NORAC 300 | 2026 UPDATE | 302 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS | WITH COMPLETE SOLUTION
Absolute Block: Answer - A block that must not be occupied by more than one
train.
Automatic Block Signal Answer - A block signal that is activated either by track
circuit or in conjunction with interlocking or controlled point circuits. This block
signal automatically indicates track condition and block occupancy.
Automatic Block Signal System (ABS): Answer - A block signal system in which
the use of each block is governed by an automatic block signal, cab signal, or
both.
Block Answer - A length of track with defined limits on which train movements
are governed by block signals, cab signals, or Form D.
Block Signal: Answer - A fixed signal displayed to trains at the entrance of a
block to govern use of that block.
Blue Signal Answer - A clearly distinguishable blue flag, blue light or blue tag
by day, or a blue light or blue tag by
night. When displayed, it signifies that workers are on, under or between
equipment
,Bolt-Lock Switch Answer - A hand-operated switch equipped with a pipe
connected locking device that is designed to shunt the signal system before the
switch points are operated.
Bulletin Order (BO): Answer - A publication used to notify employees of
changes to rules, procedures, or other instructions affecting the movement of
trains. Bulletin Orders are issued periodically by the designated officer.
Cab Signal: Answer - A signal that is located in the engine control compartment
and which indicates track occupancy or condition. The cab signal is used in
conjunction with interlocking signals and with or in lieu of block signals.
Control Station Answer - The Dispatcher's office or the location where the
Operator is on duty, from which remote control signal appliances or switches
are operated.
Controlled Point (CP): Answer - A station designated in the Timetable where
signals are remotely controlled from the control station.
Controlled Siding (CS) Answer - A circuited siding in which both ends are
controlled and governed by signals under the control of a Dispatcher or
Operator.
Controlled Signal: Answer - A fixed signal, capable of displaying Stop indication,
that is controlled by a Dispatcher or Operator.
Crossing at Grade Answer - Two or more routes that intersect at the same
level. Crossing at Grade may refer to a railroad or highway crossing at grade.
,Current of Traffic: Answer - The assigned direction of movement on a Rule 251
main track, as specified in the Timetable.
Derail: Answer - A track safety device, designed to guide a car off the rails at a
selected spot as a means of protection against collisions or other accidents.
Distant Signal Answer - A fixed signal used to govern the approach of a train to
a home signal.
Division Notice (DN): Answer - A publication issued periodically by the
designated officer, which contains
instructions or information which do not affect the movement of trains.
Dual Control Switch Answer - A power-operated switch also equipped for hand
operation.
Effective Locking Device Answer - A switch padlock that is vandal and tamper
resistant, and can be unlocked only by the class, group or craft of employees
that applied it.
Electrically Locked Switch: Answer - A hand-operated switch equipped with an
electrically controlled device that restricts the movement of the switch.
Employee in Charge (EIC) Answer - A qualified employee responsible for
establishing protection for a roadway worker or roadway workgroup.
Engine (Eng): Answer - A unit or combination of units propelled by any form of
energy and operated from a single control, used in train or yard service. The
word "engine" may also be used to identify control cars.
, Extra Train Answer - A Train not designated by a Timetable schedule.
Fixed Signal: Answer - A signal at a fixed location that affects the movements
of a train.
Form D Control System (DCS) Answer - A block system, signaled or non-
signaled, in which the movements of trains outside of the yard limits is
authorized by Form D.
Fouling a Track Answer - Being in such proximity to a track that an individual,
tools or equipment could be struck by a moving train or other on-track
equipment, or in any case is within four feet of the nearest rail.
Fouling Point Answer - The point on a track beyond which equipment will foul
an adjacent track. Fouling points will not safely accommodate a person riding
the side of a car.
Foul Time Answer - A method of establishing working limits on a controlled
track when work will not disturb the track or catenary structure in a manner
that would prevent movements at Normal Speed.
General Order (GO) Answer - A publication used to summarize changes to the
Timetable and other instruction manuals. General Orders contain revision
pages and are issued periodically by the designated officer.
Hand-Operated Switch: Answer - Any type of switch when operated by manual
manipulation. Push button or radio control operated switches are governed by
the rules for hand operated switches if the switches are not equipped with a
signal or switch position indicator light.
ANSWERS | WITH COMPLETE SOLUTION
Absolute Block: Answer - A block that must not be occupied by more than one
train.
Automatic Block Signal Answer - A block signal that is activated either by track
circuit or in conjunction with interlocking or controlled point circuits. This block
signal automatically indicates track condition and block occupancy.
Automatic Block Signal System (ABS): Answer - A block signal system in which
the use of each block is governed by an automatic block signal, cab signal, or
both.
Block Answer - A length of track with defined limits on which train movements
are governed by block signals, cab signals, or Form D.
Block Signal: Answer - A fixed signal displayed to trains at the entrance of a
block to govern use of that block.
Blue Signal Answer - A clearly distinguishable blue flag, blue light or blue tag
by day, or a blue light or blue tag by
night. When displayed, it signifies that workers are on, under or between
equipment
,Bolt-Lock Switch Answer - A hand-operated switch equipped with a pipe
connected locking device that is designed to shunt the signal system before the
switch points are operated.
Bulletin Order (BO): Answer - A publication used to notify employees of
changes to rules, procedures, or other instructions affecting the movement of
trains. Bulletin Orders are issued periodically by the designated officer.
Cab Signal: Answer - A signal that is located in the engine control compartment
and which indicates track occupancy or condition. The cab signal is used in
conjunction with interlocking signals and with or in lieu of block signals.
Control Station Answer - The Dispatcher's office or the location where the
Operator is on duty, from which remote control signal appliances or switches
are operated.
Controlled Point (CP): Answer - A station designated in the Timetable where
signals are remotely controlled from the control station.
Controlled Siding (CS) Answer - A circuited siding in which both ends are
controlled and governed by signals under the control of a Dispatcher or
Operator.
Controlled Signal: Answer - A fixed signal, capable of displaying Stop indication,
that is controlled by a Dispatcher or Operator.
Crossing at Grade Answer - Two or more routes that intersect at the same
level. Crossing at Grade may refer to a railroad or highway crossing at grade.
,Current of Traffic: Answer - The assigned direction of movement on a Rule 251
main track, as specified in the Timetable.
Derail: Answer - A track safety device, designed to guide a car off the rails at a
selected spot as a means of protection against collisions or other accidents.
Distant Signal Answer - A fixed signal used to govern the approach of a train to
a home signal.
Division Notice (DN): Answer - A publication issued periodically by the
designated officer, which contains
instructions or information which do not affect the movement of trains.
Dual Control Switch Answer - A power-operated switch also equipped for hand
operation.
Effective Locking Device Answer - A switch padlock that is vandal and tamper
resistant, and can be unlocked only by the class, group or craft of employees
that applied it.
Electrically Locked Switch: Answer - A hand-operated switch equipped with an
electrically controlled device that restricts the movement of the switch.
Employee in Charge (EIC) Answer - A qualified employee responsible for
establishing protection for a roadway worker or roadway workgroup.
Engine (Eng): Answer - A unit or combination of units propelled by any form of
energy and operated from a single control, used in train or yard service. The
word "engine" may also be used to identify control cars.
, Extra Train Answer - A Train not designated by a Timetable schedule.
Fixed Signal: Answer - A signal at a fixed location that affects the movements
of a train.
Form D Control System (DCS) Answer - A block system, signaled or non-
signaled, in which the movements of trains outside of the yard limits is
authorized by Form D.
Fouling a Track Answer - Being in such proximity to a track that an individual,
tools or equipment could be struck by a moving train or other on-track
equipment, or in any case is within four feet of the nearest rail.
Fouling Point Answer - The point on a track beyond which equipment will foul
an adjacent track. Fouling points will not safely accommodate a person riding
the side of a car.
Foul Time Answer - A method of establishing working limits on a controlled
track when work will not disturb the track or catenary structure in a manner
that would prevent movements at Normal Speed.
General Order (GO) Answer - A publication used to summarize changes to the
Timetable and other instruction manuals. General Orders contain revision
pages and are issued periodically by the designated officer.
Hand-Operated Switch: Answer - Any type of switch when operated by manual
manipulation. Push button or radio control operated switches are governed by
the rules for hand operated switches if the switches are not equipped with a
signal or switch position indicator light.
