; [[Train order operation#Train order|Train order]]
; [[Train order operation#Train order|Train order]]
: The process whereby signallers or dispatchers can change the order or timing of trains to maximise overall train service performance in real time{{Citation needed|date=August 2017}}
: The process whereby signallers or dispatchers can change the order or timing of trains to maximise overall train service performance in real time{{Citation needed|date=August 2017}}
; Train set
: A toy train with its tracks, buildings, etc.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Merriam-Webster|url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/train%20set}}</ref>
; Trainset
; Trainset
: A group of [[rolling stock]] that is permanently or semi-permanently coupled together to form a unified set of equipment. Trainsets are most often used in [[passenger train]] configurations.{{Citation needed|date=October 2014}}
: A group of [[rolling stock]] that is permanently or semi-permanently coupled together to form a unified set of equipment. Trainsets are most often used in [[passenger train]] configurations.{{Citation needed|date=October 2014}}
Rail terminology is a form of technical terminology. The difference between the American term railroad and the international term railway (used by the International Union of Railways and English-speaking countries outside the United States) is the most significant difference in rail terminology. There are also others, due to the parallel development of rail transport systems in different parts of the world.
Various global terms are presented here; where a term has multiple names, this is indicated. The abbreviation "UIC" refers to standard terms adopted by the International Union of Railways in its official publications and thesaurus.[1]
The weight on the driving wheels of a locomotive, which determines the frictional grip between wheels and rail, and hence the drawbar pull a locomotive can exert[3]
A power braking system with compressed air as the operating medium[4]
Alerter or watchdog
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 timer if no other controls are operated. If the operator does not respond within a preset time, the prime mover is automatically throttled back to idle and the brakes are automatically applied.[5]
The second largest builder of steam locomotives in the United States[8][9]
American type
The American wheel arrangementA steam locomotive with a 4-4-0 wheel arrangement[10]
Angle cock
A valve affixed to each end of a piece of rolling stock that, when opened, admits compressed air to the brake pipe (or vents it to the atmosphere if air hose is detached)[11]
A feature of a locomotive with the same form and purpose as the domestic variety (i.e., to collect the ashes that fall through the bars of the grate). The only significant difference is the size, measured in feet rather than inches.
A system that consists of a series of signals that divide a railway line into a series of blocks and then functions to control the movement of trains between them through automatic signals
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. See also: Push-pull train.
The housing that holds the axle bearings on a rail vehicle[18]
A Swissaxle box The housing that attaches to the end of the axle to the bogie and contains the bearing on which the axle rotates[19] See also journal box below.
B
Backhead
The backhead of UP 4017, a locomotive at the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, WIThe cab-side rear panel of a steam locomotive boiler through which the firebox is accessed.[20]
Bad order
An example of a BNSF Railwaybad order repair tagA tag or note applied to a defective piece of equipment. Generally, equipment tagged as bad order must not be used until repaired, inspected, and approved for use.[21][22]
Bail off
To release the locomotive brakes while the train brakes are applied, to permit smoother handling and prevent excessive slack, wheel slide and flat wheels[23]
The reciprocation and revolving masses of any steam, diesel or electric locomotive need balancing, if it is to work smoothly. Revolving masses can easily be balanced by counterweights, but the balancing of reciprocating parts is a matter of compromise and judgement.
A looped length of track, usually at the end of a spur or branch, which trains use to turn around for the return trip without reversing or shunting. Can be used as part of a freight installation to allow the loading or unloading of bulk materials without the need to stop the train (see merry-go-round train (MGR)).[citation needed]
A widening of an underground rail tunnel, in preparation for future connection or expansion of service. Used particularly in subway nomenclature.[25][26]
A part of a steam locomotive that discharges exhaust steam from the cylinders into the smokebox beneath the chimney to increase draught through the fire
An extra set of cylinders that can be engaged on a steam locomotive to drive a trailing truck or tender truck to give additional tractive effort at starting and low speeds[21][33]
A brick or concrete baffle provided at the front of a locomotive firebox below the tubes to extend the flame path. Early locomotives burned coke; provision of a brick arch was necessary before coal could be used without producing excessive smoke.
The housing for signals and communications computers that control switches, crossings, and other such controls, relaying information to and from the rail traffic control (RTC)[37]
A portmanteau of the words "bus" and "substitution", the practice of replacing a train service with one provided by buses, whether as a temporary or a permanent measure
A steam locomotive with its cab at the leading end of the boiler, rather than the usual trailing end adjacent to the tender. The best known example is the Southern Pacific Railroad's AC type, built to handle drag freights through the SP's many tunnels and snow sheds without the danger of the exhaust asphyxiating the engine crew.
A caboose on display at the National New York Central Railroad MuseumA railroad car attached usually to the end of a train, in which railroad workers could ride and monitor track and rolling stock conditions. Largely obsolete, having been replaced by the electronic end-of-train device (ETD), or flashing rear-end device (FRED).[40]
A catenary is visible above this electric Amtrak train.The overhead wire system used to send electricity to an electric locomotive or multiple unit, tram or light rail vehicle[40]
A heavier duty locomotive with six wheels per bogie (all axles being separately driven) configuration as opposed to a four-wheel "Bo-Bo" configuration. The correct classification is Co'Co', but Co-Co is used more often.[citation needed]
Coal pusher
A steam-operated device in the tender intended to push coal forward to a point where it can be shovelled directly into the fire[45]
A signal that uses both colour and light position to indicate meaning
Combined power handle
A handle or lever that controls both the throttle and dynamic braking on the locomotive: on a desktop-type control stand, forward (away from operator) past center operates the dynamic brake, backward (toward operator) past center, is throttle up[46][47][48]
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.[49]
Configurable System
Capability of the system to allow users to select, from pre-programmed functions (modular software units), those functions necessary to accomplish a control strategy or other complex function, without the use of computer language[50]
A form of track made from rails welded together by with a thermite reaction or flash butt welding to form one continuous rail that may be several kilometres long[40]
A passenger coach with a full set of train controls at one end, allowing for the use of push-pull train operation[54]
Control System
The microprocessor based control and fault diagnostic system has been developed for conventional electric locomotives including locos provided with static converter. It performs logical control of the locomotive by continuously monitoring various digital/ analog inputs and checks for any abnormality in the operation.[55]
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 or shunting duties for large groups of rolling stock. Also known as master and slave.
In a steam locomotive, the moving member of a sliding guide that absorbs upward and downward forces from the connecting (main) rod, which otherwise would tend to bend the piston rod[58]
Cut
To uncouple one or more cars from a train (i.e. to "make a cut")[59]
A variable device on steam locomotives that closes the steam valve to the steam cylinder before the end of the piston stroke, thus conserving steam while letting steam in the cylinder expand under its own energy. See also: Reverser handle.
A channel dug through a hillside to enable rail track to maintain a shallow gradient. See also embankment.
Cycle braking
Making repeated service brake reductions in short succession to maintain a constant speed on short but steep grades. Each reduction must be at least 5 PSI lower than the previous one to keep the brakes applying regularly, but excessive cycle braking can deplete the air supply and require an emergency application.[62]
A cavity in a reciprocating engine in which a piston travels
Cylinder cock
On steam locomotives, crews use this appurtenance to drain water from the steam cylinders when the throttle is open, thus preventing damage to the pistons, running gear, and cylinder heads[63]
D
Dark signal
A block signal that is displaying no discernible aspect, often due to burned out lamps or local power failure. Most railroads require that a dark signal be treated as displaying its most restrictive aspect (e.g. stop and stay for an absolute signal).[64]
A safety mechanism on a train controller that automatically applies the brake if the driver releases the handle. It is intended to stop a train if the driver is incapacitated. In some forms, this device may be pedal-actuated. See also Dead-man's vigilance device.
A track side device used to detect various defects such as hotboxes (overheated axle bearings), dragging equipment, leaning cars, overloaded cars, overheight cars, seized (locked) wheels, etc.[69]
Degraded Operation
Operation resulting from an unplanned event that prevents the normal delivery of train services[70]
A detonator on a railA small explosive charge placed on the running rail, which detonates loudly when run over to warn drivers in following trains of an incident ahead. Known as a torpedo in the United States.
A diesel multiple unit in PolandA 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.
A practice employed to move large trains through the mountains. Consists of the locomotives on the head end, a "swing" (mid-train) helper or two, and pusher locomotive(s) on the rear; today, all units are remotely controlled by the engineer in the lead unit. The power distribution alleviates stress on the couplers and relieves the lead units of the full weight of the train, making it easier to move on grades.
Ditch lights
A Canadian National Railway train showing the placement of ditch lights on the locomotiveA pair of lights, usually found on modern locomotives, located some distance below and outboard of the main headlight. They may also flash alternately when a locomotive sounds its horn[71]
Division
The trackage area under the jurisdiction of a railway superintendent[72]
Dog or dogspike (India)
A spike with a slightly altered head shape for easier extraction when the spike has become too loose in the sleeper[73][74]
A self-powered gasoline-electric passenger car used for small capacity rural commuter service.[69] Also a British Rail Class 153 DMU.
Double
If a train has insufficient power to climb a grade and no helpers are available, the crew splits the train into two sections and runs them separately to the top.[75]
A configuration in which two locomotives are coupled head-to-tail so they can haul a heavy train up a long or steep hill. Currently, double heading (and occasionally triple heading) are used primarily by large passenger trains or as a show for railfans.
The part of a coupler that attaches to the frame of the car or locomotive; may be equipped with a pneumatic cushion depending on a freight car's design cargo (e.g. an autorack). Alternately, the pinned double bars coupling a steam locomotive to its tender.
A signal light that is considerably smaller and closer to the ground than a high-mast signal; often absolute, and placed within interlocking limits, its aspects tend to differ from those conveyed by a taller signal for certain indications. Also called 'pot' or 'jack'.
The time a train spends at a scheduled stop without moving. Typically, this time is spent boarding or deboarding passengers, but it may also be spent waiting for traffic ahead to clear, or idling time in order to get back on schedule.[78]
A component of vacuum brake system usually fitted in pairs. Steam passing through a cone sucks air from the train pipe to create the vacuum.
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 after coupling
A bank, usually of earth but sometimes of stone, constructed to form a level or minimally graded trackbed for a line of railway needing to pass over a depression in the terrain or other pre-existing surface feature. See also cutting.
Empty coaching stock (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 (e.g. without needing a guard in the UK).[79]
Emergency release
A device accessible under certain conditions that permits the operation of an apparatus in case of failure[80]
A switching locomotive with no short hood, thus having its cab forming one end of its car body
Equalizing reservoir
A small air reservoir in a locomotive control stand. When the automatic brake valve is operated, this reservoir responds by reducing or increasing the air pressure in the brake pipe.[81]
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.
A train that passes selected stations without stopping[citation needed]
Extra
A train not included in the normal schedule of a railroad.[82][83][84] They often run during busy holiday travel periods in order to handle larger crowds and reduce the number of passengers waiting or stranded at a station. In train order territory, extras are required to clear the main line for scheduled trains to pass.[85]
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.[86]
A device to preheat the water for a steam locomotive to improve efficiency
Feed valve or regulating valve
A valve that controls the amount of air pressure channelled from the locomotive's main reservoir to the brake pipe, in accordance with the set pressure in the equalizing reservoir[87]
In steam locomotives, a chamber in which a fire produces sufficient heat to create steam once the hot gases created there are carried into the adjacent boiler via tubes or flues[88]
A worker whose primary job is to shovel coal into the firebox and ensure that the boiler maintains sufficient steam pressure
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 or banging noises when the wheel passes by. This is caused either by a locked bearing, or a brake that was not fully released before the car was moved, dragging the wheel without turning.[89]
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 in front of opposing traffic on the same level[89]
Fouling point
A point of a switch turnout where a car or locomotive on one track obstructs movements on the adjacent track[90]
A rail vehicle designed for the carriage of freight
Full service reduction
The maximum air pressure that can be exerted against brake pistons in a normal brake application. To increase pressure beyond this point, the brakes must be placed in emergency.[91]
A brakeman uses a fusee to demonstrate a hand signal indicating "stop"A pyrotechnic device similar to an automotive flare that is used in signalling[89]
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.
An EMD GP38-2, "General Purpose" (GP) locomotives are often called a "Geep"Any of the GP ("general-purpose") series of Electro-Motive four-axle diesel locomotives; originally applied only to EMD GP7, GP9, and GP18 models[93]
Generator field
The control switch of a diesel-electric locomotive that opens or closes the circuit between the main generator and the traction motors[94]
Get a knuckle
To break a train in two, usually by shearing the knuckle pin in a coupler, often caused by the application of excessive head end power at startup[95][96]
A quick coupling and uncoupling connector at the end of a trainline air hose that resembles a pair of shaking hands when hoses are connected
Go-devil
A hand-powered railroad car (see Handcar and Draisine), or a small gasoline powered railroad car[99][100]
Grab bar or grab iron
A handle on the side of a car to allow switching personnel to hold on[101]
H
Harmonic rock or harmonic rock and roll
The condition of locomotives and cars swaying in opposite directions when traversing depressions on the roadbed. A potentially dangerous condition that can cause coupler damage, lading damage, or derailments at slower speeds.[102][103]
A scheme whereby the locomotive engine or a separate generator provides hotel power to carriages[104]
A transverse structural member located at the extreme end of a rail vehicle's underframe. The headstock supports the coupling at that end of the vehicle, and may also support buffers, in which case it may also be known as a "buffer beam".[106]
A device attached to the track that monitors passing trains for hot axles, and reports results via radio transmission (typical in the US) or a circuit to the signal box (typical in the UK). See defect detector.[104]
Hudson type
The Hudson wheel arrangementA steam locomotive with a 4-6-4 wheel arrangement[29][116]
A raised section in a rail sorting yard that allows operators to use gravity to move freight railcars into the proper position within the yard when making up trains of cars. This is faster and requires less effort than moving cars with a switching engine.[104]
Swaying motion of a railway vehicle or bogie caused by the coning action on which the directional stability of an adhesion railway depends. The truck or bogie wanders from side to side between the rails, "hunting" for the optimum location based on the forces at play.[104]
I
Independent brake or locomotive brake
The braking system that applies or releases the brakes of a locomotive independently from its train[117][118]
Moving goods by more than one type of vehicle, often achieved using shipping containers that are transferred among railroad flatcars, ships, airplanes, and tractor-trailer trucks[119]
Moving people by more than one type of vehicle[119]
Interoperability
Ability of a transport network to operate trains and infrastructures to provide, accept and use services so exchanged without any substantial change in functionality or performance[125]
A Bogie, or truck (American), shared between two pieces of rolling stock. Cars joined with Jacobs bogies are semi-permanently joined in an articulated configuration. A weight-saving feature used on lightweight passenger trains.
Joint bar or rail joiner
A metal plate that joins the ends of rails in jointed track[126]
A point at which two lines or separate routes diverge from each other[127]
K
Keeper
A padlock or hook securing the lever of a hand-operated switch, thereby preventing the switch points from moving as rolling stock passes over them[131][132]
Kick
To shove a car a short distance and uncouple it in motion, allowing it to roll free under gravity and/or its own inertia onto a track. Commonly practiced in bowl or hump yards to make up or break down trains or classify large numbers of cars in an expedient fashion. Differs from a flying switch in that the locomotive is pushing the car rather than pulling it when the cut is made.[133]
Kicker
A freight car with a defect in its brake valve that causes the entire train's brake system to go into emergency when any application is made[134]
Kinematic envelope (KE)
The outline of the space beside and above the track that must be kept clear of obstructions for the train to pass. This can be larger than the static clearance around an unmoving engine or car.[135] See also: loading gauge and structure gauge
Knuckle
The articulating part of a coupler that locks automatically in its closed position to join rail cars; so named because its movement resembles that of the human finger[136]
L
Lead track
A non-main track from which several others branch within a short distance, such as within a rail yard or engine terminal[137]
A city-based rail system based on tram design standards that operates mostly in private rights-of-way separated from other traffic but sometimes, if necessary, mixed with other traffic in city streets.[139] Light rail vehicles (LRVs) generally have a top speed of around 55 mph (89 km/h) though mostly operating at much lower speeds, more akin to road vehicles. Light rail vehicles usually run on trackage that weighs less per foot (due to a smaller track profile) than the tracks used for main-line freight trains; thus they are "light rail" due to the smaller rails usually used.[138]
An obsolete method of coupling rail cars, consisting of manually dropping the coupling pin into the drawbar as the cars joined. Extremely hazardous to the brakemen of its day, it was outlawed in the United States by the Railroad Safety Appliance Act of 1893.
Local train
A train that stops at most, if not all, stations along its route[140]
Lunar
An off-white color of railway signal light, like the Moon, achieved by the use of a clear lens of very light blue, to make it distinct from a light that has a broken lens.[141][142]
M
Main generator
The electric generator in a diesel-electric locomotive that is coupled directly to the prime mover and feeds electrical energy to the traction motors[143]
Main reservoir
The compressed-air tank of a locomotive containing source air for the brakes and other pneumatic appliances[144]
A nose-mounted mechanically oscillated light used to warn traffic of an approaching locomotive. Functionally replaced by ditch lights on modern locomotives.
Mechanical semaphore signal
A signal in which the aspect is conveyed by moving an arm[149][150]
Mikado type
The Mikado wheel arrangementA steam locomotive with a 2-8-2 wheel arrangement[151]
Milk train
In the U.S., milk trains ran from the countryside to cities making numerous stops at minor depots to pick up cans of fresh milk, making them a colloquial expression for a very slow train.
The Mogul wheel arrangementA steam locomotive with a 2-6-0 wheel arrangement[155]
Mothballed
A track that is still serviceable but no trains are running on them.[156][157]
Mountain type
The Mountain wheel arrangementA steam locomotive with a 4-8-2 wheel arrangement[158]
Mud ring
The bottom of the water space surrounding a steam locomotive's firebox that collects solid deposits distilled from the water supply during the boiling process[159]
Multiple aspect signalling
A system of colour-light signalling in which signals may show three or four aspects[160]
Comparison between standard gauge (blue) and one common narrow gauge (red) rail spacingRailroad track where the rails are spaced less than 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) apart,[161]
Northern type
The Northern wheel arrangementA steam locomotive with a 4-8-4 wheel arrangement, also known in North America as "Pocono", "Niagara", "Confederation", "Greenbrier", and "Potomac"[162][163]
Notch 8 or run 8
The eighth notch of a locomotive throttle control, indicating full power[164][165]
A pantographAn apparatus mounted on the roof of a rail vehicle to allow the collection of electric current from overhead lines[168][169]
Paperwork
As a reason for delays, written instructions conveyed to a train's engineer in which the train must proceed slower than its normal speed. These instructions are either handed to the crew or recited and read back over radio.[170]
Per diem (pronounced by some U.S. railroaders per die-um, not per dee-um)
A fee paid by a rail company to the owner of a car (or wagon) for the time it spends on the company's property[168][172]
An authorized living expense payment for some workers forced away from their home terminal[168][173]
Permissive signal
A block signal whose most restrictive indication is stop and proceed. A permissive signal is identified by the presence of a number plate affixed to the mast or supporting structure. Proceeding beyond a permissive signal at stop is allowed at restricted speed if operating conditions enable a train operator to stop before reaching any train or obstruction.[174][175][176]
Pilot
A deflective shield affixed to the front of a locomotive to protect its wheels from on-track debris; archaically called a "cowcatcher"[177] See also: Pilot (locomotive)
An employee qualified on the operating rules and physical characteristics of a certain section of the railroad, assisting a crew member who is not so qualified[178][179] See also: Railroad engineer
Where it is necessary to temporarily work a section of line as single track (for instance if the other track of a double-track line is out of use), a person (the pilot man) acts as the single track token.
A specified distance that a brake piston may move from its cylinder to the brake rigging. If the travel exceeds or falls short of this distance, the equipment must be set out for repair.[184]
An employee who performs or performed (the role has now largely become obsolete) various physical duties, chiefly but not exclusively involving lifting. Various types of porter include:
A baggage porter assisting with luggage
An operating porter assisting with safeworking duties
A station porter assisting with general station duties
The practice of coupling two or more passenger trains together over common sections of their respective routes, but otherwise operating the trains separately[187][188]
A system of functional requirements for monitoring and controlling train movements with the aim of increasing operational safety
Possession
A period of time when one or more tracks are closed for maintenance. For the duration of the work, a person in charge of possession (PICOP) has control of the line. When work is complete the possession is relinquished and control of the line handed back to the signaller.[189]
The weight (and thus the cross section) of a length of rail. A heavier rail can carry heavier loads with less distortion and less damage to the rails themselves and the roadbed.
Power
A locomotive or group of connected (MU'd) locomotives serving as the motive power for a train[168]
Power braking
Pulling against the train brakes at the higher end of the locomotive's power output (e.g. notches five through eight on a conventional throttle). This is considered wasteful of fuel and brake shoes, and is therefore discouraged by most operating departments.[190][191]
Prairie type
The Prairie wheel arrangementA steam locomotive with a 2-6-2 wheel arrangement[192]
The internal combustion engine of a diesel locomotive
Pull apart
A rail broken from cold-related contraction[193][194]
Push pole
A push poleA pole about 12 feet (366 cm) long and having a diameter of 5 inches (127 mm) and used in the United States between 1870 and the mid-1960s to push a freight car onto or off a siding or onto another track by being placed between a locomotive (on an adjacent track) and the freight car. The two ends of the poles were placed in receptacles called push pole pockets.[195]
A configuration for locomotive-hauled trains, allowing them to be driven from either end of the train, whether having a locomotive at each end or not. See also: Auto train. See Top and tail for train with locomotives at both front and back.[168]
R
Rack railway, rack-and-pinion railway, or cog railway
A steep-grade railway with a toothed rack rail (usually between the running rails), used when adhesion is insufficient
A passenger rail vehicle (typically non-articulated or rigid frame) that derived from bus propulsion and construction technology, but may evolve into larger dimensions, performance, and characteristics similar in appearance to a light DMU railcar
Rail profiles for flat-bottom and bullhead railsThe cross section shape of rail. There are many rail profiles, often specific to individual railroads. Rails must be periodically scanned electronically, the data inspected and analysed, then re-profiled with rail grinding machines to maintain the safe and proper rail profile. Rails that cannot be brought back to the proper rail profile are condemned and replaced.
A colour generally associated with stop, when shown by signals or flags
Red zone
The area between, under, or within a few feet of cars and locomotives. To enter the zone, a ground employee must obtain protection from the locomotive engineer (if a locomotive is coupled) or a blue signal (if no locomotive is coupled).[203][204][205]
A siding used as a passing place on a main line, where slow trains may be held whilst an express passes—a simpler, but less convenient, form of the passing loop
A rerail frog or rerailerA metal casting slotted over the rail near the wheel of a derailed train car. The engine then pushes or pulls the car so that the derailed wheel runs up the rerailer and back onto the track.[210]
A roundhouse and turntable, viewed from aboveA circular or semi-circular structure used for storage and running maintenance of locomotives
Route selector panel, punch box, or train-identification pushbuttons (New York City Subway)
A box or panel adjacent to a rail line at an interlocking, with several buttons for train operators to select a desired route, which is then either communicated to a signal tower where an operator fulfills the request, or switched automatically[217][218]
The longest or steepest grade on a division, thus setting the standard for track speeds, locomotive tonnage ratings, and train handling instructions[219]
Run
The action verb for the train's movement. The train runs across the track.
Runaway
A heavy train that has lost speed control while descending a steep grade, due to either brake failure or poor preparation by the crew[220]
Running track
An other-than-main track, typically providing access to a yard or industry and governed by the requirements of restricted speed[221]
Platform track and a run-round loop at Toyooka Station, Hyogo, Japan, the terminus of the line from MiyazuThe practice of detaching a locomotive from its train, driving it to the other end of the train and re-attaching it, to allow the train to proceed in the direction it has just come from (e.g. when it reaches its destination and forms a service in the other direction).[207][222]
Run-through power
Locomotives that remain attached to a manifest or unit train from their home rails over the tracks of a receiving railroad until the train reaches its final destination[223]
A tank locomotive with the water tank mounted on top of the boiler like a saddle[224]
Safe place
An area within the network of an operator where evacuation of passengers can be performed, depending on current operational conditions, with a minimum of risk to the passengers (e.g. stations, refuges on the line)[225][page needed]
Safeworking
The system of rules and equipment designed to ensure the safe operation of trains[226]
A container on locomotives and self-propelled multiple units, or trams, that run on tramways and adhesion railways. The container holds sand, which a crew can drop onto the rail to improve rail adhesion under wet, steep, or slippery rail conditions. The sandbox and operating mechanism are collectively known as sanding gear.
A steam locomotive not equipped with a superheater; the steam thus remains at the same temperature as the water in the boiler[229]
Scale
Solid debris distilled from boiling water in a steam locomotive. To prevent corrosion damage from scale build-up, the locomotive must undergo a boiler wash once each operating month.[230]
A specialized type of freight car for extra heavy and over sized loads where the car is loaded in such a way that the load forms part of the car superstructure[231]
A type of geared steam locomotive built to the patents of Ephraim Shay[224]
Shunt
In UK and Australian parlance, to make up and divide trains in sidings, to move trains to or from sidings, or to move trains between platforms in a station[237]
A train, usually a passenger service, that runs back and forth, usually over a relatively short distance, such as between a junction station and a branch-line terminus.
A section of track off the main line. Sidings are often used for storing rolling stock or freight. A siding is also used as a form of rail access for warehouses and other businesses, where the siding often meets up with loading docks at rail car height. In the U.S. the term also covers the British term loop. Also, a passing track in the U.S.
A two-head color position signal on a CSXT mainline where the left head displays "Stop" and the right, "Clear"A device that indicates the condition of the line ahead to the driver of a train
The condition of fallen leaves or other debris lying on and clinging to a railroad track that could cause train wheel slippage, resulting in premature wheel wear and train delays
A local speed restriction below the track's normal speed limit often designated by yellow and green flags. Slow orders can be imposed on a temporary basis to protect, for example, maintenance of way employees while sections of track are under repair. Widely used in areas where track is substandard and in need of repair.
A locomotive that contains traction motors yet lacks the diesel engine to create its own power, which is instead supplied by a connected mother locomotive[224]
An enclosed (normally cylindrical) space attached to the end of the boiler opposite the firebox on a steam locomotive (normally the front). Supports the stack; steam pipes to and from the cylinders pass through here; contains the blastpipe where the exhaust steam is used to provide draft for the fire. In superheated locomotives, also contains the superheater header and (optionally) a front-end throttle.
Two unused and one heavily corroded spikes, with an inch ruler shown for scaleA bolt, pin, or nail used to hold rails, or plates connected to the rails (known as tie plates), to sleepers (ties)
A Jordan spreaderMaintenance of way equipment designed to spread or shape ballast profiles, remove snow, clean and dig ditches as well as trim embankments
A device generally used in passenger trains to create steam for heating. The steam generator is usually in the locomotive but may also be located in other cars.[224]
A mechanical device that boosts the pressure of engine intake air to above atmospheric level, causing an increase in power. Not to be confused with the blower used to scavenge the cylinders of a naturally aspirated two-stroke Diesel engine.
A device in a steam locomotive that raises the temperature of saturated steam substantially beyond the boiling point of water, increasing power and efficiency[224]
To determine the position of constructed objects, including rail infrastructure, in relation to the earth's surface. This is accomplished by measuring angles and distances based on the principles of triangulation.
A track tamping machineGenerally, a locomotive used in track maintenance and equipped with track lifting facilities, and paddles that push ballast beneath a rail track to assure its level and cant
A company in the United States that owns no cars of its own and transports only the railroad cars of other companies around a specific terminal station[244]
A passenger coach that is disconnected from one train and attached to another before continuing on with its journey, thus avoiding the need for passengers themselves to switch trains[245]
Through platform
The standard platform and track arrangement at a station. The train pulls alongside the platform, arriving from one end of the station, and may pass out the other end of the station by continuing along the same track[246]
A form used by railroad employees that shows the locations of slow orders, maintenance of way work locations, and other conditions affecting the track and movement of trains[citation needed]
An electrical circuit that detects the presence of locomotives or cars (as their wheelsets electrically bond the rails) in a block of track, and provides real-time input to signaling logic
The gradual application of superelevation and tighter curve radius, calculated with reference to the anticipated line speed and the final curve radius, on the approach to a bend. Also known as the transition spiral and spiral easement.
A turnout where both legs merge in the direction of travel—the opposite of facing
Train coupler
The mechanical interface that links vehicles so a driver can operate them together. The coupler can be a purely mechanical device such as a screw coupler or bar coupler. Alternatively the coupler can also incorporate electrical or pneumatic connections.[247]
An employee assigned to train service, such as a conductor, brakeman, or switchman
Train inauguration
The automated process of train bus configuration that includes detecting all bus nodes and their orientation, assigning the numbers to particular bus nodes and collecting their properties.[248][page needed]
Train operation and management
The procedures and related equipment enabling a coherent operation of the different structural subsystem, both during normal and degraded operation, including in particular train driving, traffic planning and management[249][page needed]
Trainmaster, terminal manager, or road manager
An employee who supervises operations over a given territory[250]
The process whereby signallers or dispatchers can change the order or timing of trains to maximise overall train service performance in real time[citation needed]
A group of rolling stock that is permanently or semi-permanently coupled together to form a unified set of equipment. Trainsets are most often used in passenger train configurations.[citation needed]
Trams that are designed to run both on the tracks of a city-based rail system and on the existing railway networks. Tram-trains' dual-voltage capability makes it possible to operate at lower speeds on city streets and at over 60 miles per hour (97 km/h) on main line tracks allowing travel in an extended geographical area without changing the method of transport.
A mechanical or electrical device for detecting the presence of a rail vehicle with pin-point accuracy, unlike a track circuit, which provides detection over an arbitrary distances
A turntable in Toronto, CanadaA section of track that rotates to let locomotives and rolling stock turn around or access several engine maintenance sidings in a small area
A train in which all cars (wagons) carry the same commodity and are shipped from the same origin to the same destination, without being split up or stored en route[252]
A continuous train brake that is fail-safe in operation. It is powered by a vacuum from the locomotive but the application is actually by atmospheric pressure when the vacuum is released. Now largely superseded by the air brake.
The linkage mechanism that operates the valve for a driving cylinder, to alternately admit steam to the cylinder and then exhaust it when the piston's stroke is nearly complete[253]
The rolling component typically pressed onto an axle and mounted on a rail car or locomotive truck or bogie. Wheels are cast or forged (wrought) and are heat treated to have a specific hardness. New wheels are trued to a specific profile before being pressed onto an axle. All wheel profiles must be periodically monitored to insure proper wheel to rail interface. Improperly trued wheels increase rolling resistance, reduce energy efficiency and may create unsafe operation. A railroad wheel typically consists of two main parts: the wheel itself, and the tire around the outside. A railway tire is itself steel, and is typically heated and pressed onto the wheel, where it remains firmly as it shrinks and cools.
Wheel climb
The process of a wheel climbing up and often off the inside or gauge side of the rail. It is a major source of derailments. Wheel climb is more likely to occur in curves with wheels whose flanges are worn or have improper angles.[citation needed] See also: Adhesion railway
Wheel flange
The inner section of a wheel that rides between the two rails. The angle between the wheel tread and flange is often specific to the rail to prevent wheel climb and possible derailments. The wheel flange is part of the wheel tire.[citation needed] See also: Adhesion railway
The loss of traction due to a slippery rail or wheel. Wheel slip was common with steam engines as they started to move due to the excessive torque often generated at low speed. Steam engines carried sand dispensing gear to increase traction at the start of motion.[254]
A wheeltapper at work on the Bulgarian railwayAn historical railway occupation; people employed to tap train wheels with hammers and listen to the sound made to determine the integrity of the wheel; cracked wheels, like cracked bells, do not sound the same as their intact counterparts. The job was associated with the steam age, but they still operate in some eastern European countries. Modern planned maintenance procedures have mostly obviated the need for the wheel-tapper.
Wheel tread
The slightly conical section (often with a 1 in 20 slope) of a railroad wheel that is the primary contact point with the rail.[citation needed] See also: Adhesion railway
Train whistles are used as a safety warning and also by the engineer to communicate to other railroad workers. See train whistle for a description of the whistle code used to communicate. Also a nickname for an air horn on a diesel locomotive. Steam engine whistles were historically known as chimes in the US during the 19th century.
A double whistle postAn advance warning to the engineer of an upcoming grade crossing. It is the point at which the engineer should begin sounding the whistle or horn.
A system of describing steam locomotive wheel arrangements (e.g. 4-6-4, 2-10-2). The first number indicates the number of "pilot" wheels that help lead the engine into turns. The second is the number of coupled wheels ("drivers"). Third are the trailing idler wheels, usually to provide support to larger fireboxes. Articulated locomotives are similarly described. For example, a Union Pacific "Big Boy" would be described as a 4-8-8-4, wherein the pilot has four wheels, followed by two sets of drivers, eight wheels per set, and a four-wheel trailing bogie under the firebox. The numbers include the wheels on both sides of the engine, so a 2-8-2 engine would have one idler, four drivers, and a final idler on each side of the engine.
A largely superseded Level or grade crossing warning signal that consists of a swinging disc facing road traffic, with a red light in the centre. The disc normally hangs straight down, but an approaching train sets it swinging from side to side, the red light illuminates or flashes, and a bell rings.
Working water, foaming, or priming
The condition of a steam locomotive drawing water through its throttle valve, cylinders, and smokestack, often causing damage to the cylinders or running gear[citation needed]
A railroad yard in Chicago, Illinois, as seen in December 1942An arrangement of tracks where rolling stock is switched to and from trains, freight is loaded or unloaded, and consists made up[255][256]
The Lithgow Zig ZagA method of climbing and descending steep gradients, where shallow-gradient track reverses direction for a while, and then reverses again to continue in the original direction
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^ ab"ERA Glossary"(PDF). ERA.Europa.eu. Retrieved 23 March 2017.
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^Hyman, Anthony (1982). Charles Babbage, Pioneer of the Computer. Oxford University Press. pp. 142–143. ISBN0-19-858170-X. Babbage suggested to Hodgson of the railway company what was later called a 'cow-catcher' for sweeping obstacles off the line.
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^PD IEC/TS 62580-2:2016: Electronic railway equipment. On-board multimedia and telematic subsystems for ailways. Video surveillance/CCTV services. 7 June 2016. p. 17.
Canadian National Railways: Linguistic Services. Freight Car Inspection & Maintenance: English-French Vocabulary = Surveillance et entretien des wagons: vocabulaire anglais-français. Montréal: Canadian National Railways, 1973. Without ISBN or SBN
Forney, Matthias N. (1879). The Railroad Car Builder's Dictionary. Dover Publications.
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