Ten long-answer questions from a previous AEN promotion paper, each with the key points a good answer should include.
The ten questions are from a previous AEN promotion paper. The points are a guide to what an answer should cover — write your answer from the current IRPWM, G&SR, IRBM and Railway Board instructions, with neat sketches.
Q1.What are the various indicator boards required for temporary engineering restrictions?
Points to cover
Caution indicator, speed indicator, stop indicator (for stop-dead restrictions) and termination indicators (T/P for passenger trains, T/G for goods trains).
Placed on the side of the driver at the distances laid down in G&SR / IRPWM for the gauge and the type of work (e.g. caution indicator about 1200 m on BG in the QB answer, speed indicator about 30 m before the work spot).
Termination indicators at the end of the restricted length, set back by the length of the longest train so the whole train clears the restriction.
Indicators reflectorised / lit at night; restriction notified to drivers by caution order; flagman and banner flag where a stop is required.
Q2.What is the procedure for blocking the track for carrying out normal and emergency repairs?
Points to cover
Planned work: block demanded in advance through the divisional block programme (traffic/power block), stating section, line, duration and purpose.
On the day: written requisition to the Station Master, block granted on the prescribed form/message, line protected with banner flags and detonators at the distances in G&SR; power block and permit-to-work in electrified sections.
Emergency: protect the line at once (hand danger signal, detonators at the specified distances), inform the nearest Station Master/control and obtain a block.
After the work: certify the track fit, impose speed restriction if needed, remove protection and cancel the block in writing with the Station Master.
Q3.What action is an SSE (P.Way)/PWI in-charge required to take after a derailment where sabotage is the prima facie cause?
Points to cover
Protect the site and adjacent lines; render first aid and assist relief.
Inform control, the Station Master, RPF/GRP and local police immediately; do not disturb the scene until police permit.
Preserve evidence: missing or loosened fittings, tool marks, removed keys/ERCs, cut rails — note, photograph and keep them in safe custody.
Record track measurements in rear and ahead of the point of mount, prepare a dimensioned sketch and joint notes with other departments.
Restore the track only after clearance and record everything done.
Q4.What records should an SSE (P.Way)/PWI in-charge carry during the rear-window inspection of his section by the Principal Chief Engineer?
Points to cover
Track geometry results (TRC/OMS) and the compliance of peaks; list of speed restrictions with reasons.
USFD defect register and rail/weld failure records; LWR register and destressing records.
Curve and points & crossings registers; level crossing and bridge registers relevant to the section.
Inspection notes and compliance, gang strength and vacancies, material availability, vulnerable locations and the work plan.
Q5.Briefly describe the string line method of curve realignment.
Points to cover
Mark stations at equal intervals (e.g. 10 m) and measure existing versines on a fixed chord (20 m) with a string.
Decide the desired versines (circular portion and transitions) keeping the sum of desired versines equal to the sum of existing versines.
Compute slews from the second summation of the versine differences; adjust so that the slews at the ends are zero and within site limits.
Apply the slews at each station, pack the track and re-measure versines to check.
Q6.What are the General & Subsidiary Rules, and what issues concerning the Engineering department do they contain?
Points to cover
General Rules are framed for all railways under the Railways Act; each zonal railway adds Subsidiary Rules to suit local conditions.
Engineering issues: protection of the line during works, engineering indicators and temporary restrictions, working of trolleys, motor trolleys and lorries, material trains, level crossing gates and gatemen, patrolling, and duties of permanent-way staff.
Q7.How is good running ensured on level crossings and points & crossings?
Points to cover
LCs: maintain gauge, cross levels and alignment through the road surface; keep check rail clearances; ensure drainage and full ballast; maintain the road approaches.
P&C: maintain gauge and cross levels at the critical locations, alignment of the lead curve, proper housing of tongue rails, crossing nose and wing rail wear within limits, check rail clearances, sound sleepers and fittings, good packing (preferably by points-and-crossings tamping machine).
Regular inspection by JE/SSE as per schedule and prompt renewal of worn components.
Q8.What is the difference between a push trolley, a motor trolley and a material lorry? How is a lorry loaded with rails worked, and how is a push trolley worked where visibility is limited?
Points to cover
Push trolley: light, pushed by trolleymen, can be lifted off quickly. Motor trolley: self-propelled, heavier. Lorry: for carrying material, heavy and cannot be lifted off quickly.
A loaded lorry is worked under block protection (or as permitted by special instructions), with a competent person in charge, load secured and protection as per G&SR.
Where visibility is limited (curves, cuttings, fog), a push trolley is protected by flagmen sent out ahead and in rear with hand signals, as per the rules, or worked under block.
Q9.Describe the duties of an ADEN (Open Line) with particular reference to track, bridges, colonies, expenditure control and large-scale track renewals.
Points to cover
Inspections as per schedule (trolley, footplate, rear window), monitoring TRC/OMS and USFD results, and checking the work of SSEs/JEs.
Bridges: inspection and timely attention; monsoon precautions and vulnerable locations.
Colonies and service buildings: upkeep, water supply and sanitation.
Expenditure control against allotment, estimates, contracts and material planning; supervision and quality control of track renewals and mechanised works.
Q10.An open-web steel girder of 76 m span is to be launched from abutment to abutment with no intermediate support. Describe the method and the main checks.
Points to cover
Method: launch by rolling the girder forward on rollers from the approach with a light launching nose (and counterweight at the tail) so it cantilevers safely until the nose lands on the far abutment.
Checks: stability against overturning at every stage, stresses in members during cantilevering, deflection of the nose tip and jacking arrangement, line and level of bed blocks and bearings, braking/winch arrangements, wind limits, communication and supervision.
After landing: lower onto bearings, check camber and alignment, fix bearings and complete the deck.
Practise the objective part
Two AEN papers and 10 full-length mock papers, scored instantly.