GCOR - General Code of Operating Rules Signals and Their Indications Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to GCOR, what is the indication for a signal displaying a single yellow light, known as an 'Approach' signal?
- Proceed at restricted speed.
- Proceed prepared to stop at the next signal. Trains exceeding 30 MPH must immediately reduce to that speed. (Correct answer)
- Stop, then proceed at restricted speed.
- Proceed, but be prepared to pass the next signal at a speed not exceeding 40 MPH.
Correct answer: Proceed prepared to stop at the next signal. Trains exceeding 30 MPH must immediately reduce to that speed.
The 'Approach' signal indication requires the train to be operated in a manner that allows it to be stopped before the next signal. It also imposes an immediate speed reduction for trains traveling faster than a specified speed (often 30 or 40 MPH, depending on the railroad's special instructions, but the core instruction is to prepare to stop).
Question 2: A train crew encounters a signal displaying a single red light. Under GCOR, what is the primary indication of this 'Stop' signal?
- Stop, then proceed at restricted speed after one minute.
- Immediately reduce to restricted speed, but do not stop.
- Stop before any part of the train passes the signal and do not proceed without authority. (Correct answer)
- Proceed after stopping if the track ahead is seen to be clear.
Correct answer: Stop before any part of the train passes the signal and do not proceed without authority.
A signal displaying a solid red light indicates 'Stop'. A train must stop before any part of it passes the signal mast. The train may not proceed until authorized by the control operator or as otherwise specified in the rules (e.g., under a track permit).
Question 3: While operating in signaled territory, your train passes a signal displaying a flashing yellow aspect. What is the name and indication of this signal?
- Diverging Approach: Proceed on a diverging route prepared to stop at the next signal.
- Approach Restricting: Proceed prepared to pass the next signal at restricted speed. (Correct answer)
- Advance Approach: Proceed prepared to stop at the second signal.
- Clear: Proceed at maximum authorized speed.
Correct answer: Approach Restricting: Proceed prepared to pass the next signal at restricted speed.
A flashing yellow aspect is an 'Approach Restricting' signal. The indication is to proceed prepared to pass the next signal at restricted speed. This tells the engineer that the block ahead is clear, but the next signal will require them to enter a block under restricted speed conditions.
Question 4: A train is authorized to pass a signal displaying a 'Restricting' indication. Which of the following is a key requirement for the train's movement?
- The train must not exceed 10 MPH.
- The movement must be able to stop within half the range of vision, short of any obstruction, and not exceeding 20 MPH. (Correct answer)
- The crew must contact the dispatcher every mile.
- The train may proceed at normal speed if the next signal is visible and clear.
Correct answer: The movement must be able to stop within half the range of vision, short of any obstruction, and not exceeding 20 MPH.
A 'Restricting' indication requires movement at restricted speed. GCOR defines restricted speed as a speed that allows stopping within one-half the range of vision, short of a train, engine, railroad car, stop signal, misaligned switch, or broken rail, not to exceed 20 MPH.
Question 5: Your train is approaching an interlocking and the governing signal displays a red over green aspect. What action should you take?
- Stop immediately; the signal is improperly displayed.
- Proceed at normal speed as the route is clear.
- Proceed on the diverging route at the prescribed speed through the turnout. (Correct answer)
- Proceed prepared to stop at the next signal.
Correct answer: Proceed on the diverging route at the prescribed speed through the turnout.
A red over green aspect is a 'Diverging Clear' signal. It indicates that the route is lined for a diverging movement and the train may proceed through the turnout at the speed specified in the timetable or special instructions. The track beyond the interlocking is clear.
Question 6: According to GCOR Rule 9.4, if a block signal light is absent or a white light is displayed where a colored light should be, how must the signal be regarded?
- As displaying a Clear indication.
- The train may proceed at restricted speed.
- The signal should be ignored and the train should proceed based on the previous signal's indication.
- As displaying its most restrictive indication. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: As displaying its most restrictive indication.
GCOR Rule 9.4 states that if a light is absent, improperly displayed, or a white light appears where a color should be, the signal must be regarded as displaying its most restrictive indication (typically 'Stop'). The only exception is if a semaphore arm's position is plainly visible, in which case the arm's aspect governs.
GCOR - General Code of Operating Rules Signals and Their Indications Questions and Answers
According to GCOR, what is the indication for a signal displaying a single yellow light, known as an 'Approach' signal?