STUDENT GUIDE WITH GCOR
QUESTIONS, ACCURATE SOLUTIONS
AND EXPLANATIONS.
1. Yellow Flag Before Form A Restriction
Question: BNSF 5467 East passes a yellow flag 2 miles in advance of a 20
mph Form A track bulletin. When may the crew resume maximum speed?
Answer: When the rear of the train is clear of the restricted area.
Explanation: For Form A bulletins, the restriction applies from the location
specified in the bulletin until the entire train has passed. The yellow flag is a
warning 2 miles in advance, and the restriction ends only when the entire train
has cleared the limits.
2. Yellow-Red Flag with No Bulletin Found
Question: BNSF 540 East passes a yellow-red flag at MP 280, and there’s no
track bulletin. They contact the dispatcher who confirms no restriction. What
now?
Answer: Proceed at restricted speed. Resume normal speed after:
1. A crew member receives instructions from the employee in charge, or
2. The leading wheels have traveled 4 miles beyond the yellow-red flag
and the dispatcher confirms no protection is in effect.
Explanation: A yellow-red flag means a Form B may be in effect. If
communication fails, restricted speed is required until you're clear of a
possible restriction.
, 3. Yellow Flag – No Bulletin in Effect
Question: BNSF 5540 West passes a yellow flag but there’s no track bulletin.
Dispatcher confirms none. What now?
Answer: Two miles beyond the yellow flag, proceed at no more than 10 mph
until the rear of the train has passed a green flag or is 4 miles beyond the
yellow flag.
Explanation: Even without a bulletin, the presence of a yellow flag means a
restriction might have been missed or miscommunicated.
4. Proper Headlight Position in Siding
Answer: OFF
Explanation: When clear of the main track and stopped in a siding, headlights
should be off to prevent confusion with oncoming trains.
5. Whistle Signal at Public Crossing
Answer: Start at or about the crossing sign, not more than 1/4 mile before the
crossing.
Explanation: GCOR requires the signal to be sounded as a warning for
crossings unless otherwise specified.
6. Blue Signal Protection for Yard Track
Answer: Line and lock each switch against movement, place blue signals at
switches and on the controlling engine.
Explanation: Full protection is required before work begins under blue signal
rules.