GCOR - General Code of Operating Rules Block System and CTC Rules Questions and Answers

Question 1

A train is operating in CTC territory and stops at a control point with an absolute signal displaying 'Stop'.
The crew needs to make a reverse movement just inside the block they came from to set out a car.
According to GCOR, what is the first required action?

Accepted Answer

Obtain permission from the control operator before making any reverse movement.

Answer

Immediately begin the reverse movement at restricted speed, as it's within the same block.

Answer

Proceed through the stop signal, then initiate the reverse movement.

Answer

Wait for a more favorable signal indication before reversing.

Question 2

Under what circumstance is a train permitted to enter CTC territory without a proceed indication on a controlled signal?

Accepted Answer

When the control operator grants verbal authority to pass a Stop indication or to enter the track between signals.

Answer

When entering from a yard track where Yard Limits are in effect.

Answer

If the train is a light engine movement.

Answer

During a signal suspension, all trains may enter CTC at restricted speed without authorization.

Question 3

A train crew has been granted 'Track and Time' authority from MP 80 to MP 90 in CTC territory. Within these limits is CP 85, which is a dispatcher-controlled crossover. How does this authority affect their movement at CP 85?

Accepted Answer

They may pass the absolute signal at CP 85 displaying a 'Stop' indication without stopping and without communicating with the control operator.

Answer

They must stop before the absolute signal at CP 85 and get separate permission to pass it.

Answer

The 'Track and Time' authority does not include interlocking limits, so they cannot enter CP 85.

Answer

They may pass the signal only after stopping and waiting 10 minutes.

Question 4

Which of the following is a key difference between movement authority in an Automatic Block System (ABS) territory versus a Centralized Traffic Control (CTC) territory?

Accepted Answer

In CTC, signal indications authorize train movement, while in ABS, signals provide protection but do not authorize movement.

Answer

In ABS, trains can proceed without any form of track authority.

Answer

Reverse movements are not permitted in ABS territory.

Answer

CTC territory does not use intermediate signals, only absolute signals.

Question 5

A train is authorized to enter the main track in CTC territory at a hand-operated switch where no governing signal exists. What must happen before the train occupies the main track?

Accepted Answer

The control operator must verbally authorize the train to enter the track.

Answer

The crew must provide flag protection in both directions.

Answer

The crew must open the switch and wait 5 minutes to establish signal protection.

Answer

The train can enter immediately after lining the switch, then report to the dispatcher.

Question 6

When Yard Limits are in effect within CTC territory, which rule takes precedence for authorizing movement on the main track?

Accepted Answer

Rule 10.1 (Authority to Enter CTC Limits), requiring authorization from the control operator for any main track movement.

Answer

Rule 6.13 (Yard Limits), allowing all movements to proceed at restricted speed without dispatcher contact.

Answer

The crew can choose which rule to operate under based on the situation.

Answer

Rule 6.4 (Reverse Movements), which becomes the primary authority for all movements.