REC Signal Systems & Communication 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does a flashing yellow cab signal indication require the engineer to do?
- Proceed at maximum authorized speed
- Prepare to pass the next signal at restricted speed
- Stop immediately
- Proceed at medium speed prepared to stop at the next signal (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Proceed at medium speed prepared to stop at the next signal
A flashing yellow cab signal indicates approach medium speed, requiring the engineer to proceed at medium speed and be prepared to stop at the next signal.
Question 2: Which FRA regulation governs the installation and maintenance of signal systems on main tracks?
- 49 CFR Part 218
- 49 CFR Part 235
- 49 CFR Part 236 (Correct answer)
- 49 CFR Part 240
Correct answer: 49 CFR Part 236
49 CFR Part 236 establishes rules, standards, and instructions for railroad signal systems and train control systems on main tracks.
Question 3: A train receives a 'Stop and Proceed' signal. What is the maximum speed after passing the signal?
- 10 mph
- 15 mph (Correct answer)
- 20 mph
- 25 mph
Correct answer: 15 mph
After passing a Stop and Proceed signal, the engineer must proceed at restricted speed, which does not exceed 15 mph.
Question 4: What is the purpose of a track circuit in a signal system?
- To power wayside signals electrically
- To detect the presence of a train in a block (Correct answer)
- To communicate with the dispatcher
- To control switch machine operation
Correct answer: To detect the presence of a train in a block
A track circuit uses rails as electrical conductors to detect when a train or vehicle is occupying a specific block section.
Question 5: When an engineer observes that a wayside signal is dark (no indication), how must they treat it?
- Proceed at normal speed and report the outage
- Treat it as the most restrictive indication (Correct answer)
- Treat it as a clear signal since no stop indication is displayed
- Stop and contact the conductor
Correct answer: Treat it as the most restrictive indication
A dark or failed signal must be treated as displaying the most restrictive indication applicable at that location.
Question 6: What does ATS (Automatic Train Stop) do when a train passes a stop signal?
- Sounds an audible alarm only
- Automatically applies the brakes if the engineer does not acknowledge (Correct answer)
- Immediately applies emergency brakes without warning
- Reduces speed to 15 mph automatically
Correct answer: Automatically applies the brakes if the engineer does not acknowledge
ATS systems alert the engineer and automatically initiate a brake application if the engineer fails to acknowledge or take corrective action.
Question 7: A 'Grade Signal' on steep descending grades typically indicates what to the engineer?
- Increase throttle to maintain schedule
- Observe the posted grade speed restriction (Correct answer)
- Prepare for an upcoming tunnel
- Switch to dynamic braking immediately
Correct answer: Observe the posted grade speed restriction
A grade signal informs the engineer of a speed restriction applicable to the descending grade to maintain safe braking distance and train control.
REC Signal Systems & Communication 2
What does a flashing yellow cab signal indication require the engineer to do?