Track Circuit

The first important step in the development of modern signaling techniques was the replacement of mechanical operation of points and signals by electrical one.

We know track circuiting to be one of the basic uses of electricity in modern signaling. It was first adopted to automate signaling at the beginning of the 20th century. But the principle of track circuit operation of automatic signals remains the same nowadays. The purpose of track circuiting is to detect the presence of a train on the section of the line. Therefore the length of each track circuit depends on the length of the section at which the trains are to run. Thus a track circuit usually extends from one stop signal to another one.

The track circuit is completed by running low voltage current via the two running rails of a line to a relay, which is energized when the track is not occupied by a train. As soon as a train enters the track-circuited section, the relay is de-energized and sets signals to danger and caution at a safe distance behind the train. When the train leaves the section, the current again energizes the relay. In other words the moving train continuously protects its own rear as it moves along the automatically signaled section of the line.

Each track circuit is protected from electrical interference by its neighbor through the insertion of insulated fishplates in the track at each end of it. The rail joints within the circuit are wire-bonded to reduce the electrical resistance of the circuit, if the track is not long-welded. For continuous welded rails, a system of jointless track-circuiting has now been developed.

Ex. 10. Form the correct tail-questions to text A.

Model: Mechanical operation of points and signals was replaced by electrical control, …? → Mechanical operation of points and signals was replaced by electrical control, wasn’t it?

1. Track circuiting was first adopted in the 20^th century, ….?

2. The principle of track circuit operation remains unchanged, …?

3. Using track circuiting railwaymen can detect the presence of a train on the section of the line, …?

4. The relay is energized when the track isn’t occupied by a train, …?

5. The train doesn’t leave the station until the signal is set showing that the section is free, …?

6. Each track circuit must be protected from electrical interference, …?

7. Continuous welded rails provide more comfortable riding, …?

8. Insulated fishplates have been inserted in the track at each end of it to protect the track circuit from electrical interference, …?

9. Each track circuit is protected from electrical interference, …?

10. Your little brother didn’t know anything about the latest achievements in electronics, …?

Ex. 11. Translate the words given in brackets into English. Translate the text you have now into Russian. Do it in written form.

Due to (современныe сигнальныe системы) trains can give signals themselves. Еntering the next section, each train (менять сигнал) behind it to red. When it then (подходить к следующему участку), the red light which is now two sections behind it changes to yellow. The red signal is lit up immediately behind the train. When the train (входить) the next section the first signal (переключиться на зеленый). Thus, every train has behind it (сначала) a red, (затем) a yellow, (и в конце концов) a green signal. All these operations (выполняться при помощи рельсовой цепи). Simple rail circuit is the basis of (современная сигнальная система). The principle of operation is that (весь путь) is divided into sections, (изолированный) from each other. A low voltage electric current (проходить через один рельс) to the end of the section and then back along the other rail. When a train enters a section it brakes (цепь). (Ток ) passes through its wheels and axis. When the train (покидать) a section, current runs along the rails. The change in the track current (можно легко обнаружить). In this way many electrical apparatus (управляться).

Ex. 12. Match the terms in line A with their definitions in line B:

A	B
1)автоматическое управление поездом	a) the safety system which automatically prevents a train from passing through a stop signal;
2)автоматическое ограждение поезда	b) the system which use electronic systems to indicate the state of the track ahead on cab displays at all times and can halt a train automatically if a signal is passed at danger;
3)автоведение поездa	c) the trackwork mechanism where a track divides into two;
4)локомотивная сигнализация	d) a form of communication designed to inform the train crew, particularly the engine crew, of track conditions ahead and to tell it how to operate the train;
5)стрелочный перевод	e) the system for automatically controlling train movements and directing train operations;
6)железнодорожный сигнал	f) a simple electrical device used to detect the presence or absence of a train on rail tracks, used to inform signallers and control relevant signals;
7)рельсовая цепь	g) the subsystem which performs functions otherwise assigned to the train operator (driver)

Text B. Scan the text and write down all the unknown words. Read the text trying to guess the meaning of the unknown words. Retell the text in Russian.

Richard Trevithick (April 13, 1771 – April 22, 1833) was a British inventor, mining engineer and builder of the first working railway steam locomotive. Trevithick built a full-size steam road locomotive in 1801 on a site near the present day Fore Street at Camborne. He named the carriage 'Puffing Devil' and, on Christmas Eve that year, he demonstrated it by successfully carrying several men up Fore Street and then continuing on up Camborne Hill, from Camborne Cross, to the nearby village of Beacon with his cousin and associate, Andrew Vivian, steering. This event is believed by many to be the first demonstration of transportation by (steam) auto-motive power and it later inspired the popular Cornish folk song "Camborne Hill". During further tests, Trevithick's locomotive broke down 3 days later, after passing over a gully in the road. The vehicle was left under some shelter with the fire still burning whilst the operators retired to a nearby public house for a meal of roast goose and drinks. Meanwhile the water boiled off, the engine overheated and the whole machine burnt out, completely destroying it. Trevithick however did not consider this episode a serious setback but more a case of operator error.

Lesson FOUR

Ex. 1. Practice the reading of the following words and phrases:

semaphore, audible, priority, auxiliary, suspended, manipulate, influence, incline, engineman, identical, usually, measure;

multiple-track railway, suburban railway, marshalling track, train crew, frequent intervals, color lights, push-button switches, restrictive position, continuous indication, station employees.

Ex. 2. These are the key words to Lesson 4. You are to copy them and memorize their meanings:

Word-box:

a fixed signal – стационарный / постоянный сигнал; an indication – показание (прибора); to proceed – следовать (о поезде), продолжать (путь); a protective / safety device – защитное (предохранительное) устройство, предохранитель; a restrictive position –сдерживающее положение; a semaphore (signal) arm – крыло светофора; a wayside signal – путевой сигнал.

Ex. 3. Copy the following words and memorize their meanings:

to constitute – составлять, быть частью;

to indicate - показывать, указывать;

to install – устанавливать, устраивать;

to restrict – ограничивать;

to warn - предупреждать; предостерегать;

regardless of ( smb/smth) – невзирая на…, не считаясь (с кем/чем-либо).

Read and translate the following sentences into Russian:

1. His action constitutes a criminal offence. 2. Studies indicate that children from poorer areas are less likely to go to university. 3. All gas stations have now installed pumps for lead-free gasoline. 4. Installing a computer system may by costly, but it is obligatory to make our work and study more efficient. 5. A true professional can work with anyone regardless of age, race or color. 6. As a charity, we provide foods and shelter for people in need, regardless of the reasons for their need. 7. Construction workers and home owners are being warned that the fumes from insulating foam can make them seriously ill. 8. The story of the Titanic is a warning to anyone who trusts too much in the technology to take safety seriously. 9. Do you know any laws that restrict people’s freedom? 10. If you don’t pay taxes, it may restrict your traveling abroad. 11. The man who installed our washing machine advised me not to use the hottest water. 12. She indicated the small door with her hand. 13. The speedometer indicated 50 miles per hour. 14. The driver only needs to press two buttons to start the train and if the way is clear then the train will automatically proceed to the next station. 15. Signals installed at frequent intervals along the entire mainline inform the driver of the position of other trains. 16. Tomorrow the movement of trains at that section of the line will be restricted because of track repair work.

Ex. 4. Fill in the gaps with the suitable derivative of the word given on the right.

1. At present our life cannot be imagined without … technology. AUTOMATE

2. This automated system is linked to the … . OPERATE

3. Water and low temperature caused … breakdown. INSULATE

4. Thomas Edison designed and constructed a new device called a … . TRANSMIT

5. This machine is capable of performing any operation of very great … . COMPLEX

6. The … of new equipment was of great importance. INSTALL

7. Environmental … is our main task to preserve the Earth for many generations to come. PROTECT

8. … notices tell you to be careful because something bad may happen. WARN

9. There is a special … against bringing dogs into the country. RESTRICT

10. The traffic rules have a special … to wear seatbelts. REQUIRE

11. There are new laws to improve … on aircrafts. SAFE

12. There was some … that he had exceeded speed limits. INDICATE

Ex. 5. In English you can form adjectives with the suffix -able/-ible meaning “capable of something, having the quality of something”, as for example, to change – changeable – изменять – изменчивый.

A. Match the adjectives given in column A with their translations in column B.

A	B
1) preferable 2) predictable 3) eatable 4) understandable 5) comparable 6) audible 7) exchangeable 8) measurable 9) passable 10) recyclable 11) compatible	съедобный сравнимый совместимый слышимый предсказуемый понятный предпочтительный перерабатываемый изменчивый измеряемый проходимый

B. Which noun given in the box will be the most suitable one to form a word combination?

a distance, words, weather, results, a signal, food, a solution, a road, waste, a computer, an idea

C. Translate the sentences into Russian.

1. The exact distance was immeasurable. 2. Heat is convertible into electricity. 3. The device isn’t workable, you should replace it by a new one. 4. The obtained results are quite comparable. Do the calculation. 5. The village is a walkable distance from here, you don’t need to take a taxi. 6. This is a listenable record though it is very old. 7. The procedure is applicable whether or not the product is pure. 8. We should use this compound device because its two parts are exchangeable. 9. I hope it’s an IBM compatible computer. 10. I wasn’t able to understand your letter! It was absolutely unreadable! 11. If you're looking for a job you need to be flexible about where you're prepared to work. 12. There's a portable CD player in the kitchen. 13. The players wear protective helmets. 14. The locomotive driver is responsible for the train passengers’ safety. 15. We need a computer system that is reliable and fast. 16. Natural air circulation isn't enough to keep the air in the underground tunnels breathable.

Ex. 6. Translate the following attributive groups:

freight and passenger traffic, locomotive and train crew, engine crew, semaphore mechanism, color light signal, day and night indications, automatic train control, station employees, cab and wayside signals, on-board computers, remote control device, environment protection, internal combustion engine, traffic speed increase, engine breakdown, track repair work, safety systems, labour protection.

Ex. 7. Translate the following sentences into Russian paying attention to the Complex Subject.

1. The railroad engineers are said to be improving a protective device on the locomotives. 2. The efficiency of electric locomotives is stated to be much higher than that of steam locomotives. 3. That railroad seems to have been the first in the world. 4. High-speed trains are said to be introduced on this section of the mainline early next year. 5. The timetable is known to be changed for the summer period. 6. The failure in power supply system is reported to have caused considerable alarm in the work of several industrial enterprises. 7. Everyone seems to be worried about environmental protection and careful use of resources. 8. The system is expected to be most effective on single lines. 9. Train control can be considered to be a hierarchical step above the signal box. 10. Automatic drivers are supposed to operate all trains in near future. 11. The London Underground is said to be the safest form of transport in the world. 12. A track circuit is known to be an electrical circuit of which the running rails form a path. 13. The term ATP is known to provide failsafe protection against collisions, excessive speed, and other hazardous conditions which may arise during train movements by preventing trains from ignoring control commands. 14. The evolution of train control systems seemed to end up in a disorder of gage standards. 15. Traditional wayside devices are likely to be unnecessary in this train control system. 16. He is sure to be able to repair this computer. 17. The labor of a man with secondary education was found to be 108% more efficient than that of a man without education. Moreover the work of a university graduate proves to be 300% more efficient than that of a specialist with secondary education.

Ex. 8. Read the sentences and find the Russian equivalents for the predicates:

1. The electrical devices are being installed on the renewed section of the line now. 2. Block signals were installed on all the railroads. 3. Special signals are installed to help enginemen to drive trains without accidents. 4. Station employees installed a lot of signal appliances last year. 5. We have just installed the equipment in the lab. 6. The protective device has been installed recently.

a) устанавливаются (вообще); b) устанавливают (сейчас); c) были установлены; d) установлены (как результат); e) только что установили; f) установили (как факт).

Ex. 9. You may find it difficult to understand and translate the sentences given below because they are too long. Transform them to make translating a bit easier.

Model: To inform the locomotive and train crew of the position of other trains in relation to their own, signals installed at frequent intervals give indications which are visible both by day and by night.  Signals are installed at frequent intervals. They give indications both by day and night. These signals are used to inform the locomotive and train crew of the position of other trains.

1). The color light signal sometimes used is known to have semaphore arm and give both day and night indications by means of red, green and yellow lights.

2). On some railroads locomotives are known to be equipped with apparatus located in the cab, which gives a continuous indication to the engineman identical with that shown by wayside signals.

3). By cab signals the engine crew is supposed to be always informed of conditions ahead regardless of the weather, which could prevent the driver from seeing wayside signals.

Text A. Read and translate the text using a dictionary if necessary.