GCOR - General Code of Operating Rules Track Warrant Control (TWC) Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A train crew receives a track warrant that includes the instruction in Box 8: 'Hold main track at last named point.' If the last named point is a station with a siding, what does this instruction require?
- The train must stop before the first siding switch at the station.
- The train may proceed through the station on the main track without stopping.
- The train's authority extends to and includes the last siding switch.
- The train's authority extends to but does not include the last siding switch. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The train's authority extends to but does not include the last siding switch.
According to GCOR Rule 14.2 (B), when a track warrant includes the instruction 'Hold main track at last named point,' the train's authority extends up to, but does not include, the last siding switch at that location. This prevents the train from fouling the switch that an opposing train might need to use.
Question 2: Under what specific condition may a train dispatcher issue a track warrant to a train that will have overlapping limits with men or equipment?
- Only if the men or equipment are also operating a train.
- If the train crew verbally agrees to look out for the men and equipment.
- When all trains authorized are notified and instructed to move at restricted speed within the overlapping limits. (Correct answer)
- Never, it is strictly prohibited to have overlapping limits between a train and men or equipment.
Correct answer: When all trains authorized are notified and instructed to move at restricted speed within the overlapping limits.
GCOR Rule 14.5 allows for a track warrant to be issued with overlapping limits for a train and men or equipment, provided that all trains involved are notified of the men or equipment and are instructed to move at restricted speed through the shared limits. The rule also requires that the employee in charge of the men or equipment is informed about the trains.
Question 3: A train has authority on a track warrant from MP 10 to MP 30. After the entire train passes MP 20, the conductor reports this to the train dispatcher. What is the status of the train's authority?
- The entire warrant from MP 10 to MP 30 remains in effect.
- The authority is now void between MP 20 and MP 30.
- The authority is considered void up to MP 20. (Correct answer)
- A new track warrant is required to proceed to MP 30.
Correct answer: The authority is considered void up to MP 20.
GCOR Rule 14.3 states that when a crew member informs the train dispatcher that the entire train has passed a specific point, the track warrant authority is considered void up to that point. The authority from MP 20 to MP 30 remains in effect.
Question 4: Which of the following is the correct procedure for voiding a track warrant that is no longer needed or must be changed?
- The crew can verbally agree with the dispatcher to void the warrant.
- A new track warrant must be issued that includes the instruction 'Track Warrant No. ___ is void'. (Correct answer)
- The crew simply writes 'VOID' on their copy; no communication with the dispatcher is needed.
- The warrant automatically becomes void after a fixed period of two hours.
Correct answer: A new track warrant must be issued that includes the instruction 'Track Warrant No. ___ is void'.
GCOR Rule 14.11 specifies that to change the limits or instructions of a track warrant, a new warrant must be issued. This new warrant must explicitly state, 'Track Warrant NO. ____________ is void,' followed by the number of the warrant being superseded.
Question 5: A train receives a track warrant with Box 7 checked: 'Not in effect until after the arrival of Train XYZ at Dover.' What action must the crew take?
- Proceed at restricted speed until Train XYZ is met.
- Depart immediately and clear the main track before Train XYZ arrives.
- Contact the dispatcher for verbal permission to depart.
- Must not act on their authority until they have confirmed Train XYZ has arrived at Dover. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Must not act on their authority until they have confirmed Train XYZ has arrived at Dover.
A track warrant with Box 7 checked creates a conditional authority. The authority granted by the warrant cannot be used, and the train cannot enter the limits, until the specified train (Train XYZ) has arrived at the designated location (Dover). This is a common method for arranging meets between trains in TWC territory.
Question 6: When is the mandatory verbal repetition of a track warrant by the copying employee NOT required according to GCOR?
- When the employee has a certified conductor's license.
- During emergency situations as declared by the railroad.
- When the track warrant is transmitted mechanically to a device. (Correct answer)
- If the warrant only authorizes movement for less than one mile.
Correct answer: When the track warrant is transmitted mechanically to a device.
GCOR Rule 14.13 states that repetition is not required when track warrants are transmitted mechanically (e.g., to a computer or fax machine in the cab). In this case, the 'OK' time is given when the warrant is issued, and the standard read-back procedure is bypassed.
GCOR - General Code of Operating Rules Track Warrant Control (TWC) Questions and Answers
A train crew receives a track warrant that includes the instruction in Box 8: 'Hold main track at last named point.' If the last named point is a station with a siding, what does this instruction require?