Rail Systems Flashcards

Continuous welded rail is preferred over jointed rail mainly because it:

Answer: Provides a smoother, quieter ride with less maintenance

Continuous welded rail reduces joints, giving a smoother ride and lower maintenance.

During single-tracking operations, trains share one track by:

Answer: Taking turns in each direction under strict control

Single-tracking alternates train directions over one track under controller authority.

Wheel flanges on a rail vehicle primarily serve to:

Answer: Keep the wheels guided on the rails

Flanges keep the wheelset centered and guided along the rails.

If a fire or smoke condition occurs in a tunnel, the ventilation fans are typically used to:

Answer: Direct smoke away from the evacuation path

Tunnel ventilation fans push smoke away from the route passengers use to escape.

A 'consist' in rail terminology refers to:

Answer: The makeup of cars forming a train

A consist is the specific set and arrangement of cars that make up a train.

Lockout/tagout procedures on rail equipment are intended to:

Answer: Prevent accidental energization during maintenance

Lockout/tagout ensures equipment stays deenergized while workers service it.

When two trains must pass on a double-track line, they normally:

Answer: Use separate tracks, one per direction

Double track lets opposing trains run on dedicated tracks for each direction.