GCOR Exam 1 Study Set
Absolute Block - answer A length of track that no train is permitted to enter while the
track is occupied by another train.
Absolute Signal - answer A block or interlocking signal without a number plate, or
designated by an A marker.
Articulated - answer Permanently connected multiple unit cars that share a common
truck.
Automatic Block Signal System (ABS) - answer A series of consecutive blocks
governed by block signals, cab signals, or both. The signals are activated by a train or
by certain conditions that affect the block use.
Automatic Cab Signal System (ACS) - answer A system that allows cab signals and the
cab warning whistle to operate automatically.
Automatic Train Control (ATC) - answerA system to enforce compliance with cab and
wayside signal indications. If the train exceeds a predetermined speed for a given signal
indication and speed is not reduced at a sufficient rate, brakes are automatically
applied.
Block - answerA length of track:
× between a consecutive block signals.
× between a block signal in the end of block system limits.
or
× in ATC limits the use of which is governed by cab signals and or block signals.
Block Signal - answerA fixed signal at the entrance of a block that governs trains
entering and using that block.
Block System - answerA block or series of consecutive blocks within ABS, ACS, CTC,
or interlocking limits.
Cab Signal - answerA signal in the engineer's compartment or cab that indicates a
condition affecting train movement. Cab signals are used with interlocking or block
signals or without block signals.
, Cars - answerRailroad cars.
Centralized Traffic Control (CTC) - answerA block system that uses block signal
indications to authorize train movements.
Clearance Point - answerThe location closest to a switch where it is safe for equipment,
and a person riding the side of equipment unless prohibited, to pass equipment on an
adjacent track.
Conductor - answerCrew member in charge of train or yard crew.
Control Operator - answerEmployee assigned to operate a CTC or interlocking control
machine or authorized to grant track permits.
Control Point - answerThe location of absolute signals controlled by a control operator.
Controlled Sidings - answerA siding within CTC or interlocking limits where a signal
idlndication authorizes the siding's use.
Crew Member - answerConductors, assistant conductors, brakemen, engineers, remote
control operators, yard engine foremen, switchmen, and yard helpers.
Crossover - answerA track connection between two adjacent, not necessarily parallel
tracks, consisting of a minimum of two switches, which is intended to be used primarily
for the purpose of crossing over from one track to another.
Current of Traffic - answerThe movement of trains on a main track in one direction, as
specified by special instruction.
Distant Signal - answerA fixed signal outside a block system that governs the approach
to a block signal, interlocking signal, or switch point indicator. A distant signal does not
indicate conditions that affect track use between the distant signal and block or
interlocking signals or between the distant signal and switch point indicator. A distant
signal is identified by a D.
Double Track - answerTwo main tracks where the current of traffic on one track is in a
specified direction and in the opposite direction on the other.
Dual Control Switch - answerA power-operated switch, moveable point frog, or derail
that can also be operated by hand.
Engineer - answerAlso includes student engineers, firemen, hostler, and remote control
operators.
Absolute Block - answer A length of track that no train is permitted to enter while the
track is occupied by another train.
Absolute Signal - answer A block or interlocking signal without a number plate, or
designated by an A marker.
Articulated - answer Permanently connected multiple unit cars that share a common
truck.
Automatic Block Signal System (ABS) - answer A series of consecutive blocks
governed by block signals, cab signals, or both. The signals are activated by a train or
by certain conditions that affect the block use.
Automatic Cab Signal System (ACS) - answer A system that allows cab signals and the
cab warning whistle to operate automatically.
Automatic Train Control (ATC) - answerA system to enforce compliance with cab and
wayside signal indications. If the train exceeds a predetermined speed for a given signal
indication and speed is not reduced at a sufficient rate, brakes are automatically
applied.
Block - answerA length of track:
× between a consecutive block signals.
× between a block signal in the end of block system limits.
or
× in ATC limits the use of which is governed by cab signals and or block signals.
Block Signal - answerA fixed signal at the entrance of a block that governs trains
entering and using that block.
Block System - answerA block or series of consecutive blocks within ABS, ACS, CTC,
or interlocking limits.
Cab Signal - answerA signal in the engineer's compartment or cab that indicates a
condition affecting train movement. Cab signals are used with interlocking or block
signals or without block signals.
, Cars - answerRailroad cars.
Centralized Traffic Control (CTC) - answerA block system that uses block signal
indications to authorize train movements.
Clearance Point - answerThe location closest to a switch where it is safe for equipment,
and a person riding the side of equipment unless prohibited, to pass equipment on an
adjacent track.
Conductor - answerCrew member in charge of train or yard crew.
Control Operator - answerEmployee assigned to operate a CTC or interlocking control
machine or authorized to grant track permits.
Control Point - answerThe location of absolute signals controlled by a control operator.
Controlled Sidings - answerA siding within CTC or interlocking limits where a signal
idlndication authorizes the siding's use.
Crew Member - answerConductors, assistant conductors, brakemen, engineers, remote
control operators, yard engine foremen, switchmen, and yard helpers.
Crossover - answerA track connection between two adjacent, not necessarily parallel
tracks, consisting of a minimum of two switches, which is intended to be used primarily
for the purpose of crossing over from one track to another.
Current of Traffic - answerThe movement of trains on a main track in one direction, as
specified by special instruction.
Distant Signal - answerA fixed signal outside a block system that governs the approach
to a block signal, interlocking signal, or switch point indicator. A distant signal does not
indicate conditions that affect track use between the distant signal and block or
interlocking signals or between the distant signal and switch point indicator. A distant
signal is identified by a D.
Double Track - answerTwo main tracks where the current of traffic on one track is in a
specified direction and in the opposite direction on the other.
Dual Control Switch - answerA power-operated switch, moveable point frog, or derail
that can also be operated by hand.
Engineer - answerAlso includes student engineers, firemen, hostler, and remote control
operators.
