MTA TOWER OPERATOR STUDY GUIDE
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
ABSOLUTE BLOCK - Answer-A block that may be occupied by only one train at a time.
REROUTING - Answer-Diverting a train from its normal route because of blockage or
unusual occurrence
REVENUE TRAIN - Answer-A train that carries passengers
TIMETABLE - Answer-Shows the time the train is due to arrive and leave from each
listed terminal, arriving and/or departing times at intermediate stations , running times,
headways, and train routes
GAP STATIONS - Answer-Key locations between the terminals of a line where trains
are recorded as they pas by, can be properly spaced and can be held for connections
RELAY TRACK - Answer-A track outside the station limits on which a train is placed
when being relayed or "swung" from one station to another station
SIGNAL YELLOW OVER GREEN - Answer-Proceed on the main route, be prepared to
stop at the next signal
SUBDIVISION "A" SIGNAL DISPLAYING YELLOW OVER RED WITH AN
ILLUMINATED "S" - Answer-Approach at allowable speed, then continue on the main
route
DWARF SIGNAL - Answer-A signal with a fixed STOP indication displaying red over red
AUTOMATIC SIGNAL - Answer-A signal that is controlled by the movement of trains
INTERLOCKING SIGNAL - Answer-A signal at a fixed location indicating a condition
controlling the movement of trains
TOWER OPERATORS - Answer-(a) Required to familiarize themselves with the rules
and regulations
(b) train schedules
(c) maintain records of all train movements
OBSTRUCTION ON TRACK, A TOWER OPERATOR WILL - Answer-Notify RCC and
display a red signal
WITHOUT PROPER AUTHORITY, A TOWER OPERATOR MUST NOT - Answer-
Remove authorized appliances from machines
, TOWER OPERATORS MUST NOTIFY RCC WHEN - Answer-(a) unusual conditions
(b) unusual intervals bet trains
(c) operating part time tower
EXPEDITING SERVICE, TOWER OPERATOR MUST - Answer-Crank switches, and
flag trains
TOWER OPERATORS MUST OBSERVE - Answer-station platforms and model boards
RULE 9.05 (n) - Answer-"When for any reason it is necessary to divert a train from its
regular route, the switch must not be set for the diverging move."
TOWER OPERATORS MAY TAKE INSTRUCTION FROM - Answer-Dispatchers and
assistant dispatchers, superintendents RTO
WHEN OPERATING AN INTERLOCKING MACHINE, TOWER OPERATORS MUST -
Answer-Cooperate with Maintainers
FROG - Answer-Two running rails that intersect
TYPE VIII track - Answer-Concrete and rubber padding
TYPE III track - Answer-Used for elevated structures
RELAY - Answer-to move one or more cars from a particular track onto a relay or main
line track and return the car(s) to an adjacent track
LIGHT TRAIN - Answer-Train consisting of revenue cars operating on the mainline track
without any passengers
TRANSFERRING CONTROL FROM A LOCAL TOWER TO A MAIN TOWER - Answer-
(a) must notify the main tower
(b) all signal and switch towers must correspond with main tower
(c) Tower Operator must turn transfer key from auxiliary panel
CROSSOVER - Answer-An arrangement of tow switches used to move a train from one
track to another (lcl/exp) and (exp/lcl)
SWITCH TRANSIT LIGHT - Answer-a feature US & S machine that is NOT part of the
GRS machine is
BLACK - Answer-Lever type machine
SLOTTING MACHINE - Answer-Signal lever which controls a signal at an adjacent
interlocking
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
ABSOLUTE BLOCK - Answer-A block that may be occupied by only one train at a time.
REROUTING - Answer-Diverting a train from its normal route because of blockage or
unusual occurrence
REVENUE TRAIN - Answer-A train that carries passengers
TIMETABLE - Answer-Shows the time the train is due to arrive and leave from each
listed terminal, arriving and/or departing times at intermediate stations , running times,
headways, and train routes
GAP STATIONS - Answer-Key locations between the terminals of a line where trains
are recorded as they pas by, can be properly spaced and can be held for connections
RELAY TRACK - Answer-A track outside the station limits on which a train is placed
when being relayed or "swung" from one station to another station
SIGNAL YELLOW OVER GREEN - Answer-Proceed on the main route, be prepared to
stop at the next signal
SUBDIVISION "A" SIGNAL DISPLAYING YELLOW OVER RED WITH AN
ILLUMINATED "S" - Answer-Approach at allowable speed, then continue on the main
route
DWARF SIGNAL - Answer-A signal with a fixed STOP indication displaying red over red
AUTOMATIC SIGNAL - Answer-A signal that is controlled by the movement of trains
INTERLOCKING SIGNAL - Answer-A signal at a fixed location indicating a condition
controlling the movement of trains
TOWER OPERATORS - Answer-(a) Required to familiarize themselves with the rules
and regulations
(b) train schedules
(c) maintain records of all train movements
OBSTRUCTION ON TRACK, A TOWER OPERATOR WILL - Answer-Notify RCC and
display a red signal
WITHOUT PROPER AUTHORITY, A TOWER OPERATOR MUST NOT - Answer-
Remove authorized appliances from machines
, TOWER OPERATORS MUST NOTIFY RCC WHEN - Answer-(a) unusual conditions
(b) unusual intervals bet trains
(c) operating part time tower
EXPEDITING SERVICE, TOWER OPERATOR MUST - Answer-Crank switches, and
flag trains
TOWER OPERATORS MUST OBSERVE - Answer-station platforms and model boards
RULE 9.05 (n) - Answer-"When for any reason it is necessary to divert a train from its
regular route, the switch must not be set for the diverging move."
TOWER OPERATORS MAY TAKE INSTRUCTION FROM - Answer-Dispatchers and
assistant dispatchers, superintendents RTO
WHEN OPERATING AN INTERLOCKING MACHINE, TOWER OPERATORS MUST -
Answer-Cooperate with Maintainers
FROG - Answer-Two running rails that intersect
TYPE VIII track - Answer-Concrete and rubber padding
TYPE III track - Answer-Used for elevated structures
RELAY - Answer-to move one or more cars from a particular track onto a relay or main
line track and return the car(s) to an adjacent track
LIGHT TRAIN - Answer-Train consisting of revenue cars operating on the mainline track
without any passengers
TRANSFERRING CONTROL FROM A LOCAL TOWER TO A MAIN TOWER - Answer-
(a) must notify the main tower
(b) all signal and switch towers must correspond with main tower
(c) Tower Operator must turn transfer key from auxiliary panel
CROSSOVER - Answer-An arrangement of tow switches used to move a train from one
track to another (lcl/exp) and (exp/lcl)
SWITCH TRANSIT LIGHT - Answer-a feature US & S machine that is NOT part of the
GRS machine is
BLACK - Answer-Lever type machine
SLOTTING MACHINE - Answer-Signal lever which controls a signal at an adjacent
interlocking
