Metro-North Railroad Conductor Trainee
Test Prep Exam Guide Questions and
Answers
Absolute Block - Answer-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 - Answer-A length of track of defined limits, the use of which is governed by block
limit signals, cab signals or Form M.
Controlled Block - Answer-The block, or series of consecutive blocks, between
successive controlled signals in Centralized Traffic Control (CTC) territory.
Deadhead Train - Answer-A passenger train on which no revenue passengers are
carried.
Engine - Answer-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 - Answer-Railroad cars, engines, or track cars.
Extra Train - Answer-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 - Answer-Any train that is not a passenger train.
Light Engine - Answer-An Engine consisting of one or more units without cars. Does not
apply to multiple-unit cars.
M-Series Equipment - Answer-Multiple-unit passenger cars of the M-2, M-3, M-4, M-6,
M-7, OR M-8 Series.
Non-Shunting Equipment - Answer-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 - Answer-Specialized equipment, including highway rail vehicles, operated on
track for inspection or maintenance purposes.
, Train - Answer-Multiple-unit cars coupled, or an engine, with or without cars, displaying
a marker.
Blocking Device Removed (BDR) Code - Answer-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 - Answer-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 - Answer-A moveable apparatus within an interlocking that either
allows or prevents movement over designated routes, including switches, movable
frogs, mitre rails, and derails.
An Interlocking Appliance is BLOCKED When: - Answer-An approved device is applied
to the control console that prevents the control for that appliance from being operated.
An interlocking Appliance is SECURED When: - Answer-A qualified employee either
applies an approved device to the appliance that prevents it from operating, or
electrically disables the appliance and mechanically locks it in the required position.
Interlocking Limits - Answer-The tracks between the extreme opposing signals of an
interlocking.
Block Limit Signal - Answer-A fixed signal indicating the limit of a block under Manual
Block System (MBS) rules.
Cab Signal - Answer-A signal located in the engine control compartment indicating a
permissible speed.
Controlled Signal - Answer-A fixed signal capable of displaying a Stop indication that is
controlled by the Rail Traffic Controller (RTC)
Distant Signal - Answer-A fixed signal used to govern the approach to an interlocking
signal.
Indication - Answer-The information conveyed by the aspect of a signal.
Interlocking Signals - Answer-The fixed signals of an interlocking.
Maximum Authorized Speed - Answer-The maximum speed authorized by the
Operating Rules and Timetable.
Test Prep Exam Guide Questions and
Answers
Absolute Block - Answer-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 - Answer-A length of track of defined limits, the use of which is governed by block
limit signals, cab signals or Form M.
Controlled Block - Answer-The block, or series of consecutive blocks, between
successive controlled signals in Centralized Traffic Control (CTC) territory.
Deadhead Train - Answer-A passenger train on which no revenue passengers are
carried.
Engine - Answer-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 - Answer-Railroad cars, engines, or track cars.
Extra Train - Answer-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 - Answer-Any train that is not a passenger train.
Light Engine - Answer-An Engine consisting of one or more units without cars. Does not
apply to multiple-unit cars.
M-Series Equipment - Answer-Multiple-unit passenger cars of the M-2, M-3, M-4, M-6,
M-7, OR M-8 Series.
Non-Shunting Equipment - Answer-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 - Answer-Specialized equipment, including highway rail vehicles, operated on
track for inspection or maintenance purposes.
, Train - Answer-Multiple-unit cars coupled, or an engine, with or without cars, displaying
a marker.
Blocking Device Removed (BDR) Code - Answer-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 - Answer-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 - Answer-A moveable apparatus within an interlocking that either
allows or prevents movement over designated routes, including switches, movable
frogs, mitre rails, and derails.
An Interlocking Appliance is BLOCKED When: - Answer-An approved device is applied
to the control console that prevents the control for that appliance from being operated.
An interlocking Appliance is SECURED When: - Answer-A qualified employee either
applies an approved device to the appliance that prevents it from operating, or
electrically disables the appliance and mechanically locks it in the required position.
Interlocking Limits - Answer-The tracks between the extreme opposing signals of an
interlocking.
Block Limit Signal - Answer-A fixed signal indicating the limit of a block under Manual
Block System (MBS) rules.
Cab Signal - Answer-A signal located in the engine control compartment indicating a
permissible speed.
Controlled Signal - Answer-A fixed signal capable of displaying a Stop indication that is
controlled by the Rail Traffic Controller (RTC)
Distant Signal - Answer-A fixed signal used to govern the approach to an interlocking
signal.
Indication - Answer-The information conveyed by the aspect of a signal.
Interlocking Signals - Answer-The fixed signals of an interlocking.
Maximum Authorized Speed - Answer-The maximum speed authorized by the
Operating Rules and Timetable.
