Metro-North Railroad Conductor Trainee Test Prep Guide
Absolute Block A block established between block limit signals or controlled signals in which no
train is permitted to enter while it is occupied by another train or equipment.
Block A length of track of defined limits, the use of which is governed by block limit
signals, cab signals or Form M.
Controlled Block The block, or series of consecutive blocks, between successive controlled
signals in Centralized Traffic Control (CTC) territory.
Deadhead Train A passenger train on which no revenue passengers are carried.
Engine A unit, other than a track car, propelled by any form of energy, or combination of
such units operated from a single control, used in train yard or service. Engines
include diesel and electric multiple unit cars.
Equipment Railroad cars, engines, or track cars.
Extra Train A train not designed by timetable schedule or bulletin order. It may be designated
either "Extra" or "Passenger Extra". The direction of travel must be included in
the designation; for example: "Extra 2024 East".
Freight Train Any train that is not a passenger train.
Light Engine An Engine consisting of one or more units without cars. Does not apply to
multiple-unit cars.
M-Series Equipment Multiple-unit passenger cars of the M-2, M-3, M-4, M-6, M-7, OR M-8 Series.
Non-Shunting Equipment Equipment that may not shunt track circuits, including a single light engine, a
single Multiple Unit (MU) car or a single pair of MU cars, track cars, and
equipment indicated in the Timetable Special Instructions.
Track Car Specialized equipment, including highway rail vehicles, operated on track for
inspection or maintenance purposes.
Train Multiple-unit cars coupled, or an engine, with or without cars, displaying a
marker.
Blocking Device Removed (BDR) Code A computer generated, unique, random number transmitted from the Operations
Control Center (OCC) to a Roadway Worker-in-Charge (RWIC) before fouling a
track or beginning work where CTC or Interlocking Rules apply.
Interlocking An arrangement of signals and appliances so interconnected that their
movements must succeed each other in proper sequence and for which
interlocking rules are in effect.
Interlocking Appliance A moveable apparatus within an interlocking that either allows or prevents
movement over designated routes, including switches, movable frogs, mitre rails,
and derails.
Absolute Block A block established between block limit signals or controlled signals in which no
train is permitted to enter while it is occupied by another train or equipment.
Block A length of track of defined limits, the use of which is governed by block limit
signals, cab signals or Form M.
Controlled Block The block, or series of consecutive blocks, between successive controlled
signals in Centralized Traffic Control (CTC) territory.
Deadhead Train A passenger train on which no revenue passengers are carried.
Engine A unit, other than a track car, propelled by any form of energy, or combination of
such units operated from a single control, used in train yard or service. Engines
include diesel and electric multiple unit cars.
Equipment Railroad cars, engines, or track cars.
Extra Train A train not designed by timetable schedule or bulletin order. It may be designated
either "Extra" or "Passenger Extra". The direction of travel must be included in
the designation; for example: "Extra 2024 East".
Freight Train Any train that is not a passenger train.
Light Engine An Engine consisting of one or more units without cars. Does not apply to
multiple-unit cars.
M-Series Equipment Multiple-unit passenger cars of the M-2, M-3, M-4, M-6, M-7, OR M-8 Series.
Non-Shunting Equipment Equipment that may not shunt track circuits, including a single light engine, a
single Multiple Unit (MU) car or a single pair of MU cars, track cars, and
equipment indicated in the Timetable Special Instructions.
Track Car Specialized equipment, including highway rail vehicles, operated on track for
inspection or maintenance purposes.
Train Multiple-unit cars coupled, or an engine, with or without cars, displaying a
marker.
Blocking Device Removed (BDR) Code A computer generated, unique, random number transmitted from the Operations
Control Center (OCC) to a Roadway Worker-in-Charge (RWIC) before fouling a
track or beginning work where CTC or Interlocking Rules apply.
Interlocking An arrangement of signals and appliances so interconnected that their
movements must succeed each other in proper sequence and for which
interlocking rules are in effect.
Interlocking Appliance A moveable apparatus within an interlocking that either allows or prevents
movement over designated routes, including switches, movable frogs, mitre rails,
and derails.
