Unit 2 The Organization of a Railway

Before the introduction of Centralized Traffic Control, traffic working was arranged by the local yard-masters. The signalmen played a considerable part in controlling the flow of traffic. The signalmen performed this important work with much skill. But then it gradually became evident that their knowledge of the general traffic position and their influence over the flow of traffic was too localized for performing an effective control.

In order to simplify the problem of running trains, all railroads are divided into divisions. A division superintendent is responsible for train movement. On every railroad division there is a train dispatcher who is responsible for train movement too.

The most important device for railway operation is Centralized Traffic Control or C.T.C. It permits the dispatcher to control both the station switches and the signals at the intermediate sidings throughout the division. The dispatcher also controls all the marshalling operations at wayside stations and there are no station operators on duty any more. The C.T.C. dispatcher sends special coded orders that operate the switches and signals at the station. So, C.T.C. provides a high degree of safety, saves a lot of time in train operation and reduces the number of sidings. It also increases both the railway capacity and the speed of train movement. All train movements are governed by signal indications. Written train orders are not issued. The signals and switches are operated electrically from a large illuminated panel standing in front of the dispatcher’s desk. All the tracks in the controlled section are represented on this panel. The locations of all the trains in the given section are seen on the panel.

Exercises

I. Pay attention to the translation of the word “to operate”:

Model: to operate + N = управлять to operate + adv. = работать

1.One must know that railways cannot operate without signals.

2.The dispatcher operates the movement of the traffic.

3.This new retarder operates with great accuracy.

4.The control room has the operating panel.

5.The dispatcher controls all the marshalling operations.

6.The speed of train operation is increased on many railroads.

7.The operation of computers is of great interest.

8.The operator sets the routes.

9.Two scheduled trains are operated each way daily.

10.C.T.C. operates with great accuracy.

II. Translate the following phrases:

to operate a railway, to operate quickly, to operate at high speeds, to operate without delay, to operate the train movement

III. Pay attention to the translation of the word “order”:

order – приказ, порядок in order to – для того, чтобы

1.Cars are sorted in the order of the stations.

2.The sorting sidings must be kept in order.

3.In order to simplify the problem of running the trains all railroads are divided into divisions.

4.Earlier trains were operated only by train orders.

5.Signals and switches are installed in order to provide the safety of traffic.

IV. Pay attention to the translation of the word “most”:

Model: most + N = большинство most + adj. = самый

1.The most important person on a railway is a train dispatcher.

2.Most modern marshalling yards are of hump type.

3.Railway operation requires the most reliable systems of control.

4.Most of the sidings are lengthened.

V. Pay attention to the translation of the verb “to have”:

1.The old hump yard had to be modernized.

2.A good yard has to deal with receipt,loading, unloading and delivery of goods.

3.New types of containers have been developed by railroads.

4.Freight trains which have to pick up cars are operated on the longer route.

5.The operator has to push buttons on his console at the beginning and the end of the route.

6.All trains in one direction have even numbers.

7.Computer technology has achieved great results in railway operation.

VI. Mind the translation of the predicate:

1.All railroads are divided into divisions.

2.Railways are developing with great rapidity.

3.The tests are being conducted with C.T.C.

4.The advantages of freight transportation by railway have long been recognized.

5.The trains run between these towns regularly.

6.Railway transport will be constantly developing.

7.In the nearest future trains will operate at speeds of 200 km/h.

8.Containerisation has completely changed the methods of handling and storing. 9.Last year new sidings for defective wagons were provided.

VII. Translate the sentences into Russian, paying attention to the predicate:

1.The modernization of the old hump yard is paid great attention to.

2.The construction of the first modern marshalling yard will be followed by the construction of many others.

3.Railways are spoken about as a very popular means of transport.

4.The operation of a receiving station is influenced by a number of factors.

VIII. Make a summary of the text: