Railroad Signal Indications and Track Signs

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering railway signal aspects, indications, signs, and operational markers.

Clear-block

Proceed; manual block clear.

Clear-block (Temporary manual block signal)

Proceed; manual block clear.

Stop-signal (Temporary manual block signal)

Stop

Clear

Proceed

Absolute Clear

Proceed; track clear to next interlocking signal. Approach next interlocking signal prepared to stop.

Approach-medium

Proceed approaching next signal at Medium speed.

Medium-clear

Proceed; Medium speed within interlocking limits.

Absolute-Medium-clear

Proceed; Medium speed within interlocking limits. Track clear to next interlocking signal. Approach next interlocking signal prepared to stop.

Approach-slow

Proceed approaching next signal at Slow speed. Train exceeding Medium speed must at once reduce to that speed.

Approach

Proceed approaching next signal prepared to stop. Train exceeding Medium speed must at once reduce to that speed.

Caution

Train exceeding medium speed must at once reduce to that speed. Where a switch is connected with the signal, approach that switch prepared to stop. Approach next signal prepared to stop.

Slow-clear

Proceed; Slow speed within interlocking limits.

Absolute-Slow-clear

Proceed; Slow speed within interlocking limits. Track clear to next interlocking signal. Approach next interlocking signal prepared to stop.

Slow-approach

Proceed approaching next signal prepared to stop. Slow speed within interlocking limits.

Flashing Slow-approach

Train will proceed in accordance with signal indication within interlocking limits and after clearing the interlocking, proceed under absolute clear indication to the next interlocking.

Restricting

Proceed at Restricted speed.

Stop-and-proceed

Stop; then proceed at Restricted speed.

Stop-signal

Stop

Block-limit

Limit of the block.

Approach Block-limit

Proceed approaching next block-limit signal prepared to stop. Train exceeding Medium speed must at once reduce to that speed.

Stop signal / Train order

Stop / Orders

Train order

Orders.

Caution Indicator Distant switch indicator (DSI)

Facing point switch(es) open. Trains exceeding Slow -speed must at once reduce to that speed approaching switch or switches prepared to stop.

Clear Indicator Distant switch indicator (DSI)

Facing point switch(es) closed.

Yard Switch Indicator - White indication

Switch normal, proceed at Restricted speed.

Yard Switch Indicator - Yellow indication

Switch reverse, proceed at Restricted speed.

Yard Switch Indicator - Red indication

Switch not normal or reverse, route must be verified. The Conductor or Engineer must examine the switch points to verify that the points fit the rail properly before movement may be made over switch at Restricted speed.

MAIN TRACK SWITCH TARGET Red target

Switch lined for diverging route.

MAIN TRACK SWITCH TARGET White target

Switch lined normal for main track.

Stop board

Stop then be governed by timetable special instructions, General Notice or Bulletin notice.

End of Block

Train must operate in accordance with rule 153.

Yard limit board

Main Track Yard limits.

Begin ASC

Automatic speed control begins.

ASC Cut out

Entering cut out loop.

Standard whistle post

Approaching crossings at grade for which rule 14L must be sounded.

Roadway Workers portable whistle post

When roadway work is being performed in multiple track portions of the railroad, a white banner below the 'W' on the yellow background shall be used to indicate the track occupied by the roadway workers for which rule 14L must be sounded as a warning.

Quiet Zone Indicator

Approaching crossing at grade for which Rule 14L will not be sounded except as specified by Special Instruction.

Spring switch marker

Spring switch.

Approach / Distant signal marker

Visual reminder to engineers of trains that Rules 28B and 33B apply between the distant signal and the home signal.

Clearance Point sign

The location at which equipment must clear to access a track(s) for facing point moves in the opposite direction.

Delay in block sign

Visual reminder to engineers of trains that Rules 28B and 33B apply when a station stop is made at this station.

Permanent speed restriction sign

Reduce speed as prescribed by timetable.

Temporary Advance Speed-limit sign (Rule 38A)

Indication not printed in the original packet.

Temporary speed-limit sign (Rule 38A)

Indication not printed in the original packet.

Temporary resume speed sign (Rule 38A)

Indication not printed in the original packet.

Absolute Proceed

Proceed; slow speed within interlocking limits. Track clear to next interlocking signal. Approach Next interlocking signal prepared to stop.

Proceed (Cab Signal)

Proceed, governed by cab signal indications.

Restricting Proceed

Proceed; restricted speed within interlocking limits, then governed by cab signal indications outside of interlocking limits.

Slow Proceed

Proceed; slow speed within interlocking limits, then governed by cab signal indications outside of interlocking limits.

Begin MTEA

The location at which MTEA limits begin. Trains must operate in accordance with rule 155.

End MTEA

The location at which MTEA limits end.

Approach Limited Zone 'A' signals (Amtrak)

Proceed approaching the next signal at Limited speed.

Limited Clear Zone 'A' signals (Amtrak)

Proceed at Limited Speed until entire train clears all interlocking or spring switches

Advance Approach Zone 'A' signals (Amtrak)

Proceed prepared to stop at the second signal. Trains exceeding Limited Speed must begin reduction to Limited Speed as soon as the engine passes the Advance Approach signal

Medium Approach Zone 'A' signals (Amtrak)

Proceed prepared to stop at the next signal. Trains exceeding Medium Speed must begin reduction to Medium Speed as soon as the Medium Approach signal is clearly visible.

Restricting Zone 'A' signals (Amtrak)

Proceed at Restricted Speed until the entire train has passed a signal displaying a more favorable aspect or entered non-signaled DCS territory.

Reduced Proceed GCM signals

Proceed, governed by cab signal indications.

Stop and Proceed GCM signals

Stop then proceed at Restricted Speed.

Stop Signal GCM signals

Stop.