Train Driver Track and Infrastructure Knowledge

Question 1

What is the standard gauge rail width used on most US mainline railroads?

Accepted Answer

4 feet 8.5 inches

Answer

5 feet 0 inches

Answer

4 feet 6 inches

Answer

5 feet 3 inches

Question 2

What is 'superelevation' on a curved railroad track?

Accepted Answer

The raising of the outer rail above the inner rail to counteract centrifugal force

Answer

The height of the track above sea level

Answer

The difference in elevation between two consecutive grade changes

Answer

The banking of a turnout to increase switching speed

Question 3

What does a 'diamond crossing' refer to in railroad infrastructure?

Accepted Answer

An at-grade intersection where two railroad tracks cross each other

Answer

A grade crossing with four-quadrant gate protection

Answer

A special turnout used for high-speed track changes

Answer

A crossing equipped with flangeway fillers for pedestrians

Question 4

What is a 'frog' in railroad trackwork?

Accepted Answer

The V-shaped casting at a turnout that allows wheel flanges to cross the intersecting rail

Answer

A portable rerailing device used after derailments

Answer

A type of grade crossing surface material

Answer

The spring mechanism in a switch point

Question 5

What does FRA Track Class 4 allow in terms of maximum operating speed for passenger trains?

Accepted Answer

80 mph

Answer

60 mph

Answer

110 mph

Answer

90 mph

Question 6

What is a 'siding' in railroad operations?

Accepted Answer

A secondary track parallel to the main track used for meeting or passing trains

Answer

A dead-end track used for storing equipment

Answer

A yard track used exclusively for classification

Answer

A service track adjacent to a station platform