Locomotive Engineer Trainee Study Guide PDF

Transportation – Locomotive Engineer Trainee Rulebook Definitions & Signal Aspects and Indications Test Preparation Guide The ability to learn and recall job related information is essential to the position of Locomotive Engineer. In particular, this ability is required to successfully pass the 12-...

Transportation – Locomotive Engineer Trainee Rulebook Definitions & Signal Aspects and Indications Test Preparation Guide The ability to learn and recall job related information is essential to the position of Locomotive Engineer. In particular, this ability is required to successfully pass the 12-month long training program, where Locomotive Engineer Trainees are continuously exposed to this information and must learn the material and demonstrate proficiency on numerous tests. This information is also assessed during the annual Metro-North rules qualification requirement, and the three year re-certification process to allow Locomotive Engineers to maintain federal licensing requirements. This test preparation guide contains information about a limited number of Metro-North rulebook definitions and signal aspects and indications which Locomotive Engineer Trainees must learn. The upcoming Locomotive Engineer Trainee exam will include a test assessing your knowledge of the information contained in this guide. It is your responsibility to study and learn this material in preparation of this test. Transportation – Study Guide – Locomotive Engineer Page 1 o RULEBOOK DEFINITIONS BLOCK ABSOLUTE BLOCK – a block established between block limit signals or controlled signals in which no train is permitted to enter while it is occupied by another train or equipment. BLOCK – a length of track of defined limits, the use of which is governed by block limit signals, cab signals, or Form M. CONTROLLED BLOCK – the block, or series of consecutive blocks, between successive controlled signals in Centralized Traffic Control (CTC) territory. MANUAL BLOCK – a length of main track between two successive block limit signals. EQUIPMENT AND TRAINS DEADHEAD TRAIN – a passenger train on which no revenue passengers are carried. ENGINE – a unit, other than a track car, propelled by any form of energy, or a combination of such units operated from a single control, used in train or yard service. Engines include diesel and electric multiple unit cars. EQUIPMENT – railroad cars, engines, or track cars. EXTRA TRAIN – a train not designated by operating schedule or bulletin order. It may be designated either “Extra” or “Passenger Extra”. The direction of travel must be included in the designation; for example: "Extra 2024 East". FREIGHT TRAIN – any train that is not a passenger train. LIGHT ENGINE – an engine consisting of one or more units without cars. Does not apply to multiple-unit cars. M-SERIES EQUIPMENT – MU passenger cars of the M-3, M-7, or M-8 series. NON-SHUNTING EQUIPMENT – equipment that may not shunt track circuits, including a single light engine, a single MU car or a single pair of MU cars, track cars, and equipment indicated in the Special Instructions. TRACK CAR – specialized equipment, including highway rail vehicles, operated on track for inspection or maintenance purposes. TRAIN – multiple-unit cars coupled, or an engine, with or without cars, displaying a marker. Transportation – Study Guide – Locomotive Engineer Page 2 o INTERLOCKINGS BLOCKING DEVICE REMOVED (BDR) CODE – a computer generated, unique, random number transmitted from the Operations Control Center (OCC) to a Roadway Worker-in-Charge (RWIC) before fouling a track or beginning work where CTC or Interlocking Rules apply. INTERLOCKING – an arrangement of signals and appliances so interconnected that their movements must succeed each other in proper sequence and for which interlocking rules are in effect. INTERLOCKING APPLIANCE – a movable apparatus within an interlocking that either allows or prevents movements over designated routes, including switches, movable frogs, mitre rails, and derails. An interlocking appliance is blocked when an approved device is applied to the control console that prevents the control for that appliance from being operated. An interlocking appliance is secured when a qualified employee either applies an approved device to the appliance that prevents it from operating, or electrically disables the appliance and mechanically locks it in the required position. INTERLOCKING LIMITS – the tracks between the extreme opposing signals of an interlocking. SIGNALS BLOCK LIMIT SIGNAL – a fixed signal indicating the limit of a block under Manual Block System (MBS) rules. CAB SIGNAL – a signal located in the engine control compartment indicating a permissible speed. CONTROLLED SIGNAL – a fixed signal capable of displaying a Stop indication that is controlled by the Rail Traffic Controller (RTC). DISTANT SIGNAL – a fixed signal used to govern the approach to an interlocking signal. INDICATION – the information conveyed by the aspect of a signal. INTERLOCKING SIGNALS – the fixed signals of an interlocking. Transportation – Study Guide – Locomotive Engineer Page 3 o SPEEDS MAXIMUM AUTHORIZED SPEED (MAS) – the maximum speed authorized by the Operating Rules and Special Instructions. LIMITED SPEED – not exceeding 45 MPH for passenger trains, and not exceeding 25 MPH for other trains. MEDIUM SPEED – not exceeding 30 MPH for passenger trains, and not exceeding 15 MPH for other trains. SLOW SPEED – not exceeding 15 MPH. STATIONS BLOCK LIMIT – a place where a block limit signal is displayed. CONTROLLED POINT (CP) – a station where signals are remotely controlled from the Operations Control Center (OCC). PASSENGER STATION – a place designated in the station pages of the Special Instructions where passengers are received and/or discharged. STATION – a place designated in the station pages of the Special Instructions by name. SWITCHES AND DERAILS CLEARANCE POINT – the location near a turnout beyond which it is unsafe for passage on an adjacent track. DERAIL – a non-interlocked derail, hand operated or motor powered, which is affixed to the rail in a permanent nature, as opposed to a portable device. SWITCH – two movable rails and necessary connections designed to permit movement from one track to another. EMPLOYEE SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS BULLETIN ORDER (BO) – order issued by authority of the Senior Vice President – Operations that contains temporary items affecting the movement of trains. Bulletin Orders remain in effect until fulfilled or cancelled. Transportation – Study Guide – Locomotive Engineer Page 4 o DAILY TRAIN OPERATIONS BULLETIN ORDER (DTOBO) – order issued by authority of the Senior Vice President – Operations containing Working Limits Stop Sign locations (Rule 22A), temporary speed restrictions, bridge strikes, and other safety critical instructions and information. GENERAL NOTICE (GN) – notice issued by authority of the Chief Transportation Officer that contains instructions that do not affect the movement or operation of trains. GENERAL ORDER (GO) – order issued by authority of the Senior Vice President – Operations that contains permanent changes in Operating Rules, the Special Instructions, or other Operating Manuals. OPERATIONS NOTICE (ON) – notice issued by authority of the Senior Vice President Operations that contains items of an advisory, explanatory, and/or cautionary nature related to Operating Rules, the Special Instructions, and other instructions. OPERATING SCHEDULE – a supplement to the Operations Manual that shows direction, train number, frequency, and times for the movement of scheduled trains. SUMMARY BULLETIN ORDER (SBO) – order issued by authority of the Senior Vice President – Operations that contains all information remaining in effect from previously issued Bulletin Orders (except DTOBOs). EMPLOYEE SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS (SI) – the document containing line and system special instructions that affect the movement of trains and equipment. TRACKS CONTROLLED TRACK – a track under the control of an RTC. INACCESSIBLE TRACK – a method of establishing working limits on a non-controlled track by physically preventing the entry and movement of trains and equipment. MAIN TRACK – a track designated in the Special Instructions where movements are authorized and controlled by a block signal system or interlocking rules. NON-CONTROLLED TRACK – a track not under the control of an RTC. SINGLE TRACK – a single main track in MBS territory. WORKING LIMITS – a segment of track within defined limits upon which trains may operate only as authorized by the designated employee-in-charge. YARD – an area consisting of one or more yard tracks, designated in the Special Instructions, under the control of a Yardmaster or other specified employee. Transportation – Study Guide – Locomotive Engineer Page 5 o YARD TRACK – a track, other than a main track or siding, used for making up trains, storing cars and other purposes, and where movements must operate at Restricted Speed not exceeding 10 MPH. TRAIN CONTROL ALERTER – a device, which detects the frequency of the engineer’s movements and initiates a penalty brake application when the required frequency of such movement is not maintained or acknowledged. ASPECT DISPLAY UNIT (ADU) – the device in the controlling cab on which cab signal aspects are shown. AUTOMATIC TRAIN CONTROL (ATC) – a system that initiates a penalty brake application if the engineer fails to reduce speed in compliance with cab signal indications. AUTOMATIC TRAIN STOP (ATS) – a system that initiates a penalty brake application if the engineer fails to acknowledge a more restrictive cab signal indication. CENTRALIZED TRAFFIC CONTROL (CTC) – a method of operation, on tracks designated in the Special Instructions, where movements are authorized and governed by interlocking signals, cab signals, instructions issued by the RTC, or a combination of the above. CONTROL CONSOLE – the apparatus by which the RTC controls switches, signals, and direction of traffic in CTC territory, and which displays track status and occupancy. LOCOMOTIVE SPEED LIMITER (LSL) – a type of ATC system, found primarily on freight locomotives, that initiates a penalty brake application if the engineer fails to reduce speed in accordance with a defined braking profile. MANUAL BLOCK SYSTEM (MBS) - a method of operation, on tracks designated in the Special Instructions, where movements are authorized and manually controlled by the RTC and governed by block limit signals and instructions issued on Form M. OPERATIONS CONTROL CENTER (OCC) – the location from which RTCs control movements and perform their other duties. TRAIN CONTROL APPARATUS – the equipment on an engine or cab car that receives and displays cab signals and controls the speed of the train in accordance with that signal. Train control apparatus includes the cab signal unit, the aspect display unit, the automatic train control, the automatic train stop, and all associated equipment. Transportation – Study Guide – Locomotive Engineer Page 6 o SIGNAL ASPECTS AND INDICATIONS NAME Absolute Block Signal Proceed at: Slow Speed within interlocking limits; Maximum Authorized Speed (MAS) not INDICATION exceeding 59 MPH outside of interlocking limits, approach the next interlocking signal prepared to stop. Approach Block Limit If authorized to occupy next block, proceed. If not authorized to enter next block, proceed prepared to stop at next Block Limit signal. Trains exceeding Medium Speed must immediately reduce to that speed. NAME Terminal Proceed Proceed Terminal Approach Proceed approaching the next signal INDICATION prepared to stop. Transportation – Study Guide – Locomotive Engineer Page 7 o NAME Terminal Restricting Proceed at Restricted Speed INDICATION NAME Approach Sign Proceed prepared to stop at the Working Limits Stop Sign; trains INDICATION exceeding Medium Speed must immediately begin reduction to that speed. Transportation – Study Guide – Locomotive Engineer Approach Restricting Proceed, prepared to stop at the next signal. Trains exceeding Medium Speed must immediately reduce to that speed. Note: Does not convey block or track information. Speed Limit Sign Proceed not exceeding speed shown on Approach Speed Limit Sign or Diverting Approach Speed Limit Sign until the entire train has passed the Resume Speed Sign. Page 8 o NAME INDICATION Diverting Approach Sign Unless it is determined that a train will not be diverted onto affected track(s), proceed prepared to stop at the Working Limits Stop Sign; trains exceeding Medium Speed must immediately begin reduction to that speed. NAME End of Block Sign End Manual Block System rules; INDICATION entering non-controlled track. Working Limits Stop Sign Stop. Then, after receiving permission from the employee in charge to pass the Working Limits Stop Sign, trains will operate at Medium Speed unless a lower speed is directed. Block Limit Do not pass unless authorized to do so. For Temporary Block Limits, the station name may be omitted. END OF STUDY GUIDE Transportation – Study Guide – Locomotive Engineer Page 9 o