CTB CTB Track Systems & Components

Question 1

What is the primary function of a rail joint bar (fishplate) in a track system?

Accepted Answer

To connect two rail ends mechanically and maintain vertical and horizontal alignment

Answer

To anchor the rail to the tie

Answer

To provide an electrical insulation gap in the circuit

Answer

To measure the gauge between rails

Question 2

What is 'gauge' in the context of railroad track?

Accepted Answer

The distance between the inside faces of the two running rails, measured 5/8 inch below the top of rail

Answer

The weight of rail per yard

Answer

The height of the rail head above the tie plate

Answer

The thickness of the rail web

Question 3

A turnout (switch) consists of which three main components?

Accepted Answer

Switch points, frog, and closure rails

Answer

Rail, ties, and ballast

Answer

Spikes, tie plates, and bolts

Answer

Guard rails, bridge ties, and anchor plates

Question 4

What is the purpose of a guard rail (check rail) installed at a frog?

Accepted Answer

To keep the wheel flange on the correct path and prevent it from taking the wrong route through the frog

Answer

To provide additional weight for stability

Answer

To measure the flange depth of passing wheels

Answer

To electrically isolate the two tracks at the crossing

Question 5

Rail cant (inclination) on most North American railroads is set at:

Accepted Answer

1 in 40 (toward the track center)

Answer

1 in 10 (toward the field side)

Answer

Perfectly vertical (0 degrees)

Answer

1 in 20 (toward the field side)

Question 6

What does the term 'superelevation' (cross-level) refer to in track geometry?

Accepted Answer

The elevation of the outer (high) rail above the inner (low) rail on a curve

Answer

The height of the rail above sea level

Answer

The difference in rail weight between two track segments

Answer

The vertical profile of the track over a summit