GCOR EXAM 1 STUDY GUIDE
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) - Answer -A 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 - Answer -A 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 - Answer -A fixed signal at the entrance of a block that governs trains
entering and using that block.
Block System - Answer -A block or series of consecutive blocks within ABS, ACS, CTC,
or interlocking limits.
Cab Signal - Answer -A 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 - Answer -Railroad cars.
, Centralized Traffic Control (CTC) - Answer -A block system that uses block signal
indications to authorize train movements.
Clearance Point - Answer -The 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 - Answer -Crew member in charge of train or yard crew.
Control Operator - Answer -Employee assigned to operate a CTC or interlocking
control machine or authorized to grant track permits.
Control Point - Answer -The location of absolute signals controlled by a control
operator.
Controlled Sidings - Answer -A siding within CTC or interlocking limits where a signal
idlndication authorizes the siding's use.
Crew Member - Answer -Conductors, assistant conductors, brakemen, engineers,
remote control operators, yard engine foremen, switchmen, and yard helpers.
Crossover - Answer -A 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 - Answer -The movement of trains on a main track in one direction, as
specified by special instruction.
Distant Signal - Answer -A 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 - Answer -Two 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 - Answer -A power-operated switch, moveable point frog, or derail
that can also be operated by hand.
Engineer - Answer -Also includes student engineers, firemen, hostler, and remote
control operators.
Equipment Fouling a Track - Answer -The end of rolling equipment or on-track
maintenance of way equipment left between the clearance point and the switch points
leading to the track on which the equipment is standing.
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) - Answer -A 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 - Answer -A 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 - Answer -A fixed signal at the entrance of a block that governs trains
entering and using that block.
Block System - Answer -A block or series of consecutive blocks within ABS, ACS, CTC,
or interlocking limits.
Cab Signal - Answer -A 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 - Answer -Railroad cars.
, Centralized Traffic Control (CTC) - Answer -A block system that uses block signal
indications to authorize train movements.
Clearance Point - Answer -The 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 - Answer -Crew member in charge of train or yard crew.
Control Operator - Answer -Employee assigned to operate a CTC or interlocking
control machine or authorized to grant track permits.
Control Point - Answer -The location of absolute signals controlled by a control
operator.
Controlled Sidings - Answer -A siding within CTC or interlocking limits where a signal
idlndication authorizes the siding's use.
Crew Member - Answer -Conductors, assistant conductors, brakemen, engineers,
remote control operators, yard engine foremen, switchmen, and yard helpers.
Crossover - Answer -A 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 - Answer -The movement of trains on a main track in one direction, as
specified by special instruction.
Distant Signal - Answer -A 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 - Answer -Two 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 - Answer -A power-operated switch, moveable point frog, or derail
that can also be operated by hand.
Engineer - Answer -Also includes student engineers, firemen, hostler, and remote
control operators.
Equipment Fouling a Track - Answer -The end of rolling equipment or on-track
maintenance of way equipment left between the clearance point and the switch points
leading to the track on which the equipment is standing.
