Marmoluski

I took the signal test in March or April. It's a breeze as long as you stay on top of them from day 1. My test was 10 questions. 5 multiple choice, 5 write ins. Learn to define the signals exactly as written. Save your interpretations for yourself. I was thinking about this today..... The stuff you worry about coming in, (signals, routes, station stops, etc) end up being the least of your worries. All that stuff becomes second nature. The real challenge turned out to be the job itself. Staying alert in a silent cab for up to 2 hrs at a time, 3 times a night wears you out. It's a mentally draining position. All that other stuff..... Cake.

Appreciate all the good advice on info from everyone. It's great. Thanks...

You can also try reading some of this thread from the beginning as the OP and others try to outline some of their experiences. It's a pretty good peek into what's to come.

Awesome! Will do. Thanks

They change things up so any insight you are looking for wont help..

 

Study Thats the best answer..

Ok cool. Thank you sir.

Uh insight? Yea ... Study signals!! Insight complete.

Thanks for stating the obvious. I was looking for something like length of test in terms of time, number of questions, anything helpful. But thanks, I'll try to remember to study.

I forgot to shout-out to TA18, TA19, TB28, and of course, my TB29. We made it!!!!

Congratulations guys on completing your first year. Can anyone offer some insight to the signal test/ signal practical?? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

What's the first yard practical like? Any tips would be appreciated.

Depends on the person. Just take as much time as you can, and on your way to work, if riding trains in your division, hang out near the T/O position (not in the cab or all up in their space) and observe their operation. If it feels safe and comfortable, take notes. If it feels rough and reckless make a note to not operate that way. Observe what the signals do, and pay attention to lineups, etc.

 

Learn the rules, learn the signals, learn procedures, etc. and all the stuff they will actively teach in schoolcar. That should be your primary focus the first few months of schoolcar until you're comfortable. And learn the way we speak down here. If a TD comes up to you and says "that's you on the stand" or "your layup in the east pocket" you need to know what they mean. The sooner you get comfortable with the vocabulary the more time you can spend learning the important stuff

 

...but also make a note to observe and learn physical characteristics of the lines. They will never test you on this, and you will pick *some* up from posting, but particularly after month #3 in schoolcar you need to be doing this on your own. It will help you immensely when you're on your own if you are familiar with areas.

 

There's a saying that says in order to truly master a line you have to learn it twice.

 

You start out slow and kind of cautious, then you learn how all the signals work in time that it becomes second nature. And then you gain speed in your operation (from control and knowledge, not recklessness).

 

Then you have to learn it all over again for how to operate when you're right behind your leader xD because the signals behave completely differently of course in that case.

 

That said, also recognize that things can change. New timers are constantly added, so practice the right things and you won't have a problem. But the knowledge will help you an awful lot.

Appreciate the words of wisdom. Thank you! Will definitely take heed to your advice.

Get your rest and you'll be fine.

Thanks! How long would you say before someone can start to get acclimated and truly begin to understand it all?

A word to the wise for those yard posting, whenever possible be caught reading your rule book &/ manuals. Besides supervision, many others ie coworkers take note on how wise or unwisely probies use their time in the crew rooms.

First week of schoolcar. So much information!!! HELP..