MTA ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR STUDY
GUIDE
Absolute Block - Correct Answers -a block established between block limit signals or
controlled signals in which no train is permitted to enter while it is occupied by another
train or equipment
Block - Correct Answers -A length of track of defined limits, the use of which is
governed by block limit signals, cab signals or Form M
Controlled Block - Correct Answers -the block, or series of consecutive blocks, between
successive controlled signals in Centralized Traffic Control (CTC) territory
Manual Block - Correct Answers -a length of main track between two successive block
limit signals
What does a Terminal Proceed signal look like? - Correct Answers -Solid Red Light on
top, Solid Green light in Middle, no light on bottom
What does a Terminal Restricting signal look like? - Correct Answers -Solid Red Light
on top, nothing in middle, Solid Yellow Light on bottom
What does an Approach Restricting signal look like? - Correct Answers -One Yellow
light with a circular A sign underneath it
Deadhead Trains - Correct Answers -A passenger train on which no revenue
passengers are carried
Engine - Correct Answers -a unit, other than a track car, propelled by any form of
energy, or a combination of such units operated from a single control, used in train or
yard service. Engines include diesel and electric multiple unit cars.
Equipment - Correct Answers -railroad cars, engines or track cars
Extra Train - Correct Answers -a train not designated by operating schedule or bulletin
order. It may be designated either "Extra" or "Passenger Extra". The direction of travel
must be included in the designation; for example "Extra 2024 East"
Freight Train - Correct Answers -any train that is not a passenger train
, Light Engine - Correct Answers -an engine consisting of one or more units without cars.
Does not apply to multiple-unit cars.
M-Series Equipment - Correct Answers -MU Passenger Cars of the M-3, M-7 or M-8
Series
Non-Shunting Equipment - Correct Answers -equipment that may not shunt track
circuits, including a single light engine, a single MU Car or a single pair of MU Cars,
track cars and equipment indicated in the special instructions
Track Car - Correct Answers -Specialized equipment, including highway rail vehicles,
operated on track for inspection or maintenance purposes
Train - Correct Answers -multiple-unit cars coupled, or an engine, with or without cars,
displaying a marker
Blocking Device Removed (BDR) Code - Correct Answers -a computer generated,
unique, random number transmitted from the operations control center (OCC) to a
Roadway Worker-In-Charge (RWIC) before fouling a track or beginning work where
CTC or Interlocking rules apply
Interlocking - Correct Answers -an arrangement of signals and appliances so
interconnected that their movements must succeed each other in proper sequence and
for which interlocking rules are in effect
Interlocking Appliance - Correct Answers -a movable apparatus within an interlocking
that either allows or prevents movements over designated routes, including switches,
movable frogs, mitre rails and derails
When is an interlocking appliance blocked? - Correct Answers -An interlocking
appliance is blocked when an approved device is applied to the control console that
prevents the control for that appliance from being operated
When is an interlocking appliance secured? - Correct Answers -An interlocking
appliance is secured when a qualified employee either applies an approved device to
the appliance that prevents it from operating, or electrically disables the appliance and
mechanically locks it in the required position
Interlocking Limits - Correct Answers -the tracks between the extreme opposing signals
of an interlocking
Block Limit Signal - Correct Answers -a fixed signal indicating the limit of a block under
Manual Block System (MBS) rules
GUIDE
Absolute Block - Correct Answers -a block established between block limit signals or
controlled signals in which no train is permitted to enter while it is occupied by another
train or equipment
Block - Correct Answers -A length of track of defined limits, the use of which is
governed by block limit signals, cab signals or Form M
Controlled Block - Correct Answers -the block, or series of consecutive blocks, between
successive controlled signals in Centralized Traffic Control (CTC) territory
Manual Block - Correct Answers -a length of main track between two successive block
limit signals
What does a Terminal Proceed signal look like? - Correct Answers -Solid Red Light on
top, Solid Green light in Middle, no light on bottom
What does a Terminal Restricting signal look like? - Correct Answers -Solid Red Light
on top, nothing in middle, Solid Yellow Light on bottom
What does an Approach Restricting signal look like? - Correct Answers -One Yellow
light with a circular A sign underneath it
Deadhead Trains - Correct Answers -A passenger train on which no revenue
passengers are carried
Engine - Correct Answers -a unit, other than a track car, propelled by any form of
energy, or a combination of such units operated from a single control, used in train or
yard service. Engines include diesel and electric multiple unit cars.
Equipment - Correct Answers -railroad cars, engines or track cars
Extra Train - Correct Answers -a train not designated by operating schedule or bulletin
order. It may be designated either "Extra" or "Passenger Extra". The direction of travel
must be included in the designation; for example "Extra 2024 East"
Freight Train - Correct Answers -any train that is not a passenger train
, Light Engine - Correct Answers -an engine consisting of one or more units without cars.
Does not apply to multiple-unit cars.
M-Series Equipment - Correct Answers -MU Passenger Cars of the M-3, M-7 or M-8
Series
Non-Shunting Equipment - Correct Answers -equipment that may not shunt track
circuits, including a single light engine, a single MU Car or a single pair of MU Cars,
track cars and equipment indicated in the special instructions
Track Car - Correct Answers -Specialized equipment, including highway rail vehicles,
operated on track for inspection or maintenance purposes
Train - Correct Answers -multiple-unit cars coupled, or an engine, with or without cars,
displaying a marker
Blocking Device Removed (BDR) Code - Correct Answers -a computer generated,
unique, random number transmitted from the operations control center (OCC) to a
Roadway Worker-In-Charge (RWIC) before fouling a track or beginning work where
CTC or Interlocking rules apply
Interlocking - Correct Answers -an arrangement of signals and appliances so
interconnected that their movements must succeed each other in proper sequence and
for which interlocking rules are in effect
Interlocking Appliance - Correct Answers -a movable apparatus within an interlocking
that either allows or prevents movements over designated routes, including switches,
movable frogs, mitre rails and derails
When is an interlocking appliance blocked? - Correct Answers -An interlocking
appliance is blocked when an approved device is applied to the control console that
prevents the control for that appliance from being operated
When is an interlocking appliance secured? - Correct Answers -An interlocking
appliance is secured when a qualified employee either applies an approved device to
the appliance that prevents it from operating, or electrically disables the appliance and
mechanically locks it in the required position
Interlocking Limits - Correct Answers -the tracks between the extreme opposing signals
of an interlocking
Block Limit Signal - Correct Answers -a fixed signal indicating the limit of a block under
Manual Block System (MBS) rules
