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For suggestion or comments contact Mickey Cowling via E-Mail
I held classes in Mineola last month for the first time, I really enjoyed them. The classes went well, everyone did well, and, God knows, I learned a lot.
In all the questions this month we will be in double main track CTC territory. We are staying on one train and dealing with one situation. Each question is a continuation of the previous question.
I. We are moving east on the #2 main line. We have to stop and make a set out and pick up. At this location there is a double crossover, we have a clear signal for a straightaway move through the double crossover control point. When we stop to make our cut the engine is short of the signal. The cut is made and we pull past the clear signal through the control point to the other side where we shove a yard track. We make our pick up and return to the #2 main track. Now we are looking at a stop indication for a westbound move back to our train. Do we have to contact the dispatcher to get permission to pass this signal and couple to our train?
A. Yes.
B. No.
II. We have coupled to our train and the dispatcher has told us the cars we picked up were set out by another train 1 hour earlier. What kind of brake test are we required to make?
A. Initional Terminal on the cars added.
B. Application and release on entire train.
C. Application and Release on cars added.
III. We have made the brake test and are ready to depart. But things are a little different, we came back to our train with more cars than we set out and now we are setting east of the eastbound signal on the #2 main track. Our lead unit is setting in the middle of the control point for the double crossover. The first question is... Would it be possible for the dispatcher, (or CAD) to move a westbound train on the #2 main track down to the signal governing movement through the double crossover while we are setting in the control point?
A. Yes.
B. No.
IV. The next questions is, do we have to have permission from the dispatcher to leave and continue our journey east on the #2 main track? Be sure you answered the previous question first.
A. Yes.
B. No.
V. We are off and running eastbound on the #2, (thank God), things are looking up. Except....how fast are we running?
A. Maximum speed.
B. 30MPH, (delayed in block CTC).
C. Restricted Speed.
When not teaching rules classes, Mickey works the 7:59 A.M. Hump Job in Fort Worth. 3-97