Train Driver Track and Infrastructure Knowledge 2

Question 1

What is the purpose of 'tie plates' in railroad track construction?

Accepted Answer

To distribute rail load over the tie and maintain proper rail cant

Answer

Tie plates sit between the rail base and the wooden tie, distributing load over a wider area and providing a slight inward cant to the rail.

Question 2

What is a 'thermal sun kink' and when is it most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

A lateral track buckle caused by rail expansion in high heat, most common in summer

Answer

Sun kinks occur when continuously welded rail expands beyond its capacity in extreme heat, causing lateral buckling of the track.

Question 3

What does a yellow flag displayed by a track worker indicate to an approaching train?

Accepted Answer

Reduce speed to the prescribed limit — workers or equipment are in or near the track

Answer

A yellow flag is a slow order signal requiring trains to reduce speed through the flagged work zone.

Question 4

What is the purpose of 'ballast' in railroad track construction?

Accepted Answer

To support ties, provide drainage, distribute load, and maintain track geometry

Answer

Ballast (crushed stone or gravel) supports the ties, drains water away from the track structure, and distributes the load from trains to the subgrade.

Question 5

What does a 'drawbar' connect on a locomotive consist?

Accepted Answer

Two locomotive units when a conventional coupler is not used between them

Answer

A drawbar is a rigid or semi-rigid connection between two locomotive units, used instead of a standard knuckle coupler for a permanent or semi-permanent connection.

Train Driver Practice Test

Train Driver Practice Test

Train Driver Track and Infrastructure Knowledge 2