Railway Signaling and Radio Codes

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Questions and Answers

What should you do when approaching a fixed automatic signal displaying a green aspect?

Slow down and prepare to stop at the next signal.

Stop 15 feet short of the signal and call OCC.

Proceed at the allowable speed, expecting the next signal to be clear. (correct)

Proceed with caution, expecting the next signal to be clear.

What is the primary action to take when approaching a fixed automatic signal displaying a yellow aspect?

Speed up to clear the block.

Stop 15 feet short of the signal and call OCC.

Proceed with caution, expecting the next signal to be clear.

Proceed with caution, being prepared to stop at the next signal. (correct)

When a fixed automatic signal displays a red aspect with an 'AK' Authorized Key-By sign, what should you do after stopping?

Proceed immediately to the next signal.

Call OCC for permission to proceed.

Reverse direction and proceed back to the previous signal.

Slowly proceed up to the signal, bridge the Insulated Joint, and stop. (correct)

What is the primary difference in procedure when approaching a fixed automatic signal displaying a red aspect with a 'No Key-By' sign?

You must call OCC for permission to proceed. Signup and view all the answers

When approaching a fixed automatic signal displaying a red aspect, where should you stop?

At the yellow insulated joint marker on the third rail protection board. Signup and view all the answers

What should you observe when bridging the Insulated Joint with the first set of wheels after stopping at a red aspect signal?

The Stop Arm goes down and stays down. Signup and view all the answers

When proceeding with Restricted Speed and Extreme Caution after stopping at a red aspect signal, what should you be prepared to find?

Track occupied, a broken rail, or other obstruction in the block. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do after bridging the Insulated Joint and stopping at a red aspect signal with an 'AK' sign?

Proceed with Restricted Speed and Extreme Caution to the next signal. Signup and view all the answers

What does a Fixed Interlocking Approach signal displaying a Red aspect with a Lunar White indicate to the train operator?

Approach at the allowable speed, expecting this signal to clear. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Countdown Timer Aspect on a Fixed Automatic Signal?

To count down to zero when grade time is in effect and a train enters the signal block. Signup and view all the answers

What does a Fixed Interlocking Standard Home Signal displaying a Yellow over Green aspect with an illuminated “S” indicate to the train operator?

Approach at the allowable speed, expecting the next signal to clear on the main route. Signup and view all the answers

What does a Fixed Interlocking Approach Signal displaying a Yellow aspect with an illuminated “D” indicate to the train operator?

Approach at the allowable speed, expecting the next signal to clear for the diverging route. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Lunar White aspect on a Fixed Interlocking Approach signal?

To indicate that the signal is displaying a countdown timer aspect. Signup and view all the answers

What does a Fixed Automatic Signal displaying a Red aspect with a Lunar White indicate to the train operator?

Approach at the allowable speed, expecting this signal to clear. Signup and view all the answers

What does a Fixed Interlocking Standard Home Signal displaying a Yellow over Yellow aspect with an illuminated “S” indicate to the train operator?

Approach at the allowable speed, expecting the next signal to clear. Signup and view all the answers

What is the general rule when approaching a Fixed Interlocking Approach signal displaying a Yellow aspect?

Approach at the allowable speed, expecting the next signal to clear. Signup and view all the answers

What must a train operator do before moving the train?

Check the signal at the leaving end Signup and view all the answers

For R46 and R68 equipment, where will an 8 car train stop?

At the 10-car sign Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a fixed miscellaneous station car stop sign?

To indicate the position where trains of all lengths must stop Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a full height station car stop sign?

To indicate the position where trains must make a precise stop Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of J/Z skip stop signs?

To alert train operators of train stopping patterns Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an OPTO station car stop sign?

To indicate the position where the first car of the train in OPTO service must stop Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a radio frequency sign?

To indicate a radio frequency changeover point Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a stop sign?

To indicate the entrance to maintenance facilities Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a Fixed Miscellaneous – Employee Loading Platform sign?

To designate where a train must stop for the first door of the first car to be abreast of the employee platform Signup and view all the answers

What does the Fixed Miscellaneous Light – Wheel Detector (WD Start Lighted Steadily) indicate?

To adjust speed and expect a diverging route Signup and view all the answers

What does the 2 horizontal red lights on a Fixed Miscellaneous Light – Train Order Signal indicate?

To stop and stay, and call the OCC for instructions Signup and view all the answers

What does the Fixed Miscellaneous – WD End Sign indicate?

That a train has cleared a wheel detector area and can resume permissible speed Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a Fixed Miscellaneous Light – Wheel Detector (WD Middle Lighted Steadily)?

To comply with previously posted speed Signup and view all the answers

What does the Fixed Miscellaneous Light – Wheel Detector (WD Middle Flashing) indicate?

To adjust to posted speed and the light will stop flashing when the train operator complies Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a Fixed Miscellaneous - Station Platform Telephone sign?

To indicate the location of a station platform telephone Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the stop arms associated with the Fixed Miscellaneous Light – Train Order Signal?

They can be placed to the tripping position even after the train has passed the signal Signup and view all the answers

What does the fixed trip stop marker sign indicate?

The position where the train must stop before the bumper Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Fixed Miscellaneous – End of Signal Control Sign?

To indicate that operations will be governed by RESTRICTED SPEED AND EXTREME CAUTION Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Fouling Point Sign?

It defines the clearing point at HAND OPERATED switches Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Fixed Miscellaneous Light - Switch Target?

To indicate the location of a hand throw switch or derailer Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Shop Door Clearance Sign?

It defines the shop door open clearance point Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Route Display Sign?

To alert the train operator of the home signal aspect Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Train Identification / Route Request Button?

To permit train operators to identify their trains or make route requests Signup and view all the answers

What action must a train operator take if they observe that any part of the train is beyond the Fouling Point Sign?

Immediately notify the dispatcher after securing the train Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Radio Codes and Fixed Automatic Signals

Fixed Automatic Signal displaying a Green aspect: Proceed at the allowable speed, expecting the next signal to be clear.
Fixed Automatic Signal displaying a Yellow aspect: Proceed with caution, be prepared to stop at the next signal.
Fixed Automatic Signal displaying a Red aspect: Stop 15 feet short of the signal or at the yellow Insulated Joint (IJ) marker on the third rail protection board, call OCC immediately.
Fixed Automatic Signal displaying a Red aspect with an “AK” Authorized Key-By sign: Stop 15 feet short of the signal, bridge the Insulated Joint with the first set of wheels, and STOP, proceed with Restricted Speed and Extreme Caution to the next signal.

Fixed Interlocking Approach Signals

Fixed Interlocking Approach Signal displaying a Red aspect with a Lunar White (on Grade Time): Approach at the allowable speed, expecting this signal to clear.
Fixed Automatic Signal displaying a Red aspect with a Lunar White (on Grade Time with a Countdown Timer Aspect): Approach at the allowable speed, expecting this signal to clear, an aspect will count down to zero when grade time is in effect.
Fixed Interlocking Standard Home Signal displaying a Red over Red aspect with a Lunar White (on Grade Time): Approach at the allowable speed, expecting this signal to clear.

Fixed Interlocking Approach Signals with Illuminated Letters

Fixed Automatic Signal displaying a Yellow aspect with an illuminated “S” (on Grade Time): Approach at the allowable speed, expecting the next signal to clear.
Fixed Interlocking Approach Signal displaying a Yellow aspect with an illuminated “S” (on Grade Time): Approach at the allowable speed, expecting the next signal to clear.
Fixed Interlocking Approach Signal displaying a Yellow aspect with an illuminated “D” (on Grade Time): Approach at the allowable speed, expecting the next signal to clear for the diverging route.

Fixed Interlocking Standard Home Signals

Fixed Interlocking Standard Home Signal displaying a Yellow over Green aspect with an illuminated “S” (on Grade Time): Approach at the allowable speed, expecting the next signal to clear, continue on the main route.
Fixed Interlocking Standard Home Signal displaying a Yellow over Yellow aspect with an illuminated “S” (on Grade Time): Approach at the allowable speed, expecting the next signal to clear, train operators must not move the train until the signal at the leaving end is a proceed signal.

Fixed Miscellaneous Signs

Fixed Miscellaneous – Station Car Stop Sign: Located within station limits to indicate the position where trains of all lengths must stop.
Fixed Miscellaneous – Full Height Station Car Stop Sign: Located within station limits to indicate the position at which trains of all lengths must stop, to make a precise stop.
Fixed Miscellaneous - J/Z Skip Stop Signs: Installed in skip stop areas to alert Train Operators of train stopping patterns.
Fixed Miscellaneous – OPTO Station Car Stop sign: Located within station platform limits to indicate the position at which the first car of the train in OPTO service must stop regardless of train length.
Fixed Miscellaneous – Radio Frequency Sign: Located near station car stop signs and conductor indication boards to indicate a radio frequency changeover point.
Fixed Miscellaneous – Stop Sign: Located at the entrance to maintenance facilities, at crosswalks in yards, and in certain other areas, train operators must stop the train and then proceed in accordance with special instructions.
Fixed Miscellaneous – Lay Up Car Stop Sign: Indicates the position at which designated trains are to be stored, the number denotes position.
Fixed Miscellaneous – Employee Loading Platform Sign: Designates where a train must stop, when signaled to do so, in order for the first door of the first car of the train to be abreast of the employee platform.
Fixed Miscellaneous - Station Platform Telephone T Sign: Located in a station to indicate the location of a system telephone.

Fixed Miscellaneous Lights

Fixed Miscellaneous Light – Wheel Detector (WD Start Lighted Steadily): Entering Wheel Detector Area, adjust speed and expect a diverging route.
Fixed Miscellaneous Light – Wheel Detector (WD Middle Lighted Steadily): Complying with previously posted speed, adjust to posted speed.
Fixed Miscellaneous Light – Wheel Detectors (WD Middle Flashing): Adjust to posted speed, the light will stop flashing and illuminate steadily when the train operator complies with previously posted speed.

Fixed Miscellaneous Signs and Lights

Fixed Miscellaneous – WD End Sign: Indicates that a maximum length train has cleared a wheel detector area and permissible speed for the track section may be resumed unless otherwise restricted.
Fixed Miscellaneous Light – Train Order Signal: Located near the entrance to under river tunnels or bridges, at stations where gap fillers are in operation, and at certain other locations, 2 horizontal red lights indicate stop and stay, call the OCC by radio or telephone for instructions.
Fixed Miscellaneous – End of Signal Control Sign: Located at the end of signal control system to indicate that operations will be governed by RESTRICTED SPEED AND EXTREME CAUTION unless otherwise indicated.
Fixed Miscellaneous – Fouling Point Sign: Defines the clearing point at HAND OPERATED switches, cars or other equipment must not pass on the connecting track while cars occupy any portion of the track between the Fouling Point Sign and the switch.
Fixed Miscellaneous Light - Switch Target: Indicates the location of a hand throw switch or derailer.
Fixed Miscellaneous – Shop Door Clearance Sign: Defines the shop door open clearance point, cars or other equipment must not attempt to pass through the doorway until the bottom edge of the door has been raised above the clearance sign.
Fixed Miscellaneous - Route Display Sign: Located at the end of the platform near the station car stop sign or along the right of way to alert the train operator of the home signal aspect that he/she must look for to stay on the appropriate route.
Fixed Miscellaneous Light - Train Identification / Route Request Button: Used in conjunction with certain home signals to permit train operators to identify their trains or to make route requests to the tower operator.

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Description

This quiz covers the rules and procedures for railway signaling and fixed automatic signals, including the meanings of different signal aspects and how to respond to them.