Bnsf Study Guide Memorize (Glossary Terms)

Front 1

Absolute Signal

A length of track that no train is permitted to enter while the track is occupied by another train.

Back 1

Absolute Signal

A block or interlocking signal without a number plate or designated by an A marker

Hint 1

Articulated

Permanently connected multiple unit cars that share a common truck

Front 2

ATC Actuator

An ATC brake applying apparatus

Back 2

Automatic Block Signal System (ABS)

A series of consecutive blocks governed by block signals, cab signals, or both. The signals are activated by a train or by certain conditions that affect the block use.

Hint 2

Automatic Cab Signal System (ACS)

A system that allows cab signals and the cab warning whistle to operate automatically.

Front 3

Automatic Train Control (ATC)

A system to enforce compliance with cab and wayside signal indications. if the train exceeds a predetermined speed for a given signal indication and speed is not reduced at a sufficient rate, brakes are automatically applied.

Back 3

Automatic Train Stop System (ATS)

A system activated by wayside inductors positioned to apply the brakes automatically until the train stops.

Hint 3

Block

A length of track
between consecutive block signals
between a block signal and the end of a block system limits or
in ATC limits the use of which is governed by cab signals and/or block signals.

Front 4

Block Signal

A fixed signal at the entrance of a block that governs trains entering and using that block

Back 4

Block system

A block or series of consecutive blocks within ABS, ACS, CTC, or interlocking limits.

Hint 4

Centralized Traffic Control (CTC)

A block system that uses block signal indications to authorize train movements.

Front 5

Clearance point

The location closest to a switch where it is safe for equipment and a person riding the side of equipment unless prohibited to pass equipment on an adjacent track.

Back 5

Conductor

Crew member in charge of train or yard crew

Hint 5

Control Operator

Employee assigned to operate a CTC or interlocking control machine or authorized to grant track permits.

Front 6

Control Point

The location of absolute signals controlled by a control operator

Back 6

Controlled Siding

A siding within CTC or interlocking limits where a signal indication authorizes the siding's use.

Hint 6

Controlled Signal

An absolute signal controlled by a control operator.

Front 7

Crew Member

Conductor, assistant conductors, brakemen, engineers, remote control operators, yard engine foemen, switchmen, and yard helpers

Back 7

Crossings at grade

Crossings that intersect at the same level

Hint 7

Crossover

A track connection between two adjacent tracks, consisting of two switches, which is intended to be used primarily for the purpose of crossing over from one track to the other

Front 8

Current of Traffic (Double Track)

The movement of trains in one direction on a main track as specified by the rules

Back 8

Direct Traffic Controls (DTC)

A DTC block of series of DTC blocks where the train dispatcher authorizes track occupancy.

Hint 8

Distant Signal

A fixed signal outside a block system that governs the approach to a block signal, interlacing signal, or switch point indicator. A distant signal does not indicated conditions that affect track use between the distant signal and switch point indicator. A distant signal is identified by a D.

Front 9

Double track

Two main tracks where the current of traffic on one track is in a specified direction and in the opposite direction on the other

Back 9

Dual Track

Two main tracks where the current of traffic on one track is in a specified direction and in opposite direction on the other.

Hint 9

Dual control Switch

A power operated switch, moveable point from, or derail that can also be operated by hand.

Front 10

DTC Block

A length of main track specified by name. DTC block name and limits are identified by wayside signs reading, begin (name) Block and End (name) Block and by mile post location in the timetable

Back 10

Electric Switch Lock

An electrically controlled lock that restricts the use of a hand operated switch or derail

Hint 10

Engine

A unit propelled by any form of energy or more than one of these units operated from a single control. engines are used in train or yard service. Rule that apply to engines also apply to cab control cars.

Front 11

Engineer

Also includes student engineers, firemen, hostlers, and remote control operators

Back 11

Equipment fouling the track

The end of rolling equipment or on track maintenance of way equipment left between the clearance point and the switch points leading to the track on which the equipment is standing

Hint 11

Fixed Signal

A signal that fixed to a location permanently and that indicates a condition affecting train movement

Front 12

Flagman

an employee providing flag protection as outlined in Rule 6.19 (Flag Protection) and for other purposes as outlined in the rules.

Back 12

Forman

Employee in charge of work

Hint 12

General Track Bulletin (GTB)

A notice containing track bulletin restrictions and other conditions affecting train movement

Front 13

Interlocking

Signal appliances that are interconnected so that each of their movements follows the other in a proper sequence. Interlocking may be operated manually or automatically.

Back 13

Interlocking Limits

The track between outer opposing absolute signals of an interlocking.

Hint 13

Interlocking Signals

The fixed signals of an interlocking that govern trains using interlocking limits

Front 14

Main Track

A track extending through yards and between stations that must not be occupied without authority or protection

Back 14

Multiple Main Tracks

Two or more main tracks that are used according to the timetable

Hint 14

Pilot

An employee assigned to a train to assist an engineer or conductor who is unfamiliar with the rules or the portion of railroad the train will operate on

Front 15

Proceed Indication

Any block signal indication that allows a train to proceed without stopping

Back 15

Remote Control Operator (RCO)

An employee who may operate an engine with or without cars by means of a remote control transmitter

Hint 15

Remote Control Zone (RCZ)

A portion of track within definite limits designated in the timetable special instructions

Front 16

Reverse Movement

A movement opposite the authorized direction

Back 16

Siding

A track connected to the main track and used for meeting or passing trains. Location of sidings are shown in the timetable

Hint 16

Signal Aspect

The appearance of a fixed or cab signal

Front 17

Signal indication

The action required by the signal aspect

Back 17

Signal Track

A main track where trains are operated in both directions

Hint 17

Special Instructions

Instructions contained in the timetable or other publication

Front 18

Spring Switch

A switch with a spring mechanism that returns the switch points to the original position after they are trailed through

Back 18

Station

A place designated by name in the timetable station

Hint 18

Switch point indicator

A light type indicator used during movement over certain switches to show that switch points fit properly

Front 19

Timetable

A publication with instructions on train, engine, or equipment movement. It also contains other essential information

Back 19

Track Bulletin

A notice of conditions affecting train movement. It may also authorize movement against the current of traffic where Rule 9.15 (movement with the current of traffic is in effect)

Hint 19

Trackside Warning Detector

A device that indicates conditions such as overheated journals, dragging equipment, excess dimensions, shifted loads, high water, or slides

Front 20

Track Warrant Control (TWC)

A methon to authorize train movement or protect men or machines on a main track within specified limits in a territory designated by the timetable.

Back 20

Train

One or more engines coupled, with or without cars, displaying a marker, and authorized to operated on a main track. A terms that when used in connection with speed restrictions, flag protection, and the observance of all signals and signal rules also applies to engines

Hint 20

Variable Switch

A switch identified by a V or a bowl painted yellow. when trailed through the switch points remain lined in the position they where forced.

Front 21

Whistle Quiet Zone

A designate portion of track, that includes road crossings at grade where whistle signal is not regularly sounded

Back 21

Yard

A system of tracks, other than main tracks and sidings used for making up trains, storing cars, and other purposes

Hint 21

Yard Limits

A portion of main track designated by yard limit signs and timetable special instructions or a track bulletin

Front 22

Main Track Authority
Single Track Non Signal
Track Warrant Control (TWC)

Rule - 6.13 (Yard Limits)
Rule - 6.14 (Restricted Limits)

Rule - 14.1 (Authority to enter TWC limits)

Back 22

Main Track Authority
Single Track
Automatic Block Signal
Track Warrant Control (TWC)

Rule - 6.13 (Yard Limits)
Rule - 6.14 Restricted Limits)

Rule - 14.1 (Authority to enter TWC Limits)

Hint 22

Main Track Authority
Double Track
Automatic Block Signal
Track Warrant Control (TWC)

Rule - 6.13 (Yard Limits)
Rule - 6.14 (Restricted Limits)

Rule - 14.1 (Authority to enter TWC Limits)
to move with the current of traffic
PROTECTION
Rule 14.6 - Movement Against Current of traffic

Front 23

Main Track Authority
Double Track Rule 9.14

Rule - 6.13 (Yard Limits)
Rule - 6.14 (Restricted Limits)

Rule 9.14 Movement with the current of traffic

Rule 9.15 - Track permits to move against the current of traffic

Back 23

Main Track Authority
CTC (Dispatcher)
Rule - 10.1 Authority to enter CTC limits (Mother may I)

10.3 - Track and Time (provides protection)

Hint 23

Main Track Authority
Manual Interlocking
Verbal authority from the control operator.
or
A controlled signal indicates proceed

Front 24

8 Deadly Decisions

On and Off - S 13.5
Going Between - S 13.1.1
Separation - S 13.1.11
Riding Equipment improperly
S 13.1.5
Fouling - GCOR 1.1.2
Running - S 1.5.3
Riding to the pin - S 13.1.5
Shoving - GCOR 6.5

Back 24

6.27 Movement at restricted speed
When required to move at restricted speed, movement must be made at a speed at a speed that allows stopping within half the range of vision short of:
Train, Engine, Railroad Car, Men or equipment fouling the track, Stop signal, Derail or switch lined improperly
When a train or engine is required to move at restricted speed the crew must keep a lookout for broken rail and not exceed 20 MPH.
Comply with these requirements until the leading wheels reach a point where the movement at restricted speed is no longer required.