Rail terminology
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Terminology
Rail terminology
Rail terminology is a form of technical terminology. The difference between the American term railroad and the British term railway (also used by other English-speaking countries outside the US) is the most obvious trans-Atlantic difference in rail terminology (see usage of the terms railroad and railway for more information). There are also others, due to the parallel development of rail transport systems on both sides of the Atlantic. Various terms are presented here alphabetically; where a term has multiple names, this is indicated. The note "US" indicates a term peculiar to North America, or "CA" may represent Canada while "UK" refers to terms originating in the British Isles and normally also used in former British colonies outside North America (such as Australia "AU", New Zealand "NZ", etc.). Exceptions are noted; terms whose currency is limited to one particular country, region, or railway are also included.
For terminology specific to the types of lines used for passenger trains, see passenger rail terminology.
[edit] 0-9
- Note: for 4-4-0, 2-6-4T, 0-4-4-0, etc. See Whyte notation or UIC classification
Definitions Points of Interest
10 wheeler or ten wheeler (US): A steam locomotive with a 4-6-0 wheel arrangement.[1]
[edit] A
Definitions Points of Interest
Air brake: Railroad brakes which operate using compressed air. Alco: American Locomotive Company - the second largest builder of steam locomotives in the U.S.[2] Alerter: Similar to the Dead man's switch other than it does not require the operator's constant interaction. Instead an alarm is sounded at a preset interval in which the operator must respond by pressing a button to reset the alarm and the timer. If the operator does not respond within a preset time the brakes are applied. May also be called a 'Watchdog'. American: A steam locomotive with a 4-4-0 wheel arrangement.[3] Angel Seat or Angel's Perch: (US) A term often used when referring to the second level seats on a Cupola style caboose. Annett's key (UK), Annett key (Aus.): A large key which locks levers or other items of signalling apparatus, serving as a portable form of interlocking. With the key removed from the lock, the lever or apparatus is locked in its position. When the key is turned in the lock, it cannot be removed. Articulated locomotive: A steam locomotive with one or more engine units that can move relative to the main frame.[2] Aspect: (UK) The indication displayed by a colour-light signal i.e. a yellow aspect Atlantic: A steam locomotive with a 4-4-2 wheel arrangement. A unit (US): A diesel locomotive with a driving cab, or crew compartment, for operating on the road. When equipped with MU, it can control other A units, or B units. Auto brake A type of fail-safe system that uses air pressure to hold the brakes off so that in the event the air pressure is lost in the brake pipe the brakes will automatically apply. Auto-brake gauge: A gauge recording the application and pressure of an automatic braking system; usually repeated in the guard's van in historic rolling stock. Autocoach (UK): A passenger coach fitted with a driving cab and controls for use in an Autotrain (UK). Automatic Equipment Identification (AEI) (US): Automatic tracking system using RFID technology.[2] Automatic Train Control (ATC)[2] Automatic train operation (ATO) Automatic train protection (ATP) Automatic Warning System (UK): Refers to the specific form of limited cab signalling introduced in 1948 in the United Kingdom to help train drivers observe and obey warning signals. Autorack (also called auto carrier) (US): A specialized freight car for transporting automobiles.[2]Car transporter wagon / Car transporter van (UK). Autotrain (UK): A branch line train consisting of a steam locomotive and passenger carriages that can be driven from either end by means of rodding to the regulator and an additional vacuum brake valve. The fireman remains with the locomotive and, when the driver is at the other end, the fireman controls the cut off and vacuum ejectors in addition to his usual duties. Also: Push-pull train, Motor train (UK). Auto Train (US): A passenger train service first operated by Auto-Train Corporation and then by Amtrak between Lorton, Virginia and Sanford, Florida that carries the passengers' automobiles aboard the same train in autoracks.
[edit] B
Definitions Points of Interest
B unit (US): A cabless booster locomotive, controlled via MU from a cab-equipped A unit. Sometimes equipped with limited controls for hostling.[4][5][6] Bacon slicer (UK): Slang term for a cutoff controlled by a wheel operating through a worm and nut, rather than the more usual quadrant lever. The device was slow to operate, but very precise, and therefore only fitted to long-distance locomotives where frequent changes of cut-off were not required. Bad order A tag or note applied to a defective piece of equipment. Generally, equipment tagged as bad order is not to be used until repairs are performed and the equipment is inspected and approved for use.[7] Baldwin: American locomotive manufacturer.[7] Ballast: aggregate stone, gravel or cinders forming the track bed on which sleepers (ties) and track are laid to ensure stability and proper drainage.[7] Balloon: A large section of looped track usually at the end of a spur or branch which allows trains to turn around for the return trip. Bank: A particularly steep section of line that requires additional bank (or banking) engines (US: helper engines) to help trains climb. Base plate (UK), tie plate (US): An iron or steel plate used to spread the weight of rail over a larger area of sleeper (tie) and facilitate a secure, low maintenance, fastening with bolts or clips. It derives from the former Rail chairs. Bay platform: A type of platform/track arrangement where the train pulls into a siding, or dead-end, when serving the platform. Beep: A one-of-a-kind switcher locomotive (also referred to as the SWBLW) built by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway in 1970. Blower: On a steam locomotive, a steam pipe leading into the smokebox, causing necessary draft in the chimney (stack) when the engine is not running. However, UK practice is to turn on the blower also when entering tunnels, etc, to avoid dangerous blow-back into the cab. (The UK loading gauge is much smaller than that in the US and the tunnel roof would otherwise spoil the normal draft created from the exhaust.) On a two-stroke diesel engine, the blower is a mechanical device that scavenges the cylinders: not to be confused with a supercharger. Bobber: (archaic, US): A slang word for a small caboose with just four wheels, all rigidly mounted to the frame. This design was common in the 1800s. Bobber refers to the bouncing motion of such a caboose in motion. Bo-Bo (Europe): A locomotive with a 4 wheel per truck configuration, each individually powered, as opposed to a 6-wheel "Co-Co" configuration. Bogie: The undercarriage assembly incorporating the wheels, suspension, brakes and, in powered units, the traction motors. Boiler: A cylindrical container adjacent to the firebox in which steam is produced to drive a steam locomotive.[8] Bonds: Short wires used to bridge gaps in electrical circuits, usually at track circuit joints or between rails. Booking Clerk: A person at a station whose job is specifically selling tickets. Boom barrier: A barrier at a level (rail) crossings. Booster: (Steam locomotive) - An extra set of cylinders that can be engaged to drive a trailing truck or tender truck to give additional tractive effort at starting and low speeds.[7] Boxcar (US): a type of rolling stock with a flat bottom enclosed on all sides and top, which is loaded and unloaded from sliding doors on each side.[7] Same as van (UK). Brakeman (US): A train crew member who performs railcar and track management; often a single job description along with switchman ("brakeman/switchman"). A brakeman manually activated brakes on railroad cars before the advent of air brakes. Brake Pipe (US): The main air pipe of the trains pneumatic braking system. Brake van (UK): A heavy vehicle with powerful brakes which was attached to the rear of goods trains in the days when most wagons were not fitted with a continuous braking system. Its function was to supplement the locomotive's braking power in slowing and stopping the train and to keep the couplings uniformly tight by selective light braking to avoid snatching and breakages. It also conveyed the train guard, hence its alternative name of "guards van". Partly analogous to caboose and its synonyms. Branch line: A secondary railway line that branches off a main line.[7] Broad gauge: Track where the rails are spaced more widely apart than 1,435 mm (4 ft 8½ in) (which is called standard gauge).[7] Many early railroads were broad gauge, for example the Great Western Railway in the UK which adopted 7 ft 1/4 in (2141 mm) gauge until it was converted to standard gauge in the 1860s - 1890s. Russia still has over 80,000 km of broad gauge (1520 mm or 5 ft) railroads. Broad gauge is also normal in Spain, Portugal, and India (1680 mm or 5 ft 6 ins), as well as Ireland (1600 mm or 5 ft 3 ins). It is also still used in Australia (1600 mm). BRUTE: British Rail Universal Trolley Equipment - type of platform trolley found on stations all over the UK rail network from the late 1960s to the early 1980s. Bubble Car: A DMU consisting of a single coach (UK), e.g. British Rail Class 121 Buckeye coupler: A form of coupler which will lock automatically when the two parts are pushed together. Buck (US): A term used for pushing railroad cars with a locomotive then allowing them to roll under their own momentum into a siding. (Assuming a brakeman hangs on for a free ride) Also; Kick. Buffer A device that cushions the impact of rail vehicles against each other. Buffer stop: The barrier installed at the end of a dead end track to prevent rail vehicles from proceeding further. Bull head rail (UK): A steel rail section commonly used in 60ft lengths on almost all railway lines throughout Britain until c1950, which due to its shape must be supported in cast iron chairs that are screwed to the sleepers. It is still found on secondary and preserved lines and in yards. Bustitution: The practice of replacing train service, whether light rail, tram/streetcar systems, or full-size railway systems, with a bus service, either on a temporary or permanent basis. Somewhat derogatory and mainly used in the UK. The word is a portmanteau of the words "bus" and "substitution".
[edit] C
Definitions Points of Interest
Cabin car (PRR): See caboose.[9] Cabless: A locomotive without a cab. Commonly referred to as a B unit or a Slug. Although not all Slugs are cabless. Caboose: A railroad car attached usually to the end of a train, in which railroad workers could ride and monitor track and rolling stock conditions. Partly analogous to brake van (UK). Largely obsolete, having been replaced by the electronic End of Train (EOT) device, or Flashing Rear End Device called "FRED".[9] Cant: Angle. Can be used in the context of the cant of the track (the relative level one rail to another); and the cant of a rail, being the angle of an individual rail relative to vertical. Carbody unit or cab unit (US): A locomotive which derives its structural strength from a bridge-truss design framework in the sides and roof, which cover the full width of the locomotive. It refers to both A units and B units. Catenary or catenary structure: The overhead wire system used to send electricity to an electric locomotive or multiple unit, tram or light rail vehicle.[9] Carman (US): A mechanic responsible for maintaining and inspecting the rolling stock. Centralized traffic control (CTC) (US, AU): A system in which signals and switches for a given area of track are controlled from a centralized location. May or may not be computerized.[9] Cess (UK): The area either side of the railway immediately off the ballast shoulder. This usually provides a safe area for workers to stand when trains approach. Chair (UK): A cast iron bracket screwed to the sleeper and used to support bull head rail that is held in place by a wooden key (wedge) or spring steel clip. Still found on preserved railways and in yards. Ches-C (US): Chessie System's kitten logo.[10][11] Chimney (UK): Smokestack or stack (US), or funnel. Co-Co (EU): A heavier duty locomotive with 6 wheels per bogie configuration as opposed to a 4-wheel "Bo-Bo" configuration. The correct classification is Co'Co', but Co-Co is used more often. COFC: Abbreviation for "Container On Flat Car".[9] Colour light signal: A signal in which the colour of the light(s) determine the meaning of the aspect shown. Colour position signal: A signaling system that uses both colour and light position to determine the meaning of the aspect shown. Combined Power Handle: A handle or lever which controls both the throttle and the dynamic braking on the locomotive: forward (away from operator) past center is throttle up, backward (toward operator), past center, operates the dynamic brake. Compound locomotive: A steam locomotive passing steam through two sets of cylinders. One set uses high pressure steam, then passes the low pressure exhausted steam to the second.[12] Compromise joint: A special joint bar used to join rail ends of two different cross-sections while holding the top running surface and inside gauge surface even. Conductor (US), guard (UK): The person "in charge" of a train and its crew. On passenger trains, a conductor is also responsible for tasks such as assisting passengers and collecting tickets. In Australia, both terms are used, "conductor" for the person checking tickets, etc. on a tram or train, and "guard" for the person in charge of the train. Consist (US), formation (UK): A noun to describe the group of rail vehicles making up a train, or more commonly a group of locomotives connected together for Multiple-Unit (MU) operation.[9] Continuous welded rail (CWR): In this form of track, the rails are welded together by utilising the thermite reaction or flash butt welding to form one continuous rail that may be several kilometres long.[9] Control Point (CP) (US): An interlocking, or the location of a track signal or other marker with which dispatchers can specify when controlling trains.[9] Cornfield meet (US): A head-on collision between two trains.[13][14][15] Coupler (US), coupling(UK): Railroad cars in a train are connected by couplers located at the ends of the cars.[9] Coupling rods or connecting rods: Rods between crank pins on the wheels, transferring power from a driving axle to a driven axle of a locomotive.[16] Cow and calf: A diesel locomotive with a crew cab permanently coupled to and acting as a controller for a similar slave diesel locomotive without a crew cab, primarily used for switching/shunting duties for large groups of rolling stock. Also known as master and slave, as in the British Rail Class 13 shunters at Tinsley Marshalling Yard. Cowl unit (US): A locomotive whose sides and roof are non-structural, and cover the full width of the locomotive. Structural strength comes from the underframe. Crank pin: A pin protruding from a wheel into a main or coupling rod. Crew driver (US): Person(s) operating ground transportation vehicles for transporting railroad crews to and from various locations. Crosshead: The pivot between the piston rod and the main rod on a steam locomotive.[17] Cross-tie (U.S): sleeper (UK): See Railroad tie. Cut off: A variable device on steam locomotives which closes the steam valve to the steam cylinder before the end of the piston stroke, thus conserving steam while allowing the steam in the cylinder to expand under its own energy. Also: Reverser. Cutting: A channel dug through a hillside to enable railtrack to maintain a shallow gradient. See also embankment Cylinder: The central working part of a reciprocating engine, the space in which a piston travels.
[edit] D
Definitions Points of Interest
Dead man's handle or Dead man's switch: A safety mechanism on a train controller which automatically applies the brake if a lever is released. It is intended to stop a train if the driver is incapacitated. In some forms, this device may be pedal-actuated. Defect detector: A track side device used to detect various defects such as Hotboxes (Overheated axle bearings), dragging equipment, leaning cars, overloaded cars, overheight cars, seized wheels, etc.[18] Demurrage A charge levied by a railroad to a shipper for excessive delay in unloading cargo. Derailer, a safety device that will derail vehicles passing it.[18] Detonators: Small charges placed on the running rail which explode when run over; used to warn drivers in following trains of an incident ahead. Also called torpedoes (US). Diamond: Trackage which allows a rail line to cross another at grade.[18] Diesel multiple unit or DMU: A set of diesel-powered self-propelling passenger rail vehicles able to operate in multiple with other such sets. Such units, especially those consisting of a single vehicle, are sometimes termed railcars. Direct Traffic Control (DTC): A system in which train dispatchers communicate directly with train crews via radio to authorize track occupancy in predefined blocks.[18] Ditch lights: A pair of lights, usually found on modern locomotives, located several feet below and outboard of the main headlight, that may alternately flash while the train is in motion. DOO: Driver-only operation Doodlebug: Gasoline-electric self-powered passenger car used for small capacity rural commuter service.[18] Also a British Rail Class 153 DMU. Down: (UK) A direction (usually away from London, other capital city, or the headquarters of the railway concerned) or side (on left-running railways, the left side when facing in the down direction). The opposite of up. The down direction is usually associated with odd-numbered trains and signals. In Australia it is used relative to the state's capital city. US railways use the compass points northbound, southbound, eastbound and westbound. Dragging equipment detector: See Defect detector[18] Drift Cutting off power and allowing a train to coast. Driver (UK), Engineer (US): The operator of a railway/railroad locomotive. Driver (UK): Steam locomotive driving wheel, particularly in "single driver" (one driven axle) engines. Driving Van Trailer or DVT: An end carriage from which the train can be driven when the locomotive is at the rear of the train, push-pull operation. (See also: DBSO - predecessor to the DVT)
[edit] E
Definitions Points of Interest
Ejector: Component of vacuum brake system. Steam passing through a cone sucks air from the train pipe to create the vacuum. Usually fitted in pairs: a small ejector running continuously to overcome leaks and to restore the vacuum after light braking and a large ejector operated when needed to release the brakes quickly after a heavy application or to create the initial vacuum ("making a brake" – UK) after coupling up. Electric multiple unit (EMU): A set of electrically powered self-propelling passenger rail vehicles able to operate in multiple with other such sets. Elephant style (US) - Railfan jargon to describe how multiple locomotives are coupled together in a train; the front of the second locomotive is coupled to the rear of the first locomotive, the front of the third locomotive is coupled to the rear of the second locomotive, and so on down the line.[19] The term is reminiscent of a parade of circus elephants where the elephant behind the front elephant would hold the leading elephant's tail in its trunk. Elevated railway: One typically built on supports over city streets, commonly called "the el" or simply the "The L". Embankment: A raised pathway on which rail tracks are placed to maintain a shallow gradient when passing over depressions in the terrain. See also cutting. Empty Coaching Stock train, or ECS: A train used to bring carriages into (or out of) service. They usually run between sidings and main stations, with the carriages then forming a service train to another destination. They are often worked under freight train rules - eg without needing a guard in the UK. EMD: Electro-Motive Diesels, Inc, the world's second largest builder of railroad locomotives. EMD was previously Electro-Motive Division of GM before being sold off. Engineer (US), driver, engine driver, train driver (UK): The operator of a locomotive.[20] EOT (US): End of train device. A form of an electronic caboose also called FRED.[20] EP gauge (UK): Electro-pneumatic brake gauge; recording the application and pressure of the service brake, usually repeated in the guards van in historical rolling stock. Event recorder - A device that continuously captures analog and digital train systems information and stores that data for a minimum of 48 hours. This data is used to evaluate incidents and accidents. Typical stored data includes speed, brake pressure, dynamic brake, horn activation, track signal, etc. In the U.S., event recorders are mandated by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for freight, passenger and commuter rail. Regulations for railroad outside the U.S. vary by country. Transit operations are not generally required to have event recorders, but have begun to add them voluntarily. Ex-con (US): An ex-Conrail locomotive (jargon) or former conrail employee. Not to be confused with the more common meaning of a convicted criminal who has been released after serving prison time. Express train: A train that passes selected stations without stopping. Extra train: A train that is not included in the normal schedule of a railroad. In train order territory, extras are required to clear the main line for scheduled trains to pass.
[edit] F
Definitions Points of Interest
Facing: A turnout is facing if it can select which way to diverge a train. Opposite of trailing. Fairlie: A type of articulated locomotive, typically (but not exclusively) with two boilers and connected fireboxes in a central cab. Fall plate: A heavy, hinged steel plate attached in a horizontal position to the rear of the locomotive footplate or front of a locomotive tender. When the tender is attached to its locomotive the plate is allowed to fall to cover the gap in the "floor" between the two units. The sliding edge is not fixed and has a smooth chamfer so as to avoid a trip hazard. Fallen flag (US): A railroad which is defunct, having either merged or discontinued operations.[21][22] Feedwater heater: A device to preheat the water for a steam locomotive; improves efficiency. Fettle, fettling: Making repairs to rail track, especially concerned with maintaining the drainage of the ballast, and the proper cant of the rail track and rails. Fiddle Yard: A concealed group of sidings used in model railways to provide more realistic operation in limited space. Firebox: In steam railroading, a firebox was a chamber in which a fire would produce sufficient heat to create steam once the hot gases from the firebox were carried into the adjacent boiler via tubes or flues.[23] Fireman (also Stoker, Boilerman): A worker whose primary job is to shovel coal into the firebox and ensure that the boiler maintains sufficient steam pressure; a driver's assistant. Fishplate (UK), Joint bar (US): A metal plate that joins the ends of rails in jointed track. Flat: A wheel defect where the tread of a wheel has a flat spot and is no longer round; flats can be heard as regular clicking noises when the wheel passes by.[24] Flatcar (US): A type of rolling stock, which can be a flat-bottomed car with no sides on which freight (including intramodal shipping containers) can be stacked. A bulkhead is a flatcar with walls on the front and rear. A center-beam bulkhead is a bulkhead flatcar with an additional wall dividing one side of the flatcar from the other, but still without any sides.[24]Flat wagon (UK). Flying junction: A railway junction that has a track configuration in which merging or crossing railroad lines provide track connections with each other without requiring trains to cross over in front of opposing traffic.[24] Foamer (US): A colloquial term for a railfan, specifically one whose enthusiasm is excessive, "foaming at the mouth".[25] Four-foot: The part of the line between a pair of running rails. An abbreviation for four foot, eight-and-a-half-inches. Also see six-foot and ten-foot. Four-quadrant gate: A type of Boom barrier, see above. FRA: (US) The Federal Railroad Administration. This agency oversees rail operation regulations and safety requirements for U.S. freight, passenger and commuter rail operations.[24] Flashing Rear-End Device (FRED) (US): A small marking device with a flashing red light mounted on the end of the train. FRED also monitors various train functions such as brake pipe pressure, motion and GPS location. A form of an electronic caboose. Also called an EOT (end of train) device.[24][26] Free-mo: A type of modular layout in model railroading. Freight (US) goods (UK): the product(s) in which are carried. Frog: (US) A casting with "X" shaped grooves used in switches and crossovers.[24] Funnel: A Thomas the Tank Engine misnomer for a chimney (UK) or smokestack (US), although it is also used in Australia (Victoria at least). Some early steam engines had a smokestack consisting of a straight vertical flue and a funnel-shaped top, probably leading to the use of "funnel" to describe the entire stack. Fusee: A pyrotechnic device similar to an automotive flare that is used for signalling.[24] Fusible plug: A threaded plug, with a soft metal core, that is screwed into the crown plate of a firebox. If the water level gets too low the core melts and the noise of the escaping steam warns the enginemen.
