Signal and Train Control

RULES, STANDARDS, AND INSTRUCTIONS (R,S&I)

STC – 2
Automatic Block
Signal Systems
Subpart B
 Learning Objectives

• Understand that these regulations are

engineering design standards and must be
incorporated into the design of any ABS
system.
• Understand that actions taken during the
installation, maintenance, or modification
of the system must not negate these
design standards.
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 CAUTION

The following presentation was developed to

provide general information only. For detailed
compliance information please refer to 49
CFR 236 – Rules, Standards and Instructions,
Subpart B and the S&TC technical manual. It
is recommended that each employee refer to
appropriate manuals and regulations when
dealing with any specific issue.

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 Information

The FRA Rules, Standards, and Instructions

are considered to be the minimum standard
allowed for the installation, inspection,
maintenance, and repair of signal and train
control systems, devices, and appliances.
Each railroad may adopt more stringent
standards. Refer to your railroad’s signal
standard and instruction manual for further
guidance.

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Standards

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 236.201 Track-circuit control of
signals.
The control circuits for home signal aspects with
indications more favorable than "proceed at
restricted speed'' shall be controlled automatically
by track circuits extending through the entire block.

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 236.201 Track-circuit control of
signals.
Rule 236.708 Block - A length of track of defined
limits, the use of which by trains is governed
by block signals, cab signals, or both.

Block lengths for opposing movements 7

 236.201 Track-circuit control of
signals.
Rule 236.708 Block - A length of track of defined
limits, the use of which by trains is governed
by block signals, cab signals, or both.
Block lengths for following movements

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 236.201 Track-circuit control of
signals.
Rule 236.708 Block - A length of track of defined
limits, the use of which by trains is governed
by block signals, cab signals, or both.
Block lengths for following movements

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 236.201 Track-circuit control of
signals.
Rule 236.708 Block - A length of track of defined
limits, the use of which by trains is governed
by block signals, cab signals, or both.
Block lengths for following movements

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 236.201 Track-circuit control of
signals.
Rule 236.708 Block - A length of track of defined
limits, the use of which by trains is governed
by block signals, cab signals, or both.
Block lengths for following movements

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236.202 Signal governing movements
over hand-operated switch.
Signal governing
movements over hand-
operated switch is
required to display its
most restrictive aspect
when the points are not
in proper position.

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236.202 Signal governing movements
over hand-operated switch.

• This rule requires each switch to be so

interconnected with the signal system that when
the switch is not in proper position each signal
governing movements over the switch will display
its most restrictive aspect.

• Applies to both automatic block and traffic control

systems.

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 236.203 Hand-operated crossover
between main tracks; protection.

This rule requires that hand-operated crossover

between main tracks provide protection for train
operating on both tracks.

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236.203 Hand-operated crossover
between main tracks; protection.

Facing Point Lock

Electric Switch Lock Switch Circuit Controller

and Track Circuits
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236.203 Hand-operated crossover
between main tracks; protection.
Signal governing movement over either switch
must be in its most restrictive state when:

When switch circuit controllers and track circuits are

used all signals must be in their most restrictive state,
when either switch is not in proper position, or the
crossover is occupied by a train, locomotive, or car.
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236.203 Hand-operated crossover
between main tracks; protection.
Signal governing movement over either switch
must be in its most restrictive state when:

When facing-point locks are used all signals

must be in their most restrictive state when
either switch is unlocked.
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236.203 Hand-operated crossover
between main tracks; protection.
Signal governing movement over either switch
must be in its most restrictive state when:

When using facing point lock control by a single

lever all the signals must be at their most
restrictive state before they are unlocked.
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236.203 Hand-operated crossover
between main tracks; protection.
Signal governing movement over either switch
must be in its most restrictive state when:
Main Track
Releasing Circuit

Main Track
Releasing Circuit

Where electric locks are used,

before the electric locking
releases.
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236.204 Track signaled for movements
in both direction, requirements.
• This rule requires that on track signaled for
movements in both directions a train shall cause
one or more opposing signals ahead of it to
display the most restrictive aspect.
• Signals are required to be spaced or arranged to
provide stopping distance for opposing trains.
• In absolute permissive block signaling when a
train passes a head block signal it must cause
the opposing head block signal to display an
aspect not more favorable than "stop."
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236.204 Track signaled for movements
in both direction, requirements.
Is the distance between signals enough to
provide adequate braking distance?

If not. special circuits may be required!

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236.204 Track signaled for movements
in both direction, requirements.

Automatic Block Signal System

Signals passed simultaneously by opposing trains
can pose problems.

Both trains enter the block on “Clear” signal.

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236.204 Track signaled for movements
in both direction, requirements.
Automatic Block Signal System
Signals passed simultaneously by opposing trains
can pose problems.

Both trains are approaching the “Stop” signals

At maximum authorized speed.
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236.204 Track signaled for movements
in both direction, requirements.

This is NOT going to be good!

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236.204 Track signaled for movements
in both direction, requirements.
Overlap circuits (forces tumble-down) may be
required to prevent possibility of head-on collision.

Remember: ABS is a safety overlay for the method of operation.

Trains are authorized to move by Train Order, Track Warrant, etc.
ABS assists in preventing human error.
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236.204 Track signaled for movements
in both direction, requirements.
The train to the right is held, allowing the other train
to advance safely toward a meet.

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236.204 Track signaled for movements
in both direction, requirements.
The train to the right is continued to be held,
allowing the other train to advance safely toward a
switch so the trains can safely pass one another.

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236.204 Track signaled for movements
in both direction, requirements.
The train to the left has now taken siding and
successfully met the train to the right, and the train
to the right has a green signal for departure.

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236.204 Track signaled for movements
in both direction, requirements.

ABS Overlap System, it is different from APB.

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236.204 Track signaled for movements
in both direction, requirements.

ABS Overlap System

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236.204 Track signaled for movements
in both direction, requirements.

ABS Overlap System

Both trains stopped at red signals.

Collision avoided.

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236.204 Track signaled for movements
in both direction, requirements.

Absolute Permissive Block System (APB)

Opposing Head Block Signal set to STOP.

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 236.205 Signal control circuits;
requirements.

Control circuits are required

to be installed so that each
signal will display its most
restrictive aspect when the
block it governs is:

(a) Occupied by a train,

locomotive, or car.

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 236.205 Signal control circuits;
requirements.

Control circuits are required

to be installed so that each
signal will display its most
restrictive aspect when the
block it governs is:

(b)Switch is not in
proper position;

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 236.205 Signal control circuits;
requirements.

Control circuits are required

to be installed so that each
signal will display its most
restrictive aspect when the
block it governs is:

(c) Independently operated

derail equipped with switch
circuit controller is not in
derailing position;
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 236.205 Signal control circuits;
requirements.

Control circuits are required

to be installed so that each
signal will display its most
restrictive aspect when the
block it governs is:

(d) track relay is in de-

energized position

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 236.205 Signal control circuits;
requirements.

(d) Or a device
that functions as a
track relay is in its
most restrictive
state; or when a
signal control
circuit is de-
energized.

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 236.205 Signal control circuits;
requirements.
• Applies to both automatic block signal and traffic
control systems.
• A signal must display its most restrictive aspect
when any of the conditions listed under (a), (b),
(c) or (d) of this rule occur.
• This rule is applicable to the design and
installation of control circuits.
• This rule does not require that the most
restrictive aspect be a red or stop aspect.

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 236.206 Battery or power supply
with respect to relay; location.
This rule requires that
the source of energy
be located at the end
of the circuit farthest
from the relay where
open-wire circuit or
common return circuit
is used.

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 236.206 Battery or power supply
with respect to relay; location.
This rule prohibits use of loop circuits in vital circuitry.

Line wire wrap

Vital Control Circuits

Control Relay De-energized

ENERGIZED
Battery

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 236.207 Electric lock on hand-
operated switch; control.
Electric lock on hand-
operated switch is
prohibited from being
unlocked before control
circuits of signals
governing movement
over switch are opened.

Approach or time locking must be provided.

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 236.207 Electric lock on hand-
operated switch; control.
While time locking or
approach locking is required
on electric switch locks in
ABS territory there are no
testing requirements.
Therefore the railroad is not
required to make periodic
tests of the approach or time
locking at these locations.

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 S&TC FUNDAMENTALS

49 CFR 236
Subpart B
Automatic
Block Signal
Systems

The End
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