How must an Engineer respond to a hand signal to drop Pantograph(s)?

How must an Engineer respond to a hand signal to drop Pantograph(s)?

• A. Continue at the current speed and monitor the pantographs.
• B. Drop Pantograph(s) immediately, acknowledge by two short sounds of the horn.
• C. Wait until the entire area is clear, then raise the Pantograph(s).
• D. Raise Pantograph(s) immediately and sound three long horn notes.

Answer: (D)

When you receive a hand signal to drop pantograph(s), you must act immediately with pantograph control and acknowledgment. Raise the pantograph(s) right away and sound three long horn notes to acknowledge the signal. Raising keeps the train prepared to receive or maintain power from the overhead system, and the three long horn notes provide a clear audible confirmation to the signaler and crew that you observed and complied. Doing anything else—continuing as before, dropping the pantographs, or delaying the response—can create unsafe conditions or miscommunication.

When you receive a hand signal to drop pantograph(s), you must act immediately with pantograph control and acknowledgment. Raise the pantograph(s) right away and sound three long horn notes to acknowledge the signal. Raising keeps the train prepared to receive or maintain power from the overhead system, and the three long horn notes provide a clear audible confirmation to the signaler and crew that you observed and complied. Doing anything else—continuing as before, dropping the pantographs, or delaying the response—can create unsafe conditions or miscommunication.