Train Operator Exam Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the BEST procedure for a train operator to follow if in doubt as to the meaning of any rule, regulation, or instruction?

obtain an explanation for the dispatcher

Before leaving his train for any reason, what must a conductor first do?

open an emergency brake valve

How long must a conductor wait after fully opening the doors of a train in the station before closing them?

ten seconds

How many minutes before the scheduled leaving time must the train's identification equipment be properly displayed?

two Signup and view all the answers

When making a station stop, where must the first car of the train stop?

opposite the proper station car stop sign for the length of the train Signup and view all the answers

What must a train operator do if the train whistle/horn becomes inoperative enroute?

call the control center, then proceed at restricted speed with extreme caution to the next station and discharge passengers Signup and view all the answers

A train operator observing that the tower operator has set up the wrong route should signal with ________ whistle blasts.

four short Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when a train operator sounds three short blasts on the train whistle?

calling for a road car inspector Signup and view all the answers

What does a train operator recognize when hearing one long blast on the tower whistle in a yard?

all trains within the interlocking limits to come to an immediate stop Signup and view all the answers

When a train bypasses a station platform, what speed must the train operator not exceed?

15mph Signup and view all the answers

What is an absolute block?

section of track that can be occupied by no more than two trains at a time Signup and view all the answers

What is an interlocking?

a section or sections of track where the signals and switches are controlled by a tower Signup and view all the answers

What is a timetable in train operations?

the authority for the movement of regular trains in passenger service Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition must a train operator accept a route from the express to local track?

local route does not divert him from their scheduled line Signup and view all the answers

Who must train operators report to?

train dispatchers, superintendents (RTO), yard dispatchers Signup and view all the answers

When must train dispatchers observe that there is sufficient air by examining the duplex air gauge?

in every instance before starting a train, before rounding curves, before approaching descending grades Signup and view all the answers

If for any reason some side doors of the train fail to open, what must the conductor allow?

ample opportunity Signup and view all the answers

What must a train operator do if he must leave his train while enroute?

the train must always be secured Signup and view all the answers

A train may run ahead of schedule if?

ordered to do so by proper authority Signup and view all the answers

What type of lantern may a proceed hand signal never be given with?

red Signup and view all the answers

What type of signal is never clear but always displays a red aspect?

marker Signup and view all the answers

What does the signal indicate at 4-23?

Stop and call Signup and view all the answers

What does the signal at 24-4 indicate?

approach with caution at allowable speed and the next signal will clear Signup and view all the answers

What does the indication of the signal at 4-25 mean?

Proceed Signup and view all the answers

What does the signal at 5-26 mean?

proceed with caution, prepared to stop at next signal Signup and view all the answers

What does the indication of the illuminated sign at 5-27 represent?

beginning of grade timing section at the indicated speed Signup and view all the answers

What does the sign at 5-28 mean?

there are no electrically operated signals beyond this point Signup and view all the answers

What is represented by the non-illuminated sign shown at 5-29?

station car stop sign for 6-car trains Signup and view all the answers

What does the sign at 5-30 signify?

reverse move for 4-car trains Signup and view all the answers

What does the signal aspect at 5-31 indicate?

proceed normally on diverging route Signup and view all the answers

What does the signal indicate at 6-32?

Proceed on diverging route expecting next signal to be red Signup and view all the answers

What does the signal aspect at 6-33 mean?

stop and stay Signup and view all the answers

What does the signal aspect at 6-34 indicate?

proceed on diverging route expecting next signal to be clear Signup and view all the answers

What does the aspect at 6-35 mean?

proceed, prepared to stop at next signal on main route Signup and view all the answers

What does the signal aspect at 7-36 indicate?

stop, operate automatic stop, manual release, observe automatic stop arm go down fully then proceed with restricted speed and extreme caution Signup and view all the answers

What does the aspect at 7-37 mean?

yard indication signal used in place of call-on Signup and view all the answers

What does the sign at 7-38 indicate?

a point at which a 6-car train may resume allowable speed Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a fouling point sign?

define the clearance point at hand-operated switches Signup and view all the answers

What does the signal aspect at 7-40 indicate?

proceed with caution prepared to stop within vision, expecting to find track occupied Signup and view all the answers

What is the train operator whistle signal to call for assistance?

long-short-long-short Signup and view all the answers

Block signals which are normally at danger and which enforce train operation at a predetermined reduced speed are classified as _____ signals?

G.T. Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT allowed for a qualified employee stationed at the forward end?

road car inspector Signup and view all the answers

While the train is in motion, how must the employee stationed at the forward end give a flagging signal?

continuously Signup and view all the answers

When a train operator operating from another train than the leading car must not advance the controller beyond?

series Signup and view all the answers

What method of communication is MOST practical between a train operator and the employee at the forward end?

radio Signup and view all the answers

What is the BEST reason for discharging customers at the next station under certain conditions?

carrying customers would cause additional delays Signup and view all the answers

What should a train operator do if he does not receive a proceed signal at short intervals while the train is in motion?

stop immediately Signup and view all the answers

What does a single track operation entail?

trains will run in both directions on one track Signup and view all the answers

What must a train operator do if he sees a man standing near a home signal waving a white lantern up and down?

call the Control Center Desk Superintendent Signup and view all the answers

What is the BEST way for train operators to stay acquainted with new regulations?

read all bulletins as issued Signup and view all the answers

What action must a train operator take upon receiving a poorly executed hand or lantern signal?

stop immediately Signup and view all the answers

What should a train operator know when reading a General Order stating that a certain track will be operated as an absolute block?

only one train at a time may be between the specified points Signup and view all the answers

What must a train operator do upon seeing an unattended red lantern adjacent to his track?

call control center desk superintendent for orders Signup and view all the answers

What should a train operator do if he finds a customer asleep on a train in the yard?

Stay with the customer and signal for a yard employee to notify the yard dispatcher Signup and view all the answers

What would you NOT ordinarily expect to find at a blue light location in the subway?

emergency exit Signup and view all the answers

What happens when an emergency alarm box in the subway is pulled?

an alarm will be sounded in the control center desk superintendent's office Signup and view all the answers

What will a train operator notice if the third rail power fails while braking to a regular stop?

he tried to start after the station stop Signup and view all the answers

After slowing down due to trackwork, what should a train operator expect beyond the work area?

a signal indicating that he can resume speed Signup and view all the answers

What is the color of the signal indicating that the train operator must slow down?

yellow Signup and view all the answers

During an emergency evacuation to the trackway, what must be done to the third rail power?

turned off Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition must the train operator and conductor evacuate customers immediately?

there is imminent danger to the safety of the conductors Signup and view all the answers

Where should handbrakes be applied on a train stopped on a grade?

on the downgrade end Signup and view all the answers

What is the proper test to see if handbrakes will hold a train parked on a steep grade?

release air brakes; apply one point of power Signup and view all the answers

When should handbrakes be set on a train?

when the third rail power will be off for 30 minutes or more Signup and view all the answers

When moving cars to be coupled together, how must the train operator approach?

slowly with caution Signup and view all the answers

When making a prescribed brake test upon leaving a terminal, what should the train operator do if the train does not roll freely?

stop and have the conductor help check to see that all handbrakes are properly released Signup and view all the answers

At what speed will dynamic braking start to fade?

10 MPH Signup and view all the answers

What does the black hand of the duplex air gauge indicate?

air pressure in the brake pipe Signup and view all the answers

Before coupling cars together, what must the train operator ensure about the couplers?

aligned and that their electric portions are fully retrieved and their shutters are closed Signup and view all the answers

The electric portion is part of the?

coupler Signup and view all the answers

When the ME-43 brake valve handle is in its extreme right-hand position, what is the state of the brake valve?

handle off Signup and view all the answers

What should a train operator keep applied if their train is on an upgrade at a home signal indicating stop?

full service brake Signup and view all the answers

Which condition prevents the emergency brakes from applying on SMEE cars?

if the master controller handle is released when the reverser handle is forward and the valve is in full service Signup and view all the answers

What is the proper position of the brake handle when operating SMEE-type subway cars normally over the road?

running release Signup and view all the answers

What should be the respective MINIMUM brake pipe pressure and straight air pipe pressure before moving SMEE cars?

90 and 72-80 pounds Signup and view all the answers

The cutting-key is MOST closely associated in operation with a?

coupler Signup and view all the answers

A train being brought to a stop from a speed of 30 MPH would be LEAST likely to skid if the track is?

well polished and dry Signup and view all the answers

If a signal indicates stop, how can a train operator request the correct route?

by pressing the button corresponding to the desired route Signup and view all the answers

What component is NOT present on both cars of a married pair?

Storage battery Signup and view all the answers

What part of the brake system causes brakes on all cars in a train to apply equally?

electric brake circuit Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum air pressure on the duplex air gauge of the R-44 type equipment?

80 straight air, 110 brake pipe Signup and view all the answers

What means of braking and propulsion does the train operator's console R44 and R46 have?

single hand master controller Signup and view all the answers

Where are the C/R's operating positions on R44 and R46 located?

1 end of an A car Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Train Operator Exam Key Points

If unsure about a rule or instruction, train operators should seek clarity from the dispatcher.
Conductors must open an emergency brake valve before leaving their train.
Doors cannot be closed until they have been fully opened for at least ten seconds.
Identification equipment must be displayed two minutes before departure.
Train operators must align their first car with the designated station car stop sign during stops.
If the whistle/horn fails en route, notify the control center and proceed cautiously to the next station.
Incorrect route set by the tower requires signaling with four short whistle blasts.
Three short blasts from the whistle indicate a call for a road car inspector.
One long blast from the tower whistle signals all trains to stop immediately within interlocking limits.
When bypassing a platform, trains should not exceed 15 mph and must blow their horn upon entering and leaving the station.
An absolute block allows only two trains maximum on a track section at any time.
An interlocking is a track segment controlled by signals and switches from a tower.
A timetable dictates regular passenger train movements.
Train operators can switch from express to local tracks if it does not alter their route.
Train operators report to train dispatchers or yard dispatchers.
Dispatchers must check air pressure via the duplex air gauge before starting a train and at significant track conditions.
If doors fail to open, conductors must provide ample opportunity for customer boarding and alighting.
A train operator must secure the train anytime they leave it.
A train may run ahead of schedule only if authorized.
A proceed hand signal cannot be given with a red lantern.
A marker signal displays a constant red aspect and is never clear.
Various signals indicate actions such as stop, approach with caution, and proceed as directed.
Handbrakes should be applied on cars at the downgrade end and checked to ensure they hold when parked on grades.
After a brake test reveals issues, the train operator should involve the conductor to verify proper procedures.
Dynamic braking starts to fade at approximately 10 mph.
Proper alignment of couplers and electric portions is crucial before coupling cars.
The SMEE car brake handles and gauge readings play a vital role in ensuring proper train operation.
Emergency protocols include turning off third rail power during evacuations.
Requests for correct route buttons are available at specific signal stops.
The protection reservoir and electrical systems are essential components in train management.
The significance of proper signal interpretation and the understanding of track operations is paramount for train operators.
R44 and R46 equipment includes single-hand controllers for propulsion and braking.

Emergency and Safety Protocols

In case of emergency alarms, both power to the third rail is cut and a notification occurs in the control center.
Train operators must act swiftly upon spotting signals for caution and safety, especially in areas with track work.
Upon indication of danger to personnel, immediate evacuation of customers is mandatory.
Procedures for emergency brake applications are well-defined and can be activated through multiple methods, ensuring prompt responsiveness.

Equipment Maintenance and Operation

Regular checks and procedures for handbrake applications, air gauge readings, and signal-induced responses are vital for maintaining operational efficiency.
Knowledge of equipment like R62/62A, R44, and R46, including unique features and settings, is essential for effective operation.
Understanding the role of the master control handle for propulsion and braking increases operational safety and efficiency.
Continuous education through bulletins and updates is necessary for staying informed on protocol changes.

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Test your knowledge with these flashcards designed for train operators. Cover essential regulations and procedures that every conductor needs to know. Perfect for preparing for the train operator exam.