<![CDATA[IRSE Exam (Please note this is not officially linked to the IRSE nor to the exam committee) - All Forums]]> http://www.irseexam.co.uk/ Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:30:53 +0000 MyBB <![CDATA[Posting answers for the Signet Event]]> http://www.irseexam.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=347 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:19:01 +0000 http://www.irseexam.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=347
Create a new thread, post a short message and attach to it your attempted answers.

Please note that although your posts will be visible both to you and others, the attachments will not be (as I have configured things so that these require to be "moderated"; this will restrict visibility to those running the event).]]>
Create a new thread, post a short message and attach to it your attempted answers.

Please note that although your posts will be visible both to you and others, the attachments will not be (as I have configured things so that these require to be "moderated"; this will restrict visibility to those running the event).]]> <![CDATA[York Mod 1 Study Group 2010]]> http://www.irseexam.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=346 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:42:50 +0000 http://www.irseexam.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=346
The first meeting will be 30th March 18:00, 5A Museum Street, York. All are welcome.

Carl Gallafant
07545 507191
gallafantca@halcrow.com]]>
The first meeting will be 30th March 18:00, 5A Museum Street, York. All are welcome.

Carl Gallafant
07545 507191
gallafantca@halcrow.com]]> <![CDATA[Mod 2 study group - Holborn]]> http://www.irseexam.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=345 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:35:33 +0000 http://www.irseexam.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=345
The focus will primarilly be metro related, but all are welcome.

Details as follows:
Tuesday 6th April
5.15 pm
Templar House
81 - 87 High Holborn
London
WC1V 6NU

If you need to contact me...
external: 020 7038 4199
mobile: 07595 964 272
stuart.coomer@tube.tfl.gov.uk]]>
The focus will primarilly be metro related, but all are welcome.

Details as follows:
Tuesday 6th April
5.15 pm
Templar House
81 - 87 High Holborn
London
WC1V 6NU

If you need to contact me...
external: 020 7038 4199
mobile: 07595 964 272
stuart.coomer@tube.tfl.gov.uk]]> <![CDATA[Identifying Opposing Routes]]> http://www.irseexam.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=342 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:48:01 +0000 http://www.irseexam.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=342
Looking at the diagram on page 44 of "Control Tables PJW.doc" (section 7.3.4), if a train is travelling from signal 22 to 18 and only occupying SF track having cleared SG, 931 points will be free to move reverse, and so the route from 24 to 18 could be set (although it wouldn't get the aspect because of the train on SF). In the route control tables for 22 signal, would 24 be an opposing route?

Any comments or hints would be appreciated.]]>
Looking at the diagram on page 44 of "Control Tables PJW.doc" (section 7.3.4), if a train is travelling from signal 22 to 18 and only occupying SF track having cleared SG, 931 points will be free to move reverse, and so the route from 24 to 18 could be set (although it wouldn't get the aspect because of the train on SF). In the route control tables for 22 signal, would 24 be an opposing route?

Any comments or hints would be appreciated.]]> <![CDATA[cobalt expansion on fishplate joints]]> http://www.irseexam.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=341 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:08:58 +0000 http://www.irseexam.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=341
Cheers]]>
Cheers]]> <![CDATA[Graph Paper]]> http://www.irseexam.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=340 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 18:44:29 +0000 http://www.irseexam.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=340
The question was then asked whether graph paper is always available from invigilators; although there was a strong belief this is the case, no-one was able to say for sure nor find reference to it within the Exam Regulations etc. I hope someone knows for sure and whether it is A4 or A3, marked in mm or just in cm; some felt that the blank A3 sheets with the side marking may have to be utilised.........

Hoping someone can give us the definitive answer!]]>
The question was then asked whether graph paper is always available from invigilators; although there was a strong belief this is the case, no-one was able to say for sure nor find reference to it within the Exam Regulations etc. I hope someone knows for sure and whether it is A4 or A3, marked in mm or just in cm; some felt that the blank A3 sheets with the side marking may have to be utilised.........

Hoping someone can give us the definitive answer!]]> <![CDATA[M6 M4 2011 study material + London study group]]> http://www.irseexam.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=338 Sat, 20 Feb 2010 15:46:58 +0000 http://www.irseexam.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=338
--
Nick]]>
--
Nick]]> <![CDATA[M4 M6 2011 study material + London study group]]> http://www.irseexam.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=337 Sat, 20 Feb 2010 15:43:15 +0000 http://www.irseexam.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=337
Because it is background, I had not posted - to avoid stealing the thunder of others.


Perhaps I should have updated, so my apologies, but I was holding back for something more definite to post.


When I made the original posting in June 2009 I had intended sitting M4 and M6 this year. It has since come to light a couple of experienced railways telecoms engineers are giving their time and effort to creating study material. I understand the aim is for mid-2010 for inclusion in the 2011 study pack. With this in mind, I moved my own plans to sit M4 / M6 to 2011 - and hence my interest in study groups - perhaps this where I really should have updated this forum.

I have volunteered myself to set up / assist / co-ordinate / administer / whatever a London based study group for 2011 M4 / M6. I doubt I'll be able to lead any study though ... I am very much a ''student'' rather than a ''teacher'' as my exam technique is rusty. The last time I sat a formal exam was 1982!!! Even though I have near 25 years in telecoms technical support with two multinationals, I have very little railway experience. CCTV for example - I know nothing. Thus while I might have the technical knoweldge I have zero confidence to turn that into what is needed to pass an exam for myself, never mind advise others.


One important factor to bear in mind for the IRSE 2010/2011 year - the incoming IRSE President [*] for 2010/2011 is apparently keen to promote telecoms within IRSE. With main line ERTMS ETCS containing, and GSM-R itself, telecoms elements - likewise TBTC/CTBC TETRA within the (my) metro domain - this area is going to grow. I hope the President-elects' direction will catalyse IRSE members and potential members with telecoms backgrounds - and maybe experience more exam support. If we can look forward to increased telecoms IRSE Technical Papers over the next year well then thats material for examiners to base questions on and study material for ourselves.




This answer probably does not help you much for 2010 exams, so again my apologies for not updating the thread.




Of course, none of this prevents M4 or M6 study groups for 2010 ... perhaps there are others interested in 2010 M4 and/or M6 ... and maybe would want to set one up.

If it were in the London area probably participate to some degree, if only to gain experience and thus feedback into the 2011 ideas.


[*] Paul Jenkins


--
Nick
(20-02-2010 04:43 PM)nicklawford Wrote:  As I quickly posted earlier under the 2010 thread, things are still moving in the background ... but for myself towards 2011 rather than 2010 .


I am also thinking about an official approach to IRSE asking for a one off dispensation to release a further one years past M4 + M6 exam papers for use in this group.

I am aware of IRSE policy ... while I can understand their viewpoint, I do not wholly agree with it. I think there is good reason for making M4 + M6 a special case - the paucity of M4 + M6 material. The number of candidates sitting mainstream M1 M2 M3 M7 makes for higher availability of past questions, worked examples, and sample attempts.

M4 + M6 are in a chickens and eggs situation - we need more examples to help kick start self study or exam groups. I myself have only seen complete M4 + M6 papers for 2009 (currently on IRSE web site) and 2008 (IRSE site last year).

M4 + M6 have 7 rather than the 10 questions that M2 M3 etc have. Candidates looking at say the last 5 years papers for M2 or M3 have up to 50 sample questions per module to draw on /somewhere/ for 2005-2009. For the same years, M4 or M6 candidates have only the 14 questions from 2008 and 2009 - only 28% of equivalent material yet carry the same exam marks and module weighting.

So I am thinking about approaching IRSE for official permission for 2007 M4 + M6 exams questions to be released to this forum, in a different format if necessary. Would increase our past papers examples by 50%.

--
Nick]]>
Because it is background, I had not posted - to avoid stealing the thunder of others.


Perhaps I should have updated, so my apologies, but I was holding back for something more definite to post.


When I made the original posting in June 2009 I had intended sitting M4 and M6 this year. It has since come to light a couple of experienced railways telecoms engineers are giving their time and effort to creating study material. I understand the aim is for mid-2010 for inclusion in the 2011 study pack. With this in mind, I moved my own plans to sit M4 / M6 to 2011 - and hence my interest in study groups - perhaps this where I really should have updated this forum.

I have volunteered myself to set up / assist / co-ordinate / administer / whatever a London based study group for 2011 M4 / M6. I doubt I'll be able to lead any study though ... I am very much a ''student'' rather than a ''teacher'' as my exam technique is rusty. The last time I sat a formal exam was 1982!!! Even though I have near 25 years in telecoms technical support with two multinationals, I have very little railway experience. CCTV for example - I know nothing. Thus while I might have the technical knoweldge I have zero confidence to turn that into what is needed to pass an exam for myself, never mind advise others.


One important factor to bear in mind for the IRSE 2010/2011 year - the incoming IRSE President [*] for 2010/2011 is apparently keen to promote telecoms within IRSE. With main line ERTMS ETCS containing, and GSM-R itself, telecoms elements - likewise TBTC/CTBC TETRA within the (my) metro domain - this area is going to grow. I hope the President-elects' direction will catalyse IRSE members and potential members with telecoms backgrounds - and maybe experience more exam support. If we can look forward to increased telecoms IRSE Technical Papers over the next year well then thats material for examiners to base questions on and study material for ourselves.




This answer probably does not help you much for 2010 exams, so again my apologies for not updating the thread.




Of course, none of this prevents M4 or M6 study groups for 2010 ... perhaps there are others interested in 2010 M4 and/or M6 ... and maybe would want to set one up.

If it were in the London area probably participate to some degree, if only to gain experience and thus feedback into the 2011 ideas.


[*] Paul Jenkins


--
Nick
(20-02-2010 04:43 PM)nicklawford Wrote:  As I quickly posted earlier under the 2010 thread, things are still moving in the background ... but for myself towards 2011 rather than 2010 .


I am also thinking about an official approach to IRSE asking for a one off dispensation to release a further one years past M4 + M6 exam papers for use in this group.

I am aware of IRSE policy ... while I can understand their viewpoint, I do not wholly agree with it. I think there is good reason for making M4 + M6 a special case - the paucity of M4 + M6 material. The number of candidates sitting mainstream M1 M2 M3 M7 makes for higher availability of past questions, worked examples, and sample attempts.

M4 + M6 are in a chickens and eggs situation - we need more examples to help kick start self study or exam groups. I myself have only seen complete M4 + M6 papers for 2009 (currently on IRSE web site) and 2008 (IRSE site last year).

M4 + M6 have 7 rather than the 10 questions that M2 M3 etc have. Candidates looking at say the last 5 years papers for M2 or M3 have up to 50 sample questions per module to draw on /somewhere/ for 2005-2009. For the same years, M4 or M6 candidates have only the 14 questions from 2008 and 2009 - only 28% of equivalent material yet carry the same exam marks and module weighting.

So I am thinking about approaching IRSE for official permission for 2007 M4 + M6 exams questions to be released to this forum, in a different format if necessary. Would increase our past papers examples by 50%.

--
Nick]]> <![CDATA[Attachment Listing]]> http://www.irseexam.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=336 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:58:46 +0000 http://www.irseexam.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=336 To assist a bit I have posted a listing in a spreadsheet which should give you a clue of what there is and where to look for it.]]> To assist a bit I have posted a listing in a spreadsheet which should give you a clue of what there is and where to look for it.]]> <![CDATA[Railway Group standards online]]> http://www.irseexam.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=334 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 20:40:54 +0000 http://www.irseexam.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=334
http://www.rgsonline.co.uk/Railway_Group...ments.aspx

then click on Control Command and Signalling

you will then have a choice of six sections when you choose one of those sections within that section you will see a lime green bar across the page at the right hand of the page you will see
'View: Live Documents' click the down arrow and choose 'All documents' there is a wealth of info here]]>
http://www.rgsonline.co.uk/Railway_Group...ments.aspx

then click on Control Command and Signalling

you will then have a choice of six sections when you choose one of those sections within that section you will see a lime green bar across the page at the right hand of the page you will see
'View: Live Documents' click the down arrow and choose 'All documents' there is a wealth of info here]]> <![CDATA[2009 Past Papers]]> http://www.irseexam.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=333 Sun, 14 Feb 2010 09:35:34 +0000 http://www.irseexam.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=333
Just click on IRSE in header on any page of this webite and it takes you directly to the IRSE's page re the exam from where the various question papers are just a click away.
The answers take somewhat longer; it is down to the student population to make their attempts and post them on this website to get feedback, and make available to others to provoke discussion.]]>
Just click on IRSE in header on any page of this webite and it takes you directly to the IRSE's page re the exam from where the various question papers are just a click away.
The answers take somewhat longer; it is down to the student population to make their attempts and post them on this website to get feedback, and make available to others to provoke discussion.]]> <![CDATA[Where to start]]> http://www.irseexam.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=332 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:01:43 +0000 http://www.irseexam.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=332
1. read the into books I mentioned in my previous thread not the OS Nocks ones just yet...just the ones that give you little taster of each subject you may well cover the IRSE Into to Railway Signalling is a great one to start on.
2. Then the document that PJW wrote 'Control Tables PJW' I have reattached to this thread...its invaluable. Note its hard going at first but after a good 3-4 passes whilst attempting a control table then youll realise how good it is.
3. Use this powerpoint presentation I have reattached to this thread 'CT examples' a couple of good nuggets of info there.
4. Then try one Point CT and one route CT from the 2004 layout and submit the good people on the forum will hopefully give you some ideas where you went wrong.
5. If you have read Chapter 3 of 'Railway Signalling' by OS Nock 'Principles of interlocking and controls. If you join the IRSE this book costs about £30 if you can find it on ebay I have seen them at £80+.
6. Then re-read the relevant sections of PJW's Control Tables in conjunction with the critique of your CT's and the attempt another Point CT and another route CT.
7. Keep up this process whilst at the same time get some A3 paper and draw the CTs out by hand so by October you can do this easily before submitting here electronically

Anybody got any ideas about studying for the written questions ..is it just a case of research attempt answer, submit then learn from comments?

Also is it worthwhile using PJW's Control Tables document and drawing out specific examples and correlate them to examples whithin our own CT's.So that other students can see how they are transposed with respect to the theory being explained?
Also download the bite sized revision notes...see how much you dont and Im sure youll be suprised at how much you will know in October]]>
1. read the into books I mentioned in my previous thread not the OS Nocks ones just yet...just the ones that give you little taster of each subject you may well cover the IRSE Into to Railway Signalling is a great one to start on.
2. Then the document that PJW wrote 'Control Tables PJW' I have reattached to this thread...its invaluable. Note its hard going at first but after a good 3-4 passes whilst attempting a control table then youll realise how good it is.
3. Use this powerpoint presentation I have reattached to this thread 'CT examples' a couple of good nuggets of info there.
4. Then try one Point CT and one route CT from the 2004 layout and submit the good people on the forum will hopefully give you some ideas where you went wrong.
5. If you have read Chapter 3 of 'Railway Signalling' by OS Nock 'Principles of interlocking and controls. If you join the IRSE this book costs about £30 if you can find it on ebay I have seen them at £80+.
6. Then re-read the relevant sections of PJW's Control Tables in conjunction with the critique of your CT's and the attempt another Point CT and another route CT.
7. Keep up this process whilst at the same time get some A3 paper and draw the CTs out by hand so by October you can do this easily before submitting here electronically

Anybody got any ideas about studying for the written questions ..is it just a case of research attempt answer, submit then learn from comments?

Also is it worthwhile using PJW's Control Tables document and drawing out specific examples and correlate them to examples whithin our own CT's.So that other students can see how they are transposed with respect to the theory being explained?
Also download the bite sized revision notes...see how much you dont and Im sure youll be suprised at how much you will know in October]]> <![CDATA[CT Format]]> http://www.irseexam.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=331 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:34:42 +0000 http://www.irseexam.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=331 <![CDATA[meet the examiner]]> http://www.irseexam.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=330 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:47:37 +0000 http://www.irseexam.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=330 We'll spend a bit of time looking at the 2009 metro layout, but it's intended to be an interactive Q&A session rather than a lecture.

info as follows:

time: 5pm
date: Wed 17th Feb
location: Templar House
81 - 87 High Holborn
London
WC1V 6NU

If you gather at reception I'll come and meet you all there.

my number is 07909 692 814 if you need it.

See you there,
Stuart Coomer]]> We'll spend a bit of time looking at the 2009 metro layout, but it's intended to be an interactive Q&A session rather than a lecture.

info as follows:

time: 5pm
date: Wed 17th Feb
location: Templar House
81 - 87 High Holborn
London
WC1V 6NU

If you gather at reception I'll come and meet you all there.

my number is 07909 692 814 if you need it.

See you there,
Stuart Coomer]]> <![CDATA[Animated IRSE layouts]]> http://www.irseexam.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=329 Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:23:36 +0000 http://www.irseexam.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=329 Here's the animated GIF now attached]]> Here's the animated GIF now attached]]> <![CDATA[Learning signalling principles]]> http://www.irseexam.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=327 Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:46:43 +0000 http://www.irseexam.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=327
Where to start if you know nothing about trains how about at the beginning.
1. ABC Modern Signalling Handbook by Stanley Hall
2. Two Centuries of Railway Signalling by Alan Williams and Geoffrey Kichenside
3. The First Principles of Railway Signalling By C. B. Byles
4. British Railway Signalling by Geoffrey Kichenside

Books From IRSE

1. Introduction to Railway Signalling
2. Railway signalling by OS Nock
3. Railway Control Systems by Maurice Leach]]>
Where to start if you know nothing about trains how about at the beginning.
1. ABC Modern Signalling Handbook by Stanley Hall
2. Two Centuries of Railway Signalling by Alan Williams and Geoffrey Kichenside
3. The First Principles of Railway Signalling By C. B. Byles
4. British Railway Signalling by Geoffrey Kichenside

Books From IRSE

1. Introduction to Railway Signalling
2. Railway signalling by OS Nock
3. Railway Control Systems by Maurice Leach]]> <![CDATA[Investigating failures]]> http://www.irseexam.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=326 Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:04:09 +0000 http://www.irseexam.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=326 However the principle of learning from past mistakes is good. I am one of those who is concerned by the current failure rate at the exam and personally interested in finding out why. I have my views of course but not based on much other than a little circumstantial evidence but mainly just prejudice I suspect.

However I have tried to be rather more objective and tackle the issue as I might in my "day job" when trying to base a course of action on something when there is a paucity of hard facts. See the attachment; take it with a bit of "a pinch of salt" but do consider if any of it rings true. I'd be keen to know other's views / experience.

If you were one of those who did not pass an exam module last year, see whether it helps you to think through why this might have occurred- what failure category(ies) might you have fallen into? More importantly, what can you do this year in order to get a better result in the exam in Oct 2010?

Whether you suffered a failue last year or are purely aiming to minimise the chances of one this year I do suggest it is worth doing some self-analysis before getting stuck in to studying; see getting started; initial self-assessment - share if you feel able to, but keep private if you wish.

In particular for module 1, do seriously consider doing a re-run of the same paper (perhaps the same questions or perhaps different ones depending on your choice).]]> However the principle of learning from past mistakes is good. I am one of those who is concerned by the current failure rate at the exam and personally interested in finding out why. I have my views of course but not based on much other than a little circumstantial evidence but mainly just prejudice I suspect.

However I have tried to be rather more objective and tackle the issue as I might in my "day job" when trying to base a course of action on something when there is a paucity of hard facts. See the attachment; take it with a bit of "a pinch of salt" but do consider if any of it rings true. I'd be keen to know other's views / experience.

If you were one of those who did not pass an exam module last year, see whether it helps you to think through why this might have occurred- what failure category(ies) might you have fallen into? More importantly, what can you do this year in order to get a better result in the exam in Oct 2010?

Whether you suffered a failue last year or are purely aiming to minimise the chances of one this year I do suggest it is worth doing some self-analysis before getting stuck in to studying; see getting started; initial self-assessment - share if you feel able to, but keep private if you wish.

In particular for module 1, do seriously consider doing a re-run of the same paper (perhaps the same questions or perhaps different ones depending on your choice).]]> <![CDATA[2009 revisited]]> http://www.irseexam.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=325 Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:40:06 +0000 http://www.irseexam.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=325
The idea is that those who failed the exam last year can have another go at it and then get some feedback; the "next best thing" to getting their real answer papers back. See "learning from failure"

Also those that are seriously thinking of attempting the paper for the first time next year should also have a go- I am not expecting great things initially, but the important thing is to ACTUALLY START and get an idea about what writing the paper is all about at first hand.

It should only take an hour and a half to download, printout, get set-up, handwrite answers on the blank sheets (I have attached my representation of the official IRSE Exam A4 answer sheet- but there are also two varieties of A3 answer sheet which might prove useful for certain questions - see attachments in graph paper thread ), scan and submit.
Ideally use the "Answers Anonymous" facility
- no one else will be able to see your attempt at that time; otherwise email me and attach.

Allocate yourself a 4 digit candidate number of form DDHH where DD is the day of the month and HH the clock face hour when you start your answer.

At the end of the month I'll post all answers received into the "Module 1 Virtual Study Group" part of the website so will not be visible to all and sundry. Indeed submission of your attempt will be your initial "entry ticket" into this restricted area, so hopefully this will carrot active as an incentive and get you started. This is my way of finding out who is prepared to get "stuck-in" seriously and who isn't yet ready to make that committment.]]>
The idea is that those who failed the exam last year can have another go at it and then get some feedback; the "next best thing" to getting their real answer papers back. See "learning from failure"

Also those that are seriously thinking of attempting the paper for the first time next year should also have a go- I am not expecting great things initially, but the important thing is to ACTUALLY START and get an idea about what writing the paper is all about at first hand.

It should only take an hour and a half to download, printout, get set-up, handwrite answers on the blank sheets (I have attached my representation of the official IRSE Exam A4 answer sheet- but there are also two varieties of A3 answer sheet which might prove useful for certain questions - see attachments in graph paper thread ), scan and submit.
Ideally use the "Answers Anonymous" facility
- no one else will be able to see your attempt at that time; otherwise email me and attach.

Allocate yourself a 4 digit candidate number of form DDHH where DD is the day of the month and HH the clock face hour when you start your answer.

At the end of the month I'll post all answers received into the "Module 1 Virtual Study Group" part of the website so will not be visible to all and sundry. Indeed submission of your attempt will be your initial "entry ticket" into this restricted area, so hopefully this will carrot active as an incentive and get you started. This is my way of finding out who is prepared to get "stuck-in" seriously and who isn't yet ready to make that committment.]]> <![CDATA[2010 Study group]]> http://www.irseexam.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=328 Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:40:53 +0000 http://www.irseexam.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=328 <![CDATA[TI track circuits]]> http://www.irseexam.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=323 Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:06:21 +0000 http://www.irseexam.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=323
Many thanks]]>
Many thanks]]>