GCOR - General Code of Operating Rules Block System and CTC Rules Questions and Answers — 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?
- Obtain permission from the control operator before making any reverse movement. (Correct answer)
- Immediately begin the reverse movement at restricted speed, as it's within the same block.
- Proceed through the stop signal, then initiate the reverse movement.
- Wait for a more favorable signal indication before reversing.
Correct answer: Obtain permission from the control operator before making any reverse movement.
GCOR Rule 6.4.2 states that if a movement stops while the trailing end is between the outer opposing absolute signals of a control point, it must not change direction without permission from the control operator. Since the train is at a control point, permission is mandatory before reversing, even if the movement is within the same signaled block.
Question 2: Under what circumstance is a train permitted to enter CTC territory without a proceed indication on a controlled signal?
- When entering from a yard track where Yard Limits are in effect.
- If the train is a light engine movement.
- When the control operator grants verbal authority to pass a Stop indication or to enter the track between signals. (Correct answer)
- During a signal suspension, all trains may enter CTC at restricted speed without authorization.
Correct answer: When the control operator grants verbal authority to pass a Stop indication or to enter the track between signals.
GCOR Rule 10.1 specifies that a train must not enter or occupy any track where CTC is in effect unless a controlled signal displays a proceed indication OR the control operator authorizes the movement. This authorization can be to pass a stop signal or to enter the track between signals.
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?
- They must stop before the absolute signal at CP 85 and get separate permission to pass it.
- The 'Track and Time' authority does not include interlocking limits, so they cannot enter CP 85.
- They may pass the absolute signal at CP 85 displaying a 'Stop' indication without stopping and without communicating with the control operator. (Correct answer)
- They may pass the signal only after stopping and waiting 10 minutes.
Correct answer: They may pass the absolute signal at CP 85 displaying a 'Stop' indication without stopping and without communicating with the control operator.
GCOR Rule 10.3 (Track and Time) grants authority to occupy the track within specified limits. Unless a control point is specifically designated as a manual interlocking in the timetable, the Track and Time authority includes the limits of the control point. Therefore, a train can pass a controlled signal displaying 'Stop' within their Track and Time limits without stopping or obtaining additional permission.
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?
- In ABS, trains can proceed without any form of track authority.
- In CTC, signal indications authorize train movement, while in ABS, signals provide protection but do not authorize movement. (Correct answer)
- Reverse movements are not permitted in ABS territory.
- CTC territory does not use intermediate signals, only absolute signals.
Correct answer: In CTC, signal indications authorize train movement, while in ABS, signals provide protection but do not authorize movement.
In CTC territory, block signal indications are the primary method used to authorize train movements. In ABS territory, signals provide information about block occupancy to ensure trains are spaced safely, but the authority to occupy the main track comes from another source, such as a track warrant or timetable authority.
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?
- The crew must provide flag protection in both directions.
- The control operator must verbally authorize the train to enter the track. (Correct answer)
- The crew must open the switch and wait 5 minutes to establish signal protection.
- The train can enter immediately after lining the switch, then report to the dispatcher.
Correct answer: The control operator must verbally authorize the train to enter the track.
According to GCOR Rule 9.17, within CTC territory, before a train enters the track at a hand-operated switch with no governing signal, the control operator must authorize the movement. The control operator is responsible for verifying there are no conflicting movements before granting this authority.
Question 6: When Yard Limits are in effect within CTC territory, which rule takes precedence for authorizing movement on the main track?
- Rule 6.13 (Yard Limits), allowing all movements to proceed at restricted speed without dispatcher contact.
- Rule 10.1 (Authority to Enter CTC Limits), requiring authorization from the control operator for any main track movement. (Correct answer)
- The crew can choose which rule to operate under based on the situation.
- Rule 6.4 (Reverse Movements), which becomes the primary authority for all movements.
Correct answer: Rule 10.1 (Authority to Enter CTC Limits), requiring authorization from the control operator for any main track movement.
When Yard Limits are established within CTC territory, the rules are combined. While the principle of moving at restricted speed (from Rule 6.13) still applies unless a signal indicates otherwise, GCOR specifically states that the control operator must still authorize any movement on the main track, per CTC rules. Rule 10.1 authority is required.
GCOR - General Code of Operating Rules Block System and CTC Rules Questions and Answers
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?