GCOR GCOR - General Code of Operating Rules Train Handling and Speed Restrictions 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to GCOR, who is responsible for ensuring that a train does not exceed its authorized speed?
- The dispatcher alone
- The conductor alone
- The locomotive engineer (Correct answer)
- The train crew collectively
Correct answer: The locomotive engineer
Under GCOR, the locomotive engineer is specifically responsible for ensuring the train does not exceed its authorized speed at any time.
Question 2: Under GCOR, what must a crew do when operating on a track where the speed limit is reduced due to a slow order and the slow order location is not clearly marked?
- Estimate the location and begin reduction 500 feet early
- Reduce speed before reaching the slow order location to ensure compliance (Correct answer)
- Contact the dispatcher for exact milepost location
- Proceed at normal speed until the track condition is observed
Correct answer: Reduce speed before reaching the slow order location to ensure compliance
GCOR requires crews to reduce speed in advance of the slow order location to ensure the train is at the restricted speed when it reaches that point.
Question 3: According to GCOR, when is a crew permitted to exceed the maximum authorized timetable speed?
- When making up time for a late train
- When authorized by the dispatcher via radio
- Never; timetable speed is the absolute maximum unless otherwise authorized (Correct answer)
- Only when the track is clear and visibility is good
Correct answer: Never; timetable speed is the absolute maximum unless otherwise authorized
GCOR prohibits exceeding the maximum timetable speed under any circumstances unless a specific written or radio authority has been issued.
Question 4: Under GCOR, what does a crew do when a train encounters an unexpected low-hanging obstruction over the track?
- Proceed at restricted speed while ducking
- Stop immediately and protect the obstruction before any action is taken (Correct answer)
- Reduce to 10 mph and proceed with caution
- Contact the dispatcher and then proceed
Correct answer: Stop immediately and protect the obstruction before any action is taken
GCOR requires the crew to stop immediately when an unexpected obstruction is encountered and protect the scene before taking further action.
Question 5: According to GCOR, what speed must be observed when passing a roadway worker's on-track equipment that has been given 'clear of the movement' notification?
- 10 mph
- 20 mph (Correct answer)
- Restricted speed
- Normal timetable speed
Correct answer: 20 mph
Even after on-track equipment has been cleared, GCOR requires trains to pass at no more than 20 mph to ensure worker safety.
Question 6: Under GCOR, what must a locomotive engineer do if the automatic train stop or train control device activates unexpectedly?
- Reset it immediately and continue
- Stop the train, report the activation, and not proceed until authorized (Correct answer)
- Reduce speed to 30 mph and notify the dispatcher
- Apply independent brakes and continue at 15 mph
Correct answer: Stop the train, report the activation, and not proceed until authorized
An unexpected activation of automatic train stop or train control requires the engineer to stop the train, report the incident, and await authorization before proceeding.
GCOR GCOR - General Code of Operating Rules Train Handling and Speed Restrictions 3
According to GCOR, who is responsible for ensuring that a train does not exceed its authorized speed?