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Quizzes > Lifestyle & Hobbies > Travel & Transportation

NORAC Cab Signal System Quiz: Are You Signal Savvy?

Ready to ace this norac cab signal quiz? Prove your railroad cab signal knowledge!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for NORAC signal quiz on cab signal system knowledge on a coral background

This NORAC signal quiz helps you practice cab signal aspects, indications, and speed commands in real-world scenarios. Work through items grounded in the NORAC operating rules and common Norfolk Southern signals so you can spot gaps before a rules exam or a trip, make faster calls, and leave with clear takeaways.

What does a green cab signal indicate under NORAC rules?
Proceed at the maximum authorized speed
Restricted speed (not exceeding 15 mph)
Stop before the next signal
Approach the next signal prepared to stop
Under NORAC Rule 562, a green cab signal corresponds to a wayside Proceed aspect and authorizes movement at the maximum allowable speed. It indicates that the route ahead is clear and no speed restrictions apply. This is the primary indication used when tracks ahead are not occupied or restricted.
What does a yellow cab signal indicate in the NORAC system?
Approach the next signal prepared to stop
Stop before passing the next signal
Proceed at the maximum authorized speed
Proceed at restricted speed
A yellow cab signal under NORAC corresponds to an Approach aspect, instructing the engineer to prepare to stop at the next signal. It is equivalent to the wayside yellow aspect and provides advance warning of potential restrictions. This helps ensure safe braking preparation.
What action is required when a red cab signal appears?
Stop before passing the signal
Sound the horn and continue
Proceed with caution at restricted speed
Reduce speed and call the dispatcher
Under NORAC Rule 562, a red cab signal mandates a full stop before the signal and prohibits passing without authorization. It is equivalent to a wayside Stop aspect. Compliance with a red indication is critical for preventing unauthorized train movements.
What does a flashing yellow cab signal indicate?
Apply brakes to stop before next signal
Proceed at maximum authorized speed
Restricted speed (not exceeding 15 mph)
Approach Medium - proceed prepared to pass next signal at medium speed
A flashing yellow cab signal indicates the Approach Medium aspect, authorizing the train to proceed prepared to pass the next signal at medium speed (typically 30 mph). It provides more caution than a solid yellow Approach but less than a full stop. This helps manage speed in denser traffic conditions.
Under NORAC, which device must the engineer use to acknowledge a cab signal speed reduction?
Reverser lever
Throttle notch 1
Brake handle
Acknowledge button on the control stand
NORAC rules require the engineer to acknowledge any cab signal speed reduction by pressing the designated acknowledge button located on the control stand. Failure to do so within the specified time frame results in an automatic brake application. This ensures positive confirmation of speed restriction awareness.
What alerts the engineer to a change in cab signal aspect?
Flashing light only
Vibrating seat
Automatic throttle adjustment
Audible bell or buzzer
When a cab signal aspect changes, an audible bell or buzzer sounds in the cab to alert the engineer. This audible warning ensures that the engineer is immediately aware of any changes requiring acknowledgment or action. The signal display also changes color concurrently.
When must the cab signal equipment be tested under NORAC rules?
At the beginning of each shift or trip
Once per week
After the first hour of operation
Only if a malfunction is suspected
NORAC requires that cab signal equipment be tested at the start of each shift or before leaving the initial terminal. This pre-departure test verifies proper functionality of the self-test lamp, repeater, and acknowledge circuits. Regular testing is crucial for safety compliance.
If the cab signal fails while in signaled territory, what speed restriction applies?
Restricted speed (not exceeding 15 mph)
Approach speed (not exceeding 30 mph)
Stop and remain until repaired
Proceed at maximum authorized speed
If the cab signal system fails in signaled territory, NORAC rules require the train to operate at restricted speed, which is not to exceed 15 mph. The engineer must also notify the dispatcher of the failure. Restricted speed provides maximum safety while allowing limited movement.
What is the maximum speed under a 'Restricting' cab signal aspect?
50 mph
25 mph
15 mph
40 mph
The Restricting cab signal aspect authorizes movement at restricted speed, which under NORAC is defined as not exceeding 15 mph. This aspect is used when the system has lost codes or in certain restrictive operating conditions. It ensures the train can stop within sight distance.
Which cab signal aspect indicates 'Approach Medium' and what speed does it allow?
Flashing green; not exceeding medium speed
Flashing yellow; not exceeding medium speed (30 mph)
Solid yellow; not exceeding medium speed
Solid green; not exceeding medium speed
Approach Medium is indicated by a flashing yellow cab signal and authorizes operation not exceeding medium speed, typically 30 mph. This aspect provides a higher level of caution than a standard Approach but less restriction than an Advance Approach. It is defined in the NORAC rulebook.
What does an 'Advance Approach' cab signal aspect signify under NORAC rules?
Flashing green and yellow; approach restricted speed
Solid green; proceed at 25 mph
Flashing yellow and green; proceed at 25 mph
Solid yellow and red; proceed at 30 mph
The Advance Approach aspect is shown by a combination of flashing yellow and green cab signals and authorizes the train to proceed at 25 mph. It notifies the engineer that the second signal ahead is red and speed must be controlled accordingly. This is outlined in the NORAC signal rule section.
If the initial cab signal test lamp fails to light during a self-test, what must the engineer do?
Proceed with caution for one mile
Operate at restricted speed and report at next stop
Ignore and depart as usual
Not depart until the failure is corrected
NORAC requires that if the cab signal self-test lamp does not light during the initial test, the train must not depart until the issue is corrected. This ensures the integrity of the cab signal safety system before movement commences.
Under NORAC rules, within how many seconds must the engineer acknowledge a cab signal speed reduction to avoid automatic brake application?
12 seconds
10 seconds
5 seconds
8 seconds
Engineers have 8 seconds to acknowledge a cab signal speed reduction by pressing the acknowledge button. Failure to do so within this time frame results in an automatic penalty brake application as per NORAC Rule 562. This enforces timely response to signal aspects.
If a train's cab signal system displays a 'blank' code in signaled territory, what action must the engineer take?
Stop immediately and leave the train
Ignore and proceed past the next signal
Continue at maximum authorized speed
Run at restricted speed and notify the dispatcher
A blank cab signal code means no valid code is being received. NORAC rules require the engineer to operate at restricted speed (15 mph) and notify the dispatcher. This maintains safety until normal signal codes resume.
What is the correct procedure if the cab signal repeater becomes inoperative en route?
Bypass and operate by direct observation
Immediately stop and abandon the train
Test it and if inoperative operate at restricted speed
Continue at normal speed
If the cab signal repeater fails en route, the engineer must test the system and, if it remains inoperative, operate at restricted speed. This ensures the engineer can still comply with wayside signals safely.
When the cab signal returns to green after a restriction, how does the system alert the engineer?
Visual display change only
Automatic brake release notification
Another bell ring
Audio message announcement
When the cab signal reverts to green, the system stops the restriction bell and the display changes to green visually. No additional bell is sounded. This visual-only change indicates full proceed authority has returned.
Which NORAC rule covers procedures allowing an engineer to proceed at restricted speed after a cab signal failure?
Rule 550
Rule 573
Rule 580
Rule 562
NORAC Rule 562 outlines actions required upon cab signal failure, including proceeding at restricted speed. It provides detailed procedures for notification and speed limits. Familiarity with this rule is essential for compliance.
What frequency is used for the 'Restricting' cab signal code in an inductive cab signal system?
120 Hz
180 Hz
270 Hz
75 Hz
In inductive cab signal systems, a 75 Hz carrier frequency corresponds to the Restricting aspect. Higher frequencies are used for less restrictive aspects. This frequency coding ensures reliable in-cab indication.
Which component in the cab signal receiver is responsible for distinguishing between signal code frequencies?
Isolation transformer
Signal amplifier
Phase detector
Voltage regulator
The phase detector in a cab signal receiver discriminates among different code frequencies by comparing phase relationships. It passes the correct frequency to the indicator system, ensuring accurate aspect detection.
What is the purpose of the neutral section in a two?wire cab signal transmission circuit?
To separate track circuits
To ground excess voltage
To boost signal strength
To filter noise
A neutral section electrically isolates adjacent track circuits in a two-wire cab signal system, preventing signal bleed-over. It safeguards the integrity of individual circuits.
What is the required action if the acknowledgment bell fails to silence after 8 seconds post-acknowledgment?
Continue to acknowledge indefinitely
Shut down the system immediately
Proceed as usual
Notify the dispatcher and test the system
If the acknowledgment bell does not silence after 8 seconds, the engineer must notify the dispatcher and perform a system test. This ensures the cab signal safety features function correctly before continuing.
Under NORAC technical standards, how often must cab signal booster transformers be inspected?
Annually
Weekly
Quarterly
Monthly
NORAC technical standards require quarterly inspections of cab signal booster transformers. Regular checks help maintain proper voltage levels and signal integrity. Detailed intervals are specified in the maintenance section of the rulebook.
During calibration, which parameter is adjusted to set proper code magnet pickup in the cab signal receiver?
Transformer tap
Sensitivity potentiometer
Input coil spacing
Output relay
Calibration of a cab signal receiver involves adjusting the sensitivity potentiometer to ensure correct detection of code magnet fields. Proper calibration prevents false indications or failures to detect valid codes.
Under NORAC Rule 562(6), if a cab signal self-test fails three consecutive times en route, what must the engineer do?
Continue at restricted speed and report at next terminal
Stop the train and secure it
Operate at restricted speed without notifying
Proceed only under track warrant authority
NORAC Rule 562(6) specifies that after three consecutive self-test failures en route, the engineer must stop and secure the train. This action protects against undetected faults in the cab signal system. Only after repairs can movement resume.
According to NORAC General Appendix, what is the minimum insulation resistance required for cab signal inductor safety circuits?
0.1 M?
1 M?
10 M?
5 M?
The NORAC General Appendix mandates a minimum insulation resistance of 5 M? for cab signal inductor safety circuits. This requirement ensures adequate isolation and minimizes leakage currents. Detailed specifications are found in the appendix.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand NORAC Signal Aspects -

    Recognize and describe the various NORAC signal aspects and their meanings within the cab signal system.

  2. Interpret Cab Signal Indications -

    Analyze real-world cab signal displays and determine the correct actions based on established railroad protocols.

  3. Apply Safety Protocols -

    Utilize NORAC safety rules to respond appropriately to signal changes and maintain operational compliance.

  4. Differentiate Signal Types -

    Distinguish between approach, stop, and other signal indications to ensure accurate decision-making.

  5. Evaluate Signal Scenarios -

    Assess complex railroad cab signal trivia scenarios to sharpen troubleshooting and critical thinking skills.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Fundamentals of NORAC Signal Aspects -

    Review the four basic cab signal aspects - Clear, Approach, Approach Medium, and Restricting - outlined in the official NORAC Rulebook (Rule 281). Understanding each aspect's meaning and corresponding trackside signal indications is essential for safe train operation. A simple reference chart from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) website can reinforce these definitions.

  2. Cab Signal Code System and Interpretation -

    The NORAC cab signal system uses coded track circuits to transmit one of four speed codes (1, 2, 4, 6) directly to the locomotive display. Code 1 stands for Clear, Code 2 for Approach, Code 4 for Approach Medium, and Code 6 for Restricting, per AAR standards. Memorize this code-to-aspect mapping with a quick chart from the NTSB's railroad signal primer.

  3. Speed Restriction Rules and Braking Formulas -

    NORAC Rule 34 specifies maximum speeds for each aspect and includes standard stopping-distance formulas: d = v²/(2a), where d is distance, v is speed, and a is deceleration. Practicing this calculation with v in feet per second and a typical deceleration rate of 1.5 ft/s² sharpens your grasp of safe approach speeds. Refer to MIT's Rail Transportation Lab research for worked examples on different grades.

  4. Failure and Emergency Protocols -

    When a cab signal failure occurs, NORAC Rule 105 requires you to proceed at Restricted speed - no more than 20 mph - until the next signal. Emergency Rule 281-B outlines immediate steps and notification procedures to dispatch, minimizing risk during signal loss. Review the Association of American Railroads (AAR) Safety Manual for detailed failure case studies and real-world scenarios.

  5. Mnemonic Devices for Quick Recall -

    Use the mnemonic "Cool Adults Always Respect Railroads" to remember Clear (C), Approach (A), Approach Medium (A), and Restricting (R). Pair this phrase with flashcards showing aspect colors and codes to embed the sequence in your long-term memory. Interactive quizzes from Cornell's railroad engineering course can help reinforce these memory tricks under time pressure.

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