GCOR GCOR - General Code of Operating Rules Train Handling and Speed Restrictions 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under GCOR, what must a locomotive engineer do before exceeding the maximum authorized speed when conditions improve?
- Accelerate immediately to maximum speed
- Ensure all restrictions have been cleared and conditions permit (Correct answer)
- Notify the dispatcher first
- Wait for written authorization
Correct answer: Ensure all restrictions have been cleared and conditions permit
Engineers must confirm all speed restrictions are lifted and conditions permit before increasing speed to the authorized maximum.
Question 2: According to GCOR, what is the maximum speed allowed when moving against the current of traffic on a double main track without a specific authority?
- 10 mph (Correct answer)
- 20 mph
- 30 mph
- 40 mph
Correct answer: 10 mph
GCOR restricts movement against the current of traffic on double main track to a maximum of 10 mph unless specific authority is granted.
Question 3: Under GCOR, when must an engineer reduce speed to 20 mph or less at grade crossings not equipped with automatic warning devices?
- Only at night
- Always, regardless of visibility (Correct answer)
- Only when flagged by a crew member
- Only in inclement weather
Correct answer: Always, regardless of visibility
GCOR requires trains to reduce to 20 mph or less at all passive grade crossings (those without automatic warning devices) regardless of conditions.
Question 4: When a GCOR train must stop and the engineer cannot stop within half the range of vision, what action is required?
- Sound the horn and proceed at 10 mph
- Stop immediately regardless of consequences
- Apply emergency brakes and sound the horn (Correct answer)
- Reduce speed and call the dispatcher
Correct answer: Apply emergency brakes and sound the horn
When unable to stop within half the range of vision, GCOR requires the engineer to apply emergency brakes and sound the horn to warn others.
Question 5: Under GCOR, what speed restriction applies to a train with defective or inoperative dynamic brakes on grades exceeding a specific percentage?
- The train must not exceed the speed authorized by the chief mechanical officer or equivalent (Correct answer)
- The train must not exceed 30 mph on any grade
- The train must stop and not proceed until repaired
- No restriction applies if air brakes are functional
Correct answer: The train must not exceed the speed authorized by the chief mechanical officer or equivalent
GCOR requires that when dynamic brakes are defective on steep grades, the speed must not exceed what is authorized by the designated mechanical authority.
Question 6: According to GCOR, what must occur before a train exceeds 49 mph when operating with a distributed power unit (DPU)?
- The DPU must be disconnected
- Communication and control of the DPU must be verified as operational (Correct answer)
- Written authority must be obtained from the dispatcher
- The train must reduce to 49 mph permanently
Correct answer: Communication and control of the DPU must be verified as operational
Before exceeding 49 mph with a DPU, GCOR requires verification that communication and control of the distributed power unit are fully operational.
GCOR GCOR - General Code of Operating Rules Train Handling and Speed Restrictions 1
Under GCOR, what must a locomotive engineer do before exceeding the maximum authorized speed when conditions improve?