GCOR - General Code of Operating Rules Handling Switches and Derails Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An employee has finished using a hand-operated main track switch for a switching move. After the entire movement is clear of the switch, what is the final required action regarding the switch's position?
- Leave the switch lined for the track last used.
- Notify the train dispatcher of the switch's current position.
- Line and lock the switch for the main track. (Correct answer)
- Place a red flag at the switch stand to indicate it was used.
Correct answer: Line and lock the switch for the main track.
GCOR Rule 8.3 states that the normal position of a main track switch is for main track movement and it must be lined and locked in that position after use, unless specific exceptions apply (such as being attended or under dispatcher authority).
Question 2: According to GCOR Rule 8.2, who bears the ultimate responsibility for the position of a hand-operated switch while it is in use?
- The train dispatcher.
- The employee who is operating the switch. (Correct answer)
- The locomotive engineer.
- The conductor of the train.
Correct answer: The employee who is operating the switch.
GCOR Rule 8.2 explicitly states that the employee handling or operating the switch is responsible for its position. This is a rule of personal responsibility.
Question 3: A train is authorized to enter a yard track protected by a derail. Before the train occupies the track, what must be done with the derail?
- The derail must be removed from the rail or placed in the non-derailing position. (Correct answer)
- The train dispatcher must be contacted for verbal permission to pass the derail.
- The train must stop and wait for a five-minute interval before proceeding.
- The derail must be inspected and confirmed to be in the derailing position.
Correct answer: The derail must be removed from the rail or placed in the non-derailing position.
The purpose of a derail is to protect another track (often the main track) from an unauthorized movement. The derail must be placed in the non-derailing position to allow equipment to safely enter the track it protects.
Question 4: When making a trailing point movement over a spring switch, which of the following is a primary requirement before proceeding?
- The movement must not exceed 5 MPH.
- The train dispatcher must give verbal authorization for the movement.
- A crew member must observe that the switch points are closed and fit properly. (Correct answer)
- The switch must be operated by hand to the reverse position and back again.
Correct answer: A crew member must observe that the switch points are closed and fit properly.
For a trailing point movement over a spring switch, the points are forced open by the wheels and then spring back. It is critical to ensure the points are properly closed before the movement starts to prevent a derailment. Testing the switch by hand (lining it over and back) is required only for certain facing point movements under specific signal indications.
Question 5: A crew needs to use a hand-operated crossover between two main tracks. What is the correct procedure for lining the switches?
- Line the first switch, move the engine past it, then line the second switch.
- Both switches of the crossover must be opened and properly lined before the movement begins. (Correct answer)
- Line only the switch on the track the train is currently occupying.
- Request the dispatcher to remotely line the crossover switches.
Correct answer: Both switches of the crossover must be opened and properly lined before the movement begins.
GCOR Rule 8.12 requires that both switches of a crossover must be opened and lined for the crossover movement before the movement starts. This ensures a continuous and safe route.
Question 6: A train crew is making a facing point movement over a spring switch that is not protected by a block signal or switch point indicator. What action must be taken?
- Proceed at restricted speed over the switch.
- Report the unprotected switch to the dispatcher after passing it.
- The train must stop and a crew member must test the switch by lining it over and back by hand. (Correct answer)
- Trail the entire train through the switch in the opposite direction first.
Correct answer: The train must stop and a crew member must test the switch by lining it over and back by hand.
GCOR Rule 8.9.1 specifies that if a train is making a facing point movement over a spring switch and the switch is not protected by a block signal or switch point indicator, the train must stop and a crew member must test the switch by hand to ensure it is properly lined and the points fit correctly.
GCOR - General Code of Operating Rules Handling Switches and Derails Questions and Answers
An employee has finished using a hand-operated main track switch for a switching move.
After the entire movement is clear of the switch, what is the final required action regarding the switch's position?