LIRR DEFINITIONS EXAM QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
Block - ANSWERA length of track of defined limits, the use of which is governed by
block signals, block limit signals, automatic speed control or any combination thereof.
Absolute Block - ANSWERA block established between block stations, block limit
stations, interlockings or any combination thereof which must not be occupied by more
than one train except as provided by the rules.
Manual Block Signal System - ANSWERA block signal system wherein the use of each
block is governed by block signals controlled manually, by block limit signals or both,
upon information received by telephone, radio, or other means of communication.
Automatic Speed Control System (ASC) - ANSWERA system so arranged that its
operation will automatically result in the following: a full service application of the train
brakes if, while operating under a speed restriction, the speed of the train exceeds the
predetermined rate. The application will continue until the train is either brought to a
stop or, under the control of the engineer, its speed is reduced to the predetermined
rate.
Speed Controlled Train - ANSWERA train equipped with the following speed control
apparatus, a cab signal indicator, sealed application valve or switch, audible warning
device and acknowledging switch, in operative condition for the direction in which it is to
move.
Interlocking - ANSWERAn arrangement of signals and signal appliances so
interconnected that their movements must succeed each other in proper sequence and
for which interlocking rules are in effect.
Interlocking Limits - ANSWERThe tracks between the extreme opposing home signals
of an interlocking.
Pilot - ANSWERAn employee assigned to a train or track car when the engineer,
conductor or track car driver is not qualified on the physical characteristics or rules of
the railroad or portion of the railroad over which the movement is to be made.
Aspect - ANSWERThe appearance of a fixed signal which conveys an indication as
viewed from the direction of an approaching train; the appearance of a cab signal
indicator as viewed in the engine control compartment.
Block-Limit Signal - ANSWERA fixed signal indicating the limit of the block, the use of
which is governed by manual block signal system rules.
, Block Signal - ANSWERA fixed signal or a hand signal in the absence of a fixed signal,
at the entrance to a block that governs trains using that block.
Cab Signal Indicator - ANSWERA signal indicator located in the engine control
compartment displaying the maximum speed for the movement of the train. It will be
used in conjunction with interlocking signals and either in conjunction with or in lieu of
block signals.
Home Signal - ANSWERA fixed signal that displays stop as its most restrictive aspect
and governs the entrance to a route or block.
Indication - ANSWERThe information conveyed by the aspect of a signal.
Marker - ANSWERA highly visible marking device in the red-orange-amber color range,
affixed to the rear of the train to indicate that the train is complete.
Foul Time - ANSWERA method of establishing working limits on a main track,
secondary track or siding in which a roadway worker is notified by the Train Dispatcher
through the Block Operator that no trains will operate within the working limits
established on that track until the roadway worker reports clear of the track.
Inaccessible Track - ANSWERA method of establishing working limits on track not
controlled by the Train Operator or Block Operator by physically preventing the entry
and movement of trains.
Job Briefing - ANSWERWhen reporting for duty, employees whose duties require
coordination with other employees must hold a job briefing to review operational and
safety conditions. If these conditions change, employees must hold an additional job
briefing to discuss the new conditions.
Working Limits - ANSWERA segment of track with definite boundaries upon which
trains may move only as authorized by the roadway worker in charge of that segment of
track.
Maximum Authorized Speed (MAS) - ANSWERThe highest speed that is permitted over
a specific portion of the railroad. It may be authorized by the special instructions of the
current timetable, Rules of Operating Department or any other publication authorized by
the General Superintendent-Transportation.
Medium Speed - ANSWERA Speed not exceeding 30 mph, except in ASC territory,
train will be governed by speed displayed on the cab signal indicator not to exceed 40
mph.
Restricted Speed - ANSWERA mode of operation, at which a train can be stopped
within one half the range of vision, short of the next signal, another train, obstruction,
AND ANSWERS
Block - ANSWERA length of track of defined limits, the use of which is governed by
block signals, block limit signals, automatic speed control or any combination thereof.
Absolute Block - ANSWERA block established between block stations, block limit
stations, interlockings or any combination thereof which must not be occupied by more
than one train except as provided by the rules.
Manual Block Signal System - ANSWERA block signal system wherein the use of each
block is governed by block signals controlled manually, by block limit signals or both,
upon information received by telephone, radio, or other means of communication.
Automatic Speed Control System (ASC) - ANSWERA system so arranged that its
operation will automatically result in the following: a full service application of the train
brakes if, while operating under a speed restriction, the speed of the train exceeds the
predetermined rate. The application will continue until the train is either brought to a
stop or, under the control of the engineer, its speed is reduced to the predetermined
rate.
Speed Controlled Train - ANSWERA train equipped with the following speed control
apparatus, a cab signal indicator, sealed application valve or switch, audible warning
device and acknowledging switch, in operative condition for the direction in which it is to
move.
Interlocking - ANSWERAn arrangement of signals and signal appliances so
interconnected that their movements must succeed each other in proper sequence and
for which interlocking rules are in effect.
Interlocking Limits - ANSWERThe tracks between the extreme opposing home signals
of an interlocking.
Pilot - ANSWERAn employee assigned to a train or track car when the engineer,
conductor or track car driver is not qualified on the physical characteristics or rules of
the railroad or portion of the railroad over which the movement is to be made.
Aspect - ANSWERThe appearance of a fixed signal which conveys an indication as
viewed from the direction of an approaching train; the appearance of a cab signal
indicator as viewed in the engine control compartment.
Block-Limit Signal - ANSWERA fixed signal indicating the limit of the block, the use of
which is governed by manual block signal system rules.
, Block Signal - ANSWERA fixed signal or a hand signal in the absence of a fixed signal,
at the entrance to a block that governs trains using that block.
Cab Signal Indicator - ANSWERA signal indicator located in the engine control
compartment displaying the maximum speed for the movement of the train. It will be
used in conjunction with interlocking signals and either in conjunction with or in lieu of
block signals.
Home Signal - ANSWERA fixed signal that displays stop as its most restrictive aspect
and governs the entrance to a route or block.
Indication - ANSWERThe information conveyed by the aspect of a signal.
Marker - ANSWERA highly visible marking device in the red-orange-amber color range,
affixed to the rear of the train to indicate that the train is complete.
Foul Time - ANSWERA method of establishing working limits on a main track,
secondary track or siding in which a roadway worker is notified by the Train Dispatcher
through the Block Operator that no trains will operate within the working limits
established on that track until the roadway worker reports clear of the track.
Inaccessible Track - ANSWERA method of establishing working limits on track not
controlled by the Train Operator or Block Operator by physically preventing the entry
and movement of trains.
Job Briefing - ANSWERWhen reporting for duty, employees whose duties require
coordination with other employees must hold a job briefing to review operational and
safety conditions. If these conditions change, employees must hold an additional job
briefing to discuss the new conditions.
Working Limits - ANSWERA segment of track with definite boundaries upon which
trains may move only as authorized by the roadway worker in charge of that segment of
track.
Maximum Authorized Speed (MAS) - ANSWERThe highest speed that is permitted over
a specific portion of the railroad. It may be authorized by the special instructions of the
current timetable, Rules of Operating Department or any other publication authorized by
the General Superintendent-Transportation.
Medium Speed - ANSWERA Speed not exceeding 30 mph, except in ASC territory,
train will be governed by speed displayed on the cab signal indicator not to exceed 40
mph.
Restricted Speed - ANSWERA mode of operation, at which a train can be stopped
within one half the range of vision, short of the next signal, another train, obstruction,
