Railway Signalling Systems

Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of detonators in foggy weather?

To reduce the noise level

To indicate the presence of a signal to the drivers (correct)

To stop the train automatically

To increase the speed of the train

What type of signals are held by railway personnel?

Hand signals (correct)

Fixed signals

Semaphore signals

Caution indicators

What is the purpose of caution indicators?

To communicate that the track ahead is not fit for normal speed (correct)

To indicate a reduction in speed

To indicate a complete stop

To indicate the presence of a signal

What is the origin of the word 'semaphore'?

From a Greek historian Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of stop signals?

To communicate the condition of the railway line ahead Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanical assembly of a semaphore signal made up of?

An arm, a pivot, a spring stop, etc. Signup and view all the answers

What is the color of the arm of a semaphore signal facing the driver?

Red with a vertical white stripe Signup and view all the answers

What type of signals are firmly fixed on the ground by the side of the track?

Fixed signals Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between a stop signal and a permissive signal?

The driver's action when the signal is in the 'on' position Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the V-shaped notch at the free end of the warner signal's movable arm?

To distinguish it from a stop signal Signup and view all the answers

How is the light emission of a coloured light signal protected?

By using special lenses and hoods Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the system of interlocking in coloured light signals?

To display only one aspect at a time Signup and view all the answers

Where are coloured light signals typically used?

In suburban sections and sections with a high traffic density Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a calling-on signal?

To provide a secondary signal below the main semaphore arm Signup and view all the answers

How many aspects can a coloured light signal have?

Two, three, or four aspects Signup and view all the answers

What is the shape of the white strip on a warner signal?

V-shaped Signup and view all the answers

What does it indicate when the main home signal is in the horizontal position and the calling-on signal is in the inclined position?

The train is permitted to proceed cautiously. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the calling-on signal?

To call the waiting train to proceed to the station. Signup and view all the answers

What type of signal is used when a signal is not visible to the driver due to an obstruction?

Co-acting signal Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a repeater signal?

To provide an additional signal when the main signal is not visible. Signup and view all the answers

What type of repeater signal has a square-ended semaphore arm with a yellow background and a black vertical band?

Semaphore repeater signal Signup and view all the answers

Why is a calling-on signal useful in big stations and yards?

Because it helps in the quick reception of the train. Signup and view all the answers

What is the marker used to identify a repeater signal?

R marker Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a co-acting signal?

To provide an exact replica of the original signal. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of repeater signals?

To regulate shunting of vehicles in station yards Signup and view all the answers

What type of signal is used in semaphore signalling areas?

Disc type Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the two holes in a disc-type shunt signal?

For the red and green lamps for night indication Signup and view all the answers

What indicates that the points are set for the main line in a point indicator?

The white disc is visible Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a trap indicator?

To reveal whether the trap is in an 'open' or 'closed' position Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a trap is in its open position?

The vehicle is derailed Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the horizontal red band on a disc-type shunt signal at night?

It indicates that the signal is 'on' and danger Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the green light on a disc-type shunt signal?

To indicate that the signal is 'off' Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a Speed indicator?

To indicate to the driver to reduce the speed or stop Signup and view all the answers

In which direction are temporary fixed engineering signals provided in the case of double lines?

In the direction of the approaching train Signup and view all the answers

What does a Termination indicator indicate to the driver?

That the speed restriction zone has ended and normal speed can be assumed Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a Caution indicator?

To warn the driver to prepare to reduce the speed or stop the train Signup and view all the answers

Where are temporary fixed engineering signals provided in the case of single lines?

In both directions Signup and view all the answers

What does a Stop indicator or stop board indicate to the driver?

To stop the train at this location Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes