<![CDATA[IRSE Exam Forum - All Forums]]> https://irse.signalpost.org/ Thu, 21 May 2026 15:43:49 +0000 MyBB <![CDATA[2 aspect headway calculation.]]> https://irse.signalpost.org/showthread.php?tid=2450 Fri, 13 Oct 2023 20:08:17 +0000 jimmyinin]]> https://irse.signalpost.org/showthread.php?tid=2450
Line speed = 70km/hr - converted into m/s = 19.44m/s 
Sighting Distance = 200m
Overlap =300m 
Distance between 2 signals = 2km = 2000m 
 ·       ¾ loaded super freighter 5x81 class + 58 wagons (see GW-40). 
1 in 60 falling grade

Calculated Braking Distance = BD= Line Speed x2/2a ( acceleration rate of 1.0m/s2 from NIST 012 ( Velocity DMU)
BD = 19.44x2/2(1.0)= 19.44m/s 

Headway Distance = BD+d+OL+Length of train+Sighting Distance = 4119.44 
Headway Time = Headway Distance/V= 4119.44/19.44= 211.9 seconds = 3.53minutes

I get the gist for 3 aspect and 4 aspect but struggle with 2 aspect calculations. Can someone advise if I have done the calculations correctly. 

Thanks, 
Jimmy]]>
Line speed = 70km/hr - converted into m/s = 19.44m/s 
Sighting Distance = 200m
Overlap =300m 
Distance between 2 signals = 2km = 2000m 
 ·       ¾ loaded super freighter 5x81 class + 58 wagons (see GW-40). 
1 in 60 falling grade

Calculated Braking Distance = BD= Line Speed x2/2a ( acceleration rate of 1.0m/s2 from NIST 012 ( Velocity DMU)
BD = 19.44x2/2(1.0)= 19.44m/s 

Headway Distance = BD+d+OL+Length of train+Sighting Distance = 4119.44 
Headway Time = Headway Distance/V= 4119.44/19.44= 211.9 seconds = 3.53minutes

I get the gist for 3 aspect and 4 aspect but struggle with 2 aspect calculations. Can someone advise if I have done the calculations correctly. 

Thanks, 
Jimmy]]> <![CDATA[Guidance for Module B, C, D]]> https://irse.signalpost.org/showthread.php?tid=2446 Wed, 29 Mar 2023 21:30:21 +0000 bharadwajk15]]> https://irse.signalpost.org/showthread.php?tid=2446
Myself K. Bharadwaj, an IRSE advanced diploma in Railway control system engineering aspirant having 7+ years experience in Railway signalling design.
I cleared by IRSE Module A exam held in March, 2023 and looking forward to prepare, excel further B, C, D module exams.

In line with this I request you all to provide your suggestions for preparing B, C, D modules.
I also request you all to pour in any suggestions to finalize my IRSE membership application form.

Thank you and looking forward to connect with you all and learn from your experiences, guidance throughout this journey.

Smile]]>
Myself K. Bharadwaj, an IRSE advanced diploma in Railway control system engineering aspirant having 7+ years experience in Railway signalling design.
I cleared by IRSE Module A exam held in March, 2023 and looking forward to prepare, excel further B, C, D module exams.

In line with this I request you all to provide your suggestions for preparing B, C, D modules.
I also request you all to pour in any suggestions to finalize my IRSE membership application form.

Thank you and looking forward to connect with you all and learn from your experiences, guidance throughout this journey.

Smile]]> <![CDATA[Track circuits inside tunnels]]> https://irse.signalpost.org/showthread.php?tid=2445 Wed, 29 Mar 2023 12:16:50 +0000 kochronaki]]> https://irse.signalpost.org/showthread.php?tid=2445 Good morning team.
I am trying to find in some specification if there is a restriction on installing track circuits inside tunnels whether there is a line structured with ballast or slab track.
Please if there is such a specification or regulation please let me know.

Thank you in advance.]]> Good morning team.
I am trying to find in some specification if there is a restriction on installing track circuits inside tunnels whether there is a line structured with ballast or slab track.
Please if there is such a specification or regulation please let me know.

Thank you in advance.]]> <![CDATA[Advice on preparation for Module C]]> https://irse.signalpost.org/showthread.php?tid=2444 Wed, 23 Nov 2022 17:00:49 +0000 krishnapriya]]> https://irse.signalpost.org/showthread.php?tid=2444
I have cleared IRSE Module A. I am planning to write Module C next October. Please give your advice. How to prepare where to start which materials to refer. 



With Regards,
Krishnapriya]]>
I have cleared IRSE Module A. I am planning to write Module C next October. Please give your advice. How to prepare where to start which materials to refer. 



With Regards,
Krishnapriya]]> <![CDATA[2022 Exam Results]]> https://irse.signalpost.org/showthread.php?tid=2443 Thu, 17 Nov 2022 17:20:15 +0000 taffstar]]> https://irse.signalpost.org/showthread.php?tid=2443
I appreciate it may be relatively soon after the exam period, but has there been any information on timelines to get the results out for Modules B-D?

Regards,

T]]>
I appreciate it may be relatively soon after the exam period, but has there been any information on timelines to get the results out for Modules B-D?

Regards,

T]]> <![CDATA[Requirments for safe design]]> https://irse.signalpost.org/showthread.php?tid=2440 Sun, 31 Oct 2021 06:28:38 +0000 AMR_87]]> https://irse.signalpost.org/showthread.php?tid=2440
c) What information must be provided when signalling a layout in order that operators can assess whether it meets their requirements, and for designers to be able to generate detailed safe designs?

Can anyone confirm if this answer is accurate or not ?

 2.3 Design Objectives: Design for Safety, Performance And Economy.
When performing the task of Signalling the Layout, the engineer must keep these different
considerations in mind; examples how each of these factors influences the design are listed below.

Safety considerations:

• Provision of a locked, proved wheel path for each train,
• Protection to authorised train movements from unauthorised moves elsewhere,
• Signals positioned to protect conflicts adequately,
• Junction layout design (avoidance of single-lead junctions, minimise conflict length,
converging sideswipe preferable to head-on collision) and signalling of the divergence,
• Minimise length of any “bang road” movements in the direction contrary to predominant
traffic flow,
• Braking distance warning for any signal at danger (aspect sequences and transitions),
• Consistency of signal spacing,
• Optimisation of signal sighting distances,
• Awareness of SPAD-traps (ideally avoid, otherwise mitigate),
• Awareness of environment at signal positions (ideally avoid, otherwise mitigate)
• Provision of train protection to provide back-up to pure reliance on the driver in to control
appropriately the speed of their train,
• Determination of suitable overlap length and direction to provide safest possible overrun.

Performance considerations:

• Maximum speed limits for all categories of train for plain line and junctions,
• Maximum line capacity by minimising headway time between trains,
• Suitable for maximum train lengths specified,
• Ability to perform the movements needed in order to operate the train service (permissive
movements to allow joining of trains, locomotive running around trains, shunting, propelling
movements, ECS movements to depot etc.)
• Promote efficiency in operational use, ease / simplicity of communication etc.,
• Maximum flexibility in use of layout (parallel moves, permissive moves
• Maximum resilience in event of failure:
-­ ability to limit effect by “work-around”),
-­ Provision of reversible signalling on double track lines,
-­ Minimise number failures by minimum equipment count.

Cost considerations:

• Only provide the functionality actually really needed,
• Minimise quantities of equipment utilised,
• Simplest layout to avoid interlocking complexity,
• Utilisation of standard solutions,
• Utilisation of appropriate technology to meet the operational and technical requirements.]]>
c) What information must be provided when signalling a layout in order that operators can assess whether it meets their requirements, and for designers to be able to generate detailed safe designs?

Can anyone confirm if this answer is accurate or not ?

 2.3 Design Objectives: Design for Safety, Performance And Economy.
When performing the task of Signalling the Layout, the engineer must keep these different
considerations in mind; examples how each of these factors influences the design are listed below.

Safety considerations:

• Provision of a locked, proved wheel path for each train,
• Protection to authorised train movements from unauthorised moves elsewhere,
• Signals positioned to protect conflicts adequately,
• Junction layout design (avoidance of single-lead junctions, minimise conflict length,
converging sideswipe preferable to head-on collision) and signalling of the divergence,
• Minimise length of any “bang road” movements in the direction contrary to predominant
traffic flow,
• Braking distance warning for any signal at danger (aspect sequences and transitions),
• Consistency of signal spacing,
• Optimisation of signal sighting distances,
• Awareness of SPAD-traps (ideally avoid, otherwise mitigate),
• Awareness of environment at signal positions (ideally avoid, otherwise mitigate)
• Provision of train protection to provide back-up to pure reliance on the driver in to control
appropriately the speed of their train,
• Determination of suitable overlap length and direction to provide safest possible overrun.

Performance considerations:

• Maximum speed limits for all categories of train for plain line and junctions,
• Maximum line capacity by minimising headway time between trains,
• Suitable for maximum train lengths specified,
• Ability to perform the movements needed in order to operate the train service (permissive
movements to allow joining of trains, locomotive running around trains, shunting, propelling
movements, ECS movements to depot etc.)
• Promote efficiency in operational use, ease / simplicity of communication etc.,
• Maximum flexibility in use of layout (parallel moves, permissive moves
• Maximum resilience in event of failure:
-­ ability to limit effect by “work-around”),
-­ Provision of reversible signalling on double track lines,
-­ Minimise number failures by minimum equipment count.

Cost considerations:

• Only provide the functionality actually really needed,
• Minimise quantities of equipment utilised,
• Simplest layout to avoid interlocking complexity,
• Utilisation of standard solutions,
• Utilisation of appropriate technology to meet the operational and technical requirements.]]> <![CDATA[Module 2 in Modules C & D]]> https://irse.signalpost.org/showthread.php?tid=2438 Sun, 17 Oct 2021 06:32:00 +0000 AMR_87]]> https://irse.signalpost.org/showthread.php?tid=2438 I am wondering that how Module 2 will be presented in Modules C & D? Specially Signal position, numbering, routes, points, train detection.
Shall we study these type of questions? Any instructions from IRSE ?!
Thank you!]]> I am wondering that how Module 2 will be presented in Modules C & D? Specially Signal position, numbering, routes, points, train detection.
Shall we study these type of questions? Any instructions from IRSE ?!
Thank you!]]> <![CDATA[2021 Exam]]> https://irse.signalpost.org/showthread.php?tid=2434 Tue, 30 Mar 2021 13:26:41 +0000 Peter]]> https://irse.signalpost.org/showthread.php?tid=2434
Quote:Dear all IRSE exam interested parties,
 
Following IRSE Education & Professional Committee meeting yesterday, I can make the following announcements:
 
•             A single option has been selected to achieve signalling the layout (module 2) – this is being worked on and if it can be achieved, then it will be for an exam date of 2 October 2021, i.e. the same day as the other modules.  I emphasise that this is still being worked on and subject to confirmation
 
•             For 2021 only, those who have not passed any module previously can take one or more of modules B-D if they have a sponsorship agreement in place with a current IRSE Member (MIRSE) or Fellow (FIRSE) – this is a change to the previously announced arrangements
 
•             For 2021 only, candidates will be able to sit between one (1) and four (4) modules on 2 October 2021 – this is a change to the previously announced arrangements
 
 
These updates will be reflected on the IRSE exam pages early next week.  Due to these changes there will be a delay in opening bookings as these arrangements are more complex.  Bookings will open in early April 2021 and will close for all candidates on 31 July 2021.
 
 
On behalf of the IRSE exam team:
]]>
Quote:Dear all IRSE exam interested parties,
 
Following IRSE Education & Professional Committee meeting yesterday, I can make the following announcements:
 
•             A single option has been selected to achieve signalling the layout (module 2) – this is being worked on and if it can be achieved, then it will be for an exam date of 2 October 2021, i.e. the same day as the other modules.  I emphasise that this is still being worked on and subject to confirmation
 
•             For 2021 only, those who have not passed any module previously can take one or more of modules B-D if they have a sponsorship agreement in place with a current IRSE Member (MIRSE) or Fellow (FIRSE) – this is a change to the previously announced arrangements
 
•             For 2021 only, candidates will be able to sit between one (1) and four (4) modules on 2 October 2021 – this is a change to the previously announced arrangements
 
 
These updates will be reflected on the IRSE exam pages early next week.  Due to these changes there will be a delay in opening bookings as these arrangements are more complex.  Bookings will open in early April 2021 and will close for all candidates on 31 July 2021.
 
 
On behalf of the IRSE exam team:
]]> <![CDATA[Points Backdrive - what is it?]]> https://irse.signalpost.org/showthread.php?tid=2433 Fri, 19 Feb 2021 10:48:28 +0000 ledwardz]]> https://irse.signalpost.org/showthread.php?tid=2433
not an exam question, just after some general info.

Can someone tell me what a point backdrive D switch is?

What is the point backdrive used for and how this relates to the D switch?

Thanks in advance for any info.

Lee.]]>
not an exam question, just after some general info.

Can someone tell me what a point backdrive D switch is?

What is the point backdrive used for and how this relates to the D switch?

Thanks in advance for any info.

Lee.]]> <![CDATA[Online exams]]> https://irse.signalpost.org/showthread.php?tid=2430 Thu, 29 Oct 2020 12:28:37 +0000 Peter]]> https://irse.signalpost.org/showthread.php?tid=2430
I am sure that there will be an official review of the process this year and I wonder whether the experience will influence the future of face to face exam centres.]]>
I am sure that there will be an official review of the process this year and I wonder whether the experience will influence the future of face to face exam centres.]]> <![CDATA[Changes in 2020]]> https://irse.signalpost.org/showthread.php?tid=2429 Tue, 27 Oct 2020 11:34:53 +0000 Peter]]> https://irse.signalpost.org/showthread.php?tid=2429 exam pages.

Given that there is not a 1:1 mapping between the old and new modules, if you have passed some modules already, you should check the useful tool for checking Exam Equivalents to make sure that you are not studying for modules that are already covered by your achievements.]]> exam pages.

Given that there is not a 1:1 mapping between the old and new modules, if you have passed some modules already, you should check the useful tool for checking Exam Equivalents to make sure that you are not studying for modules that are already covered by your achievements.]]> <![CDATA[Sponsorship in the new world]]> https://irse.signalpost.org/showthread.php?tid=2428 Tue, 27 Oct 2020 10:57:35 +0000 Peter]]> https://irse.signalpost.org/showthread.php?tid=2428 IRSE announced, to take Module A, you do not need a sponsor and if you have taken Module A, the FAQ section says that you do not need to have a sponsor to apply for the other modules.

Quote:Do I need to find a sponsor and complete a sponsor declaration form?  Module A “fundamentals of railway control engineering” will not require a sponsor and it will be a pre-requisite for taking the other 3 new modules.  Sponsorship will remain in place for taking modules 1-7 in 2020,  Pre-qualification for taking advanced modules B, C or D by means of passing module A in 2021 will not be required for anyone who has at least one pass in a current module, but sponsorship may still be needed.

It looks as though you can also qualify to enter the other advanced modules if you have not taken Module A but have already passed one of the old modules (1-7), however, it has the statement at the end that "sponsorship may still be needed". I cannot find any further information on what the conditions are that "may" need sponsorship, so if you are in the position of qualifying to take new modules on the strength of already passings some old modules, I would advise that you check with the exam office to make sure that you sort out sponsorship in good time if they say you need it,]]> IRSE announced, to take Module A, you do not need a sponsor and if you have taken Module A, the FAQ section says that you do not need to have a sponsor to apply for the other modules.

Quote:Do I need to find a sponsor and complete a sponsor declaration form?  Module A “fundamentals of railway control engineering” will not require a sponsor and it will be a pre-requisite for taking the other 3 new modules.  Sponsorship will remain in place for taking modules 1-7 in 2020,  Pre-qualification for taking advanced modules B, C or D by means of passing module A in 2021 will not be required for anyone who has at least one pass in a current module, but sponsorship may still be needed.

It looks as though you can also qualify to enter the other advanced modules if you have not taken Module A but have already passed one of the old modules (1-7), however, it has the statement at the end that "sponsorship may still be needed". I cannot find any further information on what the conditions are that "may" need sponsorship, so if you are in the position of qualifying to take new modules on the strength of already passings some old modules, I would advise that you check with the exam office to make sure that you sort out sponsorship in good time if they say you need it,]]> <![CDATA[First Online IRSE Exam]]> https://irse.signalpost.org/showthread.php?tid=2427 Sun, 04 Oct 2020 12:16:57 +0000 Elliott Jordan]]> https://irse.signalpost.org/showthread.php?tid=2427
But what was everyone's thoughts on yesterdays exams? Personally I was found the idea of being able to type my answers in stead of having to hand write a lot better (I can get very messy writing if I'm doing it at speed).

It took a bit of getting used to using the online format but after the first 10 mins i found it quite easy to navigate round and answer the questions.

Could we see more online exams in the future, in terms of Modules B,C & D?

I did Modules 1 & 5, so i don't know how people doing Module A found it.

Elliott]]>
But what was everyone's thoughts on yesterdays exams? Personally I was found the idea of being able to type my answers in stead of having to hand write a lot better (I can get very messy writing if I'm doing it at speed).

It took a bit of getting used to using the online format but after the first 10 mins i found it quite easy to navigate round and answer the questions.

Could we see more online exams in the future, in terms of Modules B,C & D?

I did Modules 1 & 5, so i don't know how people doing Module A found it.

Elliott]]> <![CDATA[Q5 2018]]> https://irse.signalpost.org/showthread.php?tid=2426 Tue, 29 Sep 2020 19:29:16 +0000 tfly86]]> https://irse.signalpost.org/showthread.php?tid=2426 TF]]> TF]]> <![CDATA[2016 Q8]]> https://irse.signalpost.org/showthread.php?tid=2425 Tue, 29 Sep 2020 10:43:05 +0000 tfly86]]> https://irse.signalpost.org/showthread.php?tid=2425
TF]]>
TF]]>