LIRR SIGNALMAN DEFINITIONS EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
2025/2026
What is the purpose of a Track circuit? - ANSWERSThe purpose of the Track Circuit is
to detect the presences of a train and broken rail protection.
What the purpose of the Directionals at a crossing? - ANSWERSThe purpose of the
directional is to lift up the gates behind the train to expedite the traffic flow.
What is the purpose of the Approach Stick Circuit? - ANSWERSThe purpose of the
Approach Stick circuit is to prevent the operator from throwing switches after cancelling
the signal with a train on the approach or until he runs time.
What is a Stick Relay? - ANSWERSA relay that stays picked over its own heel front
combination.
What is the difference between the Semi-automatic Stick signals and the Semi-
Automatic Non Stick Signal? - ANSWERSBoth Signals are controlled by the block
operator but the Stick witll stay at stop after a train passes the signal until the operator
re displays the signal.
Were do we use Traffic and Why? - ANSWERSWe use Traffic between interlocking's
and we use it to prevent Head On's.
What is the purpose of Automatic Speed Control? - ANSWERSASC provides a positive
check of the block ahead and controls the train speed limitation thru cab signal
indication.
What is the purpose of the lock rods on a switch? - ANSWERSThe prevent the switch
from completing its stroke with a 1/4" obstruction or more in the point.
What are the 3 main breaks in the Approach Stick circuit in order? - ANSWERSThe
route check, the RGP, and the 100POB.
What does the RGP stand for? - ANSWERSRed Signal Repeater.
What drops the Lock relay? - ANSWERSYour Approach sticks, track circuits over the
switches, and route checks.
What is the difference between a Semi-Automatic signal and an Automatic Signal? -
ANSWERSA semi-automatic signal checks the track circuits and is controlled by the
block operator, the automatic only checks the track circuits.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
2025/2026
What is the purpose of a Track circuit? - ANSWERSThe purpose of the Track Circuit is
to detect the presences of a train and broken rail protection.
What the purpose of the Directionals at a crossing? - ANSWERSThe purpose of the
directional is to lift up the gates behind the train to expedite the traffic flow.
What is the purpose of the Approach Stick Circuit? - ANSWERSThe purpose of the
Approach Stick circuit is to prevent the operator from throwing switches after cancelling
the signal with a train on the approach or until he runs time.
What is a Stick Relay? - ANSWERSA relay that stays picked over its own heel front
combination.
What is the difference between the Semi-automatic Stick signals and the Semi-
Automatic Non Stick Signal? - ANSWERSBoth Signals are controlled by the block
operator but the Stick witll stay at stop after a train passes the signal until the operator
re displays the signal.
Were do we use Traffic and Why? - ANSWERSWe use Traffic between interlocking's
and we use it to prevent Head On's.
What is the purpose of Automatic Speed Control? - ANSWERSASC provides a positive
check of the block ahead and controls the train speed limitation thru cab signal
indication.
What is the purpose of the lock rods on a switch? - ANSWERSThe prevent the switch
from completing its stroke with a 1/4" obstruction or more in the point.
What are the 3 main breaks in the Approach Stick circuit in order? - ANSWERSThe
route check, the RGP, and the 100POB.
What does the RGP stand for? - ANSWERSRed Signal Repeater.
What drops the Lock relay? - ANSWERSYour Approach sticks, track circuits over the
switches, and route checks.
What is the difference between a Semi-Automatic signal and an Automatic Signal? -
ANSWERSA semi-automatic signal checks the track circuits and is controlled by the
block operator, the automatic only checks the track circuits.
