wide gauge at the crossing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be maintained correctly in obtuse crossings with respect to the distance measured?

    <p>The distance between the throat and the nose</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the Permanent Way Inspector (PWI) have regarding switches?

    <p>To ensure proper gauging of switches</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be provided to the gauge face of the straight track in the curve lead?

    <p>Offsets to maintain consistent convergence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What indicates a tongue rail is classified as damaged due to a knife-edged tip?

    <p>Thickness of the top edge is less than 2 mm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What corrective action is suggested for adjusting slight wide gauge at the toe of the switch?

    <p>Implement steel packing between the web and the slide chair</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where should the gauge be uniform in a point and crossing assembly?

    <p>At all points except at the toe of the switch</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the maximum acceptable gap at the toe if the tongue rail is not housed properly against the stock rail?

    <p>5 mm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can be done to resend a damaged tongue rail before replacement?

    <p>Weld and rectify the bend or twist</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Under what condition can a tongue rail be classified as badly worn?

    <p>If it has vertical wear exceeding specified limits</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the conservation approach for tongue rails with a chipped length exceeding 10 mm?

    <p>They should be reconditioned and reused</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can indicate that switches have been trailed through when not set properly?

    <p>A bent rear point rod</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What mechanical issue can lead to the toe of switches lifting under passing wheels?

    <p>Very loose heel bolts and improperly packed sleepers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition can cause the switch head to crush and lead to derailment?

    <p>Worn stock rail and excessive side wear of switches</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What physical evidence might suggest a defect in a vehicle's wheel during a derailment?

    <p>Grease marks on the vertical side of the flange</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a typical sign of a defect due to excessive wear in switches?

    <p>Split switch longitudinally</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which specific design feature may lead to improper switch settings if the stock rail is worn out?

    <p>Head of the switch is 5 mm lower than the stock rail</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What might be a frequent cause of defective points during shunting operations?

    <p>Forcing points open in the trailing direction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can be an effective method for revealing defects in switches when derailment is under question?

    <p>Demonstration with a loaded wagon</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which observation on a wheel flange might highlight maintenance issues needing attention?

    <p>Presence of grease marks on the vertical side</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Points and Crossings

    • Railway stations and yards have multiple tracks for receiving and dispatching trains
    • Trains need to cross various tracks to reach the desired line
    • Points and crossings allow this movement
    • A set of points and crossing includes switch assembly, crossing assembly, and lead rail assembly
    • Switches consist of two tongue rails and two stock rails.
    • The stock rails are part of main rails whereas the tongue rails have a tapered edge (toe) that sets against the stock rails
    • The tapered edge guides the train direction. The thicker edge (heel)
    • The toe prevents wheel obstruction
    • Short tongue rails can cause toe to jump upward, affecting wheel movement
    • A stretcher bar is used in switch assembly to prevent jumping
    • Sufficient space is needed for wheel flange passage
    • Crossing assembly joins V rails, two wing rails (left/right), and two check rails
    • Fish plates should not be connected to stock rail joints or crossing heel
    • Gauge should be uniform except where switch toe is slightly slack
    • Worn or damaged stock and tongue rails should be replaced.
    • Tongue rails are deemed worn/damaged based on certain criteria including chipping/cracking, and knife-edge tips (thickness of top edge less than 2 mm)
    • Vertical and lateral wear limits exist for various rail weights (8 mm for 60 kg, 5 mm for 52 and 90R, 3 mm for 75R and 60R, etc)
    • Gauge width can be adjusted using steel packing
    • Obtuse crossings maintain correct throat-to-nose distance
    • Diamond crossings are laid square to each other with respect to acute crossing center lines.
    • Maximum wing rail vertical wear should be 10 mm.
    • Curve leads are laid using offsets from straight track gauge face to ensure correct curvature.
    • Track curves are inspected and adjusted to ensure accuracy, including correct versine check and interval observations.
    • Points and crossings maintenance follows IRPWM guidelines, which detail how to avoid derailments.

    Derailments on Points and Crossings

    • Derailments on points and crossings occur at switches
    • Gaping points (initially or during wheel passage) can be caused by bent tongue rail and improper adjustment of heel bolts
    • Obstructions (stones) can also affect correct switch settings.
    • Point derailment is caused by improper closing due to obstructions, leading to loss of lever movement
    • Defective points can lead to defective movement
    • Insufficient maintenance may lead to wheel flange issues
    • Excessive wear can lead to longitudinal splitting of the switch
    • Switch head crushing prevents proper switch setting, leading to potential derailments
    • Switch sharpness and grease marks should be checked for derailment indicators
    • Unmanned/unlocked hand points could slightly open due to lever-box play, especially with the movement of the pullover rod
    • Proper pointsman guidance and locking is crucial for safety
    • Wheel flange should not damage point structure
    • Proper check block maintenance is essential for preventing derailments
    • Loose bolts or misassembled crossings can lead to derailment. Poor switch/rail condition are possible causes including chipped or cracked tongue rails over 200mm within 1000mm from toe
    • High wing rails may derail in trailing direction, as they need proper clearance
    • Gaps greater than 5 mm are dangerous, and should be addressed.
    • Incorrect wing rail assembly or relative movement of the "Vee" and wing rail can further impact derailment proneness.
    • Wear on the wing rail will affect crossings especially in trailing direction.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Points and Crossings PDF

    Description

    This quiz covers the essential components of railway points and crossings, detailing their functions in guiding train movements across tracks. Key aspects included are the construction of switches, the role of tongue and stock rails, and the importance of assemblies in maintaining train safety and efficiency.

    More Like This

    Railway Engineering Quiz
    5 questions

    Railway Engineering Quiz

    SimplerWilliamsite1755 avatar
    SimplerWilliamsite1755
    Railway Engineering Gates and Signals Chapter 14
    79 questions

    Railway Engineering Gates and Signals Chapter 14

    SolicitousOklahomaCity avatar
    SolicitousOklahomaCity
    Railway Engineering and Construction
    43 questions

    Railway Engineering and Construction

    LuckierSun6773 avatar
    LuckierSun6773
    Railway Engineering Points and Crossings
    43 questions

    Railway Engineering Points and Crossings

    ImaginativePeachTree avatar
    ImaginativePeachTree
    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser