BNSF CONDUCTOR STUDY GUIDE 2025/2026 QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS GRADED A+
✔✔BNSF 5414 West is at an industry where there is no signal governing movement to
the CTC main track. The crew receives verbal authority from the control operator to
enter the main track and proceed west. After entering the main track , how must the
crew proceed? - ✔✔At restricted speed until the leading wheels pass the next governing
signal
✔✔HKCKBAR904- A has a work order to set out the last locomotive in their lead consist
and sequence 15-43 in their train. The process of setting out the cars began at 1515
and was completed with the train ack together at 1620. What air brake test(s), if any,
are necessary before they continue? - ✔✔Class 3 (Application and Release Air Brake
Test)
✔✔A train needs to shove 1 mile within the limits of track and time. The last signal the
train passed was displaying a green aspect and the maximum timetable speed is 55
mph. What is the maximum speed the cars can be shoved? - ✔✔20 mph
✔✔Foreman Borglum gives BNSF 1941 East Permission to proceed through his limits
at restricted speed. Is this a head end or rear end restriction? Why? - ✔✔Head end,
because it is restricted speed
✔✔What is the normal position of a derail in a siding with no equipment left on the
siding? - ✔✔Non- derailing position
✔✔When a trackside warning detector indicates an overheated journal, how do you find
the correct axle designated by the detector? - ✔✔Physically count the axles.
✔✔In most situations, what do conductors use instead of blue signal protection? -
✔✔Set and centered protection
✔✔When derails are used for blue signal protection, they must be locked in derailing
position and positioned at least ____ feet from the rolling equipment to be protected. -
✔✔150
✔✔How many utility employees can work with one train or yard crew at the same time?
- ✔✔No more than 3
✔✔A local crew is traveling to Cavindish Farms to spot cars 14 miles away. What Air
brake test is required for the cars they are taking with them? - ✔✔Transfer Train
Movements Test
, ✔✔After adding a locomotive to the train consist, what air brake test(s) are required.
Select all that apply: - ✔✔-Locomotive Air Brake Test
-Application and Release Test (Class 3)
✔✔A crew picks up nine cars that have been pre-tested. What air brake test is required
when the cars are added to the train? - ✔✔Application and Release Test (Class 3)
✔✔A crew picks up 19 cars that have NOT been pre-tested and adds them to their train.
What air brake test(s) are required? Select all that apply. - ✔✔-Class 1 Initial Terminal
and Road Air Brake Test
-Class 3 Application and Release Test
✔✔Which of the following is an indication for the Approach Medium (flashing yellow)
block signal? - ✔✔Proceed prepared to pass next signal not exceeding 40 mph and be
prepared to enter diverging route at prescribed speed.
✔✔How is main track authority granted in Track Warrant Control (TWC) territory? -
✔✔Track Warrant
✔✔Before or during a Class 1 Air Brake Test, verify angle cocks are properly
positioned, confirm air hoses are properly coupled and in condition for service, and
make repairs to minimize leakage. It is also required to verify retaining valves are in
which position? - ✔✔Exhaust
✔✔During the Initial Terminal and Road Air Brake Test, the release inspection may be
performed as the train departs. What is the max speed the train may be traveling during
this inspection? - ✔✔10 MPH
✔✔Unless further restricted, what is the maximum authorized speed of a key train? -
✔✔50 mph
✔✔A crew stops an intermodal train at a yard to make a set-out. After the set-out, the
locomotives are coupled to a block of fully loaded multi-platform spine cars on the head
end. The train now has 6,700 trailing tons behind the loaded multi-platform spine cars.
Does this train's makeup meet requirements? Why or why not? - ✔✔No. Multi-platform
spine cars must not be ahead of more than 5,500 trailing tons, regardless of how they
are loaded.
✔✔For trains greater than 7,000 total tons, the rear 1/4 of the train must not weigh more
than ____ of the total weight. - ✔✔1/3
✔✔What position - in - train restrictions apply to hazardous material shipments
displaying markings or placards from Group E? - ✔✔There are no restrictions.
AND ANSWERS GRADED A+
✔✔BNSF 5414 West is at an industry where there is no signal governing movement to
the CTC main track. The crew receives verbal authority from the control operator to
enter the main track and proceed west. After entering the main track , how must the
crew proceed? - ✔✔At restricted speed until the leading wheels pass the next governing
signal
✔✔HKCKBAR904- A has a work order to set out the last locomotive in their lead consist
and sequence 15-43 in their train. The process of setting out the cars began at 1515
and was completed with the train ack together at 1620. What air brake test(s), if any,
are necessary before they continue? - ✔✔Class 3 (Application and Release Air Brake
Test)
✔✔A train needs to shove 1 mile within the limits of track and time. The last signal the
train passed was displaying a green aspect and the maximum timetable speed is 55
mph. What is the maximum speed the cars can be shoved? - ✔✔20 mph
✔✔Foreman Borglum gives BNSF 1941 East Permission to proceed through his limits
at restricted speed. Is this a head end or rear end restriction? Why? - ✔✔Head end,
because it is restricted speed
✔✔What is the normal position of a derail in a siding with no equipment left on the
siding? - ✔✔Non- derailing position
✔✔When a trackside warning detector indicates an overheated journal, how do you find
the correct axle designated by the detector? - ✔✔Physically count the axles.
✔✔In most situations, what do conductors use instead of blue signal protection? -
✔✔Set and centered protection
✔✔When derails are used for blue signal protection, they must be locked in derailing
position and positioned at least ____ feet from the rolling equipment to be protected. -
✔✔150
✔✔How many utility employees can work with one train or yard crew at the same time?
- ✔✔No more than 3
✔✔A local crew is traveling to Cavindish Farms to spot cars 14 miles away. What Air
brake test is required for the cars they are taking with them? - ✔✔Transfer Train
Movements Test
, ✔✔After adding a locomotive to the train consist, what air brake test(s) are required.
Select all that apply: - ✔✔-Locomotive Air Brake Test
-Application and Release Test (Class 3)
✔✔A crew picks up nine cars that have been pre-tested. What air brake test is required
when the cars are added to the train? - ✔✔Application and Release Test (Class 3)
✔✔A crew picks up 19 cars that have NOT been pre-tested and adds them to their train.
What air brake test(s) are required? Select all that apply. - ✔✔-Class 1 Initial Terminal
and Road Air Brake Test
-Class 3 Application and Release Test
✔✔Which of the following is an indication for the Approach Medium (flashing yellow)
block signal? - ✔✔Proceed prepared to pass next signal not exceeding 40 mph and be
prepared to enter diverging route at prescribed speed.
✔✔How is main track authority granted in Track Warrant Control (TWC) territory? -
✔✔Track Warrant
✔✔Before or during a Class 1 Air Brake Test, verify angle cocks are properly
positioned, confirm air hoses are properly coupled and in condition for service, and
make repairs to minimize leakage. It is also required to verify retaining valves are in
which position? - ✔✔Exhaust
✔✔During the Initial Terminal and Road Air Brake Test, the release inspection may be
performed as the train departs. What is the max speed the train may be traveling during
this inspection? - ✔✔10 MPH
✔✔Unless further restricted, what is the maximum authorized speed of a key train? -
✔✔50 mph
✔✔A crew stops an intermodal train at a yard to make a set-out. After the set-out, the
locomotives are coupled to a block of fully loaded multi-platform spine cars on the head
end. The train now has 6,700 trailing tons behind the loaded multi-platform spine cars.
Does this train's makeup meet requirements? Why or why not? - ✔✔No. Multi-platform
spine cars must not be ahead of more than 5,500 trailing tons, regardless of how they
are loaded.
✔✔For trains greater than 7,000 total tons, the rear 1/4 of the train must not weigh more
than ____ of the total weight. - ✔✔1/3
✔✔What position - in - train restrictions apply to hazardous material shipments
displaying markings or placards from Group E? - ✔✔There are no restrictions.
