Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Assistant Conductor Practice Test

What type of equipment is classified as Non-Shunting Equipment?

1. Equipment that can shunt track circuits

2. Light engines and MU Cars

3. All types of rail vehicles

4. Specialized inspection tools

The correct answer is: Light engines and MU Cars

Non-Shunting Equipment refers to rail vehicles that are not utilized for the purpose of shunting or switching track circuits. Light engines and MU (Multiple Unit) Cars fall into this category because they are typically used for passenger service or freight transport, rather than for moving railcars around a yard or switching tracks. Light engines refer to locomotives that do not have any cars attached and are often used to reposition trains or assist with operations without the need for a full train consist. Similarly, MU Cars, which contain their own propulsion systems and can operate in multiple configurations with other cars, also do not perform shunting functions. In contrast, equipment that can shunt track circuits or perform specialized roles, like switching tracks, would not qualify as Non-Shunting Equipment. Therefore, the nature of Light Engines and MU Cars makes them a perfect example of Non-Shunting Equipment.