Rail terminology is a form of technical terminology. "Railroad" and "Railway" both redirect here For other uses see Railroad (disambiguation. A railway can be broken down into two major components Basically these are the items which "move" the Rolling stock, that is the locomotives passenger carrying vehicles (coaches |}A train station, railway station, railroad station, or station yard is a facility at which Passengers may board and alight from Trains A train is a connected series of vehicles that move along a track ( Permanent way) to transport freight or passengers from one place to another A locomotive is a railway Vehicle that provides the motive power for a Train. A railroad car or railway carriage is a Vehicle on a rail transport system (railroad or railway that is used for the carrying of Cargo or See also Rail transport The history of rail transport dates back nearly 500 years and includes systems with man or horse power and rails of wood or stone Asia India Europe Denmark France Germany This page provides an index of articles on Rail transport by country. Model railroading (US or Railway modelling (UK Australia and Canada is a Hobby in which Rail transport systems are modeled at a reduced scale Technical terminology is the specialized Vocabulary of a field 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). English is a West Germanic language originating in England and is the First language for most people in the United Kingdom, the United States The terms Railroad and Railway generally describe the same thing a guided means of land Transport, designed to be used by Trains 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. Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page The British Isles (Irish variously Na hOileáin Bhriotanacha, Oileáin Iarthair Eorpa, Éire agus an Bhreatain Mhór; Ellanyn Goaldagh Eileanan For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. New Zealand is an Island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island ). Exceptions are noted; terms whose currency is limited to one particular country, region, or railway are also included.

• 10 wheeler or ten wheeler (US): A steam locomotive with a 4-6-0 wheel arrangement. The Whyte notation for classifying Steam locomotives by Wheel arrangement was devised by Frederick Methvan Whyte Other classification schemes like The UIC classification is a comprehensive system for describing the Wheel arrangement of Locomotives Multiple units and Trams It is In the Whyte notation, a 4-6-0 is a Railroad Steam locomotive that has a two-axle Leading truck followed by three Driving axles Locomotive wheel arrangement is how the wheels of the locomotive are arranged by type position and connections ^[1]

• Air brake: Railroad brakes which operate using compressed air. An air brake is a conveyance braking system applied by means of compressed air.
• Alco: American Locomotive Company - the second largest builder of steam locomotives in the U. The American Locomotive Company, often shortened to ALCO or Alco (or less frequently ALCo) was a builder of Railroad Locomotives in S. ^[2]
• Alerter: Similar to the Dead man's switch other than it does not require the operator's constant interaction. A dead-man's vigilance device is a Railroad safety device that operates in the case of incapacitation of the engineer. A dead man's switch (for other names see alternative names) as its name suggests is a switch that is automatically operated in case the Human operator becomes incapacitated 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. A 4-4-0 is a type of Steam locomotive. In the Whyte notation, 4-4-0 signifies that it has a two-axle Bogie ( Am Locomotive wheel arrangement is how the wheels of the locomotive are arranged by type position and connections ^[3]
• Angel Seat or Angel's Perch: (US) A term often used when referring to the second level seats on a Cupola style caboose. A caboose (North American Railway terminology) or brake van or guard's van (British terminology is a manned rail transport vehicle coupled at
• Annett's key (UK), Annett key (Aus. In Railway signalling, an Annett’s key is a large key that locks levers or other items of signalling apparatus thereby functioning as a portable form ): A large key which locks levers or other items of signalling apparatus, serving as a portable form of interlocking. Mechanical Railway signalling installations rely on lever frames for their operation to interlock the signals and points to allow the safe operation In Railway signaling, an interlocking is an arrangement of signal apparatus that prevents conflicting movements through an arrangement of tracks such as junctions or crossings 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. Articulated locomotive usually means a Steam locomotive with one or more engine units which can move relative to the main frame ^[2]
• Atlantic: A steam locomotive with a 4-4-2 wheel arrangement. In the Whyte notation a 4-4-2 is a Steam locomotive that has a two-axle Leading truck, two powered Driving axles and a one-axle Trailing Locomotive wheel arrangement is how the wheels of the locomotive are arranged by type position and connections
• A unit (US): A diesel locomotive with a driving cab, or crew compartment, for operating on the road. An A unit, in Railroad terminology is a Locomotive (generally a diesel or Electric locomotive) equipped with a driving Cab, A Diesel locomotive is a type of Railroad Locomotive in which the prime mover is a Diesel engine. When equipped with MU, it can control other A units, or B units. A "B" unit in railroad terminology, is a Locomotive unit (generally a Diesel locomotive) which does not have a driving Cab, or crew compartment
• 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). The GWR Autocoach (or auto-trailer) is a type of coach that was used by the Great Western Railway for Push-pull trains powered by a
• Automatic Equipment Identification (AEI) (US): Automatic tracking system using RFID technology. Automatic Equipment Identification (AEI is an electronic recognition system in use with the North American Railroad industry Radio-frequency identification ( RFID) is an automatic identification method relying on storing and remotely retrieving data using devices called RFID tags or ^[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. Automatic Train Control (ATC is a Train protection system for Railways ensuring the safe and smooth operation of trains on ATC-enabled lines Automatic train operation (ATO ensures partial or complete automatic Train piloting and driverless functions Automatic Train Protection (ATP in Great Britain refers to either of two implementations of a Train protection system installed in some Trains in order The Automatic Warning System (AWS is a form of limited Cab signalling and Train protection system introduced in 1956 in the United Kingdom to help Year 1948 ( MCMXLVIII) was a Leap year starting on Thursday (link will display the 1948 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located
• Autorack (also called auto carrier) (US): A specialized freight car for transporting automobiles. An autorack, also known as an auto carrier, is a specialized piece of Railroad Rolling stock used to transport unladen Automobiles (unladen in ^[2] Car transporter wagon / Car transporter van (UK). A transporter wagon, in Railway terminology is a wagon (UK or Railroad car (US designed to carry other railway equipment
• 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 GWR Autocoach (or auto-trailer) is a type of coach that was used by the Great Western Railway for Push-pull trains powered by a A branch line is a secondary railway line which branches off a more important through route usually a main line. The vacuum brake is a braking system used on Trains It was first introduced in the mid 1860s and a variant the automatic vacuum brake system became almost 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. Auto Train is an long scheduled train service for passengers and their automobiles operated by Amtrak between Lorton Virginia (near Washington D A train is a connected series of vehicles that move along a track ( Permanent way) to transport freight or passengers from one place to another Auto-Train Corporation was a privately-owned Railroad which used its own Rolling stock, and traveled on rails leased from major railroads along the route of its trains The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, Doing business as Amtrak, is a Government-owned corporation that was organized on May 1, 1971 Lorton is a Census-designated place (CDP in Fairfax County, Virginia, United States. Sanford is a city in and the County seat of Seminole County, Florida, United States. An autorack, also known as an auto carrier, is a specialized piece of Railroad Rolling stock used to transport unladen Automobiles (unladen in

• B unit (US): A cabless booster locomotive, controlled via MU from a cab-equipped A unit. An autorack, also known as an auto carrier, is a specialized piece of Railroad Rolling stock used to transport unladen Automobiles (unladen in A "B" unit in railroad terminology, is a Locomotive unit (generally a Diesel locomotive) which does not have a driving Cab, or crew compartment A locomotive is a railway Vehicle that provides the motive power for a Train. The term multiple unit or MU is used to describe a self-propelling train unit capable of coupling with other units of the same or similar type and still An A unit, in Railroad terminology is a Locomotive (generally a diesel or Electric locomotive) equipped with a driving Cab, 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. In a Steam engine, cutoff is the point in the Piston stroke at which the inlet valve is closed 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. A locomotive is a railway Vehicle that provides the motive power for a Train.
• 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. The Baldwin Locomotive Works was an American builder of Railroad Locomotives It was located in Philadelphia Pennsylvania originally and later ^[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. Track ballast forms the trackbed upon which Railroad ties (US or railway sleepers (UK are laid Gravel is rock that is of a specific Particle size range In Geology, gravel is any loose rock that is larger than two millimeters (2mm Drainage is the natural or artificial removal of surface and sub-surface water from a given area ^[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. A Balloon loop is a track arrangement that allows a train to reverse direction and return to where it came from without having to shunt or even to stop
• Bank: A particularly steep section of line that requires additional bank (or banking) engines (US: helper engines) to help trains climb. The grade (or gradient or pitch or slope) of any physical feature such as a Hill, Stream, Roof, railroad, or
• 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. A tie plate (US or baseplate (UK in Railroading is a Steel plate used between Flanged T rail and the crossties The tie plate increases 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. Bay platform is a Railway -related term commonly used in the UK and Australia to describe a dead-end platform at a Railway station A railway platform is a section of pathway alongside Rail tracks at a Train station, Metro station or Tram stop, at which passengers may board
• 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. The " Beep " (also referred to as the SWBLW) is a one-of-a-kind Switcher Locomotive built in 1970 by the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe A locomotive is a railway Vehicle that provides the motive power for a Train. The Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, often abbreviated as Santa Fe, was one of the larger railroads in the United States.
• Blower: On a steam locomotive, a steam pipe leading into the smokebox, causing necessary draft in the 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. A loading gauge is the envelope or contoured shape within which all Railroad cars, Locomotives coaches Buses Trucks and other On a Diesel engine, the blower is a mechanical device that increases the supply of air to the combustion chamber. A diesel engine is an Internal combustion engine which operates using the Diesel cycle (named after Dr A supercharger is an air compressor used for Forced induction of an Internal combustion engine. Also known as a "Supercharger". The most common type of supercharger used on a diesel locomotive engine is a Roots type supercharger. The Roots type Supercharger or Roots blower is a positive displacement pump which operates by pulling Air through a pair of meshing lobes not
• Bobber: (archaic, US): A slang word for a small caboose with just four wheels, all rigidly mounted to the frame. A caboose (North American Railway terminology) or brake van or guard's van (British terminology is a manned rail transport vehicle coupled at 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. The UIC classification is a comprehensive system for describing the Wheel arrangement of Locomotives Multiple units and Trams It is
• Bogie: The undercarriage assembly incorporating the wheels, suspension, brakes and, in powered units, the traction motors. A bogie (ˈboʊgi (BŌ-gē is a Wheeled wagon or trolley In mechanics terms a bogie is a Chassis or framework carrying wheels attached to a vehicle See also Electric vehicle, Electric motor A traction motor is a type of Electric motor used to power the driving wheels of a vehicle such as
• Boiler: A cylindrical container adjacent to the firebox in which steam is produced to drive a steam locomotive. A boiler is a closed vessel in which Water or other Fluid is heated ^[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. Clerk, the vocational title commonly refers to a White-collar worker who conducts general office or in some instances sales tasks
• Boom barrier: A barrier at a level (rail) crossings. A boom barrier is a bar or pole pivoted in such a way as to allow the boom to block vehicular access through a controlled point The term level crossing (also called a railroad crossing, road through railroad, railway crossing, train crossing or grade crossing
• 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. A booster engine for Steam locomotives is a small two-cylinder steam Engine back-gear-connected to the trailing truck axle on the locomotive or if none the lead truck On a Steam locomotive, a trailing wheel or trailing axle is an unpowered Wheel or Axle located behind the driving wheels Tractive Effort (abbr TE is the pulling force exerted normally by a Locomotive, though the term could also be used for anything else that pulls a load ^[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. A boxcar (the American term the British call this kind of car a " goods van " while in Australia they are usually referred to as " ^[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 is a trainboard Rail transport worker in the US Historically 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. An air brake is a conveyance braking system applied by means of compressed air.
• 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. A caboose (North American Railway terminology) or brake van or guard's van (British terminology is a manned rail transport vehicle coupled at 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. A caboose (North American Railway terminology) or brake van or guard's van (British terminology is a manned rail transport vehicle coupled at
• Branch line: A secondary railway line that branches off a main line. A branch line is a secondary railway line which branches off a more important through route usually 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). Broad gauge Railways use a Rail gauge (distance between the rails greater than the Standard gauge of. The standard gauge (also named the Stephenson gauge after George Stephenson, or Normal gauge) is a widely-used Rail 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. The Great Western Railway ( GWR) was a British railway company and a notable example of Civil engineering, linking London with the West Events and trends Technology The First Transcontinental Railroad in the USA was completed in 1869 The 1890s were sometimes referred to as the " Mauve Decade" because William Henry Perkin 's aniline dye allowed the widespread use of that 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 5ft 6ins), as well as Ireland (1600 mm or 5ft 3ins). 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. British Rail Universal Trolley Equipment (BRUTE was a system of mobile containers used by British Rail from the late 1960s to the early 1980s to enable the sorting handling
• Bubble Car: A DMU consisting of a single coach (UK), e. A diesel multiple unit or DMU is a Multiple unit train consisting of multiple carriages powered by one or more on-board Diesel g. British Rail Class 121
• Buckeye coupler: A form of coupler which will lock automatically when the two parts are pushed together. Sixteen Class 121 single-car driving motor vehicles were built from 1960 numbered 55020-55035 A coupling (or a coupler) is a mechanism for connecting Rolling stock in a train
• 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. A buffer is a part of the buffers-and-chain coupling system used on the Railway systems of many countries among them most of those in Europe, for attaching
• Buffer stop: The barrier installed at the end of a dead end track to prevent rail vehicles from proceeding further. A buffer stop or bumper (US is a device to prevent railway vehicles from going past the end of a section of track
• 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".

• Cabin car (PRR): See caboose. A caboose (North American Railway terminology) or brake van or guard's van (British terminology is a manned rail transport vehicle coupled at The Pennsylvania Railroad was an American Railroad, founded in 1846 A caboose (North American Railway terminology) or brake van or guard's van (British terminology is a manned rail transport vehicle coupled at ^[9]
• Cabless: A locomotive without a cab. Commonly referred to as a B unit or a Slug. A "B" unit in railroad terminology, is a Locomotive unit (generally a Diesel locomotive) which does not have a driving Cab, or crew compartment A railroad slug is an accessory to a Diesel-electric locomotive. 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. A caboose (North American Railway terminology) or brake van or guard's van (British terminology is a manned rail transport vehicle coupled at Partly analogous to brake van (UK). A caboose (North American Railway terminology) or brake van or guard's van (British terminology is a manned rail transport vehicle coupled at Largely obsolete, having been replaced by the electronic End of Train (EOT) device, or Flashing Rear End Device called "FRED". The flashing rear-end device or " FRED," (also called an end-of-train device, ETD or EOT) is an electronic device mounted on the end ^[9]
• Cant: Angle. The cant of a Road (sometimes referred to as Camber or Cross slope) or Railway (also referred to as superelevation) is the difference 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. A cab unit and a carbody unit are body styles of Locomotives in Railroad terminology. A cab unit and a carbody unit are body styles of Locomotives in Railroad terminology. It refers to both A units and B units. An A unit, in Railroad terminology is a Locomotive (generally a diesel or Electric locomotive) equipped with a driving Cab, A "B" unit in railroad terminology, is a Locomotive unit (generally a Diesel locomotive) which does not have a driving Cab, or crew compartment
• Catenary or catenary structure: The overhead wire system used to send electricity to an electric locomotive or multiple unit, tram or light rail vehicle. In Physics and Geometry, the catenary is the theoretical Shape of a hanging flexible Chain or Cable when supported at its ends and "Electric Trains" redirects here For the 1995 Squeeze single see Electric Trains (song. An electric multiple unit or EMU is a Multiple unit train consisting of many carriages using Electricity as the motive power ^[9]
• Carman (US): A mechanic responsible for maintaining and inspecting the rolling stock. A mechanic is a person who uses Tools to repair things (generally machinery or works to keep things operating properly
• 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. Centralized traffic control ( CTC) is a signalling system used by Railroads The system consists of a centralized Train dispatcher 's office 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. The Chessie System was a Holding company that owned four American railroads the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C&O the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O Chessie was a popular cat character used as a symbol of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway. ^[10][11]
• Chimney (UK): Smokestack or stack (US), or funnel. A chimney is a system for venting hot Flue gases or Smoke from a Boiler, Stove, Furnace or Fireplace to the outside
• Co-Co (EU): A heavier duty locomotive with 6 wheels per bogie configuration as opposed to a 4-wheel "Bo-Bo" configuration. The UIC classification is a comprehensive system for describing the Wheel arrangement of Locomotives Multiple units and Trams It is 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. A throttle is the mechanism by which the flow of a fluid is managed by constriction or obstruction Dynamic braking is the use of the electric Traction motors of a Railroad vehicle as generators when slowing the vehicle A locomotive is a railway Vehicle that provides the motive power for a Train.
• Compound locomotive: A steam locomotive passing steam through two sets of cylinders. A compound engine unit is a type of Steam engine where steam is expanded in two phases A steam locomotive is a Locomotive powered by Steam. The term usually refers to its use on Railways but can also refer to a "road locomotive" 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. Train Conductor (North America The Conductor is the railway employee charged with the management of a freight passenger or various other types of Train, and is Train Conductor (North America The Conductor is the railway employee charged with the management of a freight passenger or various other types of Train, and is 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. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. 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. A consist, in North American Railway terminology, is used as a noun to describe the group of rail vehicles which make up a Train. ^[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. Welding is a fabrication process that joins materials usually Metals or Thermoplastics by causing coalescence. Thermite is a Pyrotechnic composition of Aluminium powder and a metal oxide which produces an Aluminothermic reaction known as a ^[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. Dispatchers are communications personnel responsible for receiving and transmitting pure and reliable messages tracking vehicles and equipment and recording other important information ^[9]
• Cornfield meet (US): A head-on collision between two trains. A head-on collision is one where the front ends of two Ships, Trains, Planes or Vehicles hit each other as opposed to a Side-collision ^[13][14][15]
• Coupler (US), coupling(UK): Railroad cars in a train are connected by couplers located at the ends of the cars. A coupling (or a coupler) is a mechanism for connecting Rolling stock in a train A coupling (or a coupler) is a mechanism for connecting Rolling stock in a train ^[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. A coupling rod or side rod connects the Driving wheels 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. The British Rail Class 13 was formed because in 1965 it was found necessary to provide more powerful shunters for the Tinsley Marshalling Yard. Tinsley Marshalling Yard was a Railway marshalling yard located near Tinsley in Sheffield.
• Cowl unit (US): A locomotive whose sides and roof are non-structural, and cover the full width of the locomotive. A cowl unit is a body style of Diesel locomotive. The terminology is a North American one though similar locomotives exist elsewhere 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. A crosshead (or crosshead bearing) is a Bearing used in large Reciprocating engines whether Internal combustion engines or Steam engines A steam locomotive is a Locomotive powered by Steam. The term usually refers to its use on Railways but can also refer to a "road locomotive" ^[17]
• Cross-tie (U. A railroad tie, cross tie, or railway sleeper is a rectangular object used as a base for Railroad tracks. S): sleeper (UK): See Railroad tie. A railroad tie, cross tie, or railway sleeper is a rectangular object used as a base for Railroad tracks. A railroad tie, cross tie, or railway sleeper is a rectangular object used as a base for Railroad tracks.
• 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. In a Steam engine, cutoff is the point in the Piston stroke at which the inlet valve is closed A steam locomotive is a Locomotive powered by Steam. The term usually refers to its use on Railways but can also refer to a "road locomotive" A cylinder is the central working part of a Reciprocating engine, the space in which a Piston travels 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. A cylinder is the central working part of a Reciprocating engine, the space in which a Piston travels

• 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. The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, Doing business as Amtrak, is a Government-owned corporation that was organized on May 1, 1971 Electro-Motive Diesel Inc (formerly the Electro-Motive Division of General Motors Corporation is currently the world's second largest builder of Railroad The General Motors Electro-Motive Division model F40PH is a 3000 Horsepower (2 A cowl unit is a body style of Diesel locomotive. The terminology is a North American one though similar locomotives exist elsewhere A dead man's switch (for other names see alternative names) as its name suggests is a switch that is automatically operated in case the Human operator becomes incapacitated 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. A defect detector is a device used on Railroads to detect and signal problems in passing Trains The detectors are normally integrated into the tracks A hot box is the term used when an axle Bearing overheats on a piece of Railway Rolling stock. ^[18]
• Demurrage A charge levied by a railroad to a shipper for excessive delay in unloading cargo. For usage in relation to currency see Demurrage (currency. The term Demurrage comes from the field of vessel chartering (notably voyage chartering and
• Derailer, a safety device that will derail vehicles passing it. A Derail or Derailer is a device used to prevent fouling of a track by unauthorized movements of trains or unattended Rolling stock. ^[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. In US Railroad practice a level junction (or in the United Kingdom a flat crossing) is a Railway junction that has a track ^[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. A diesel multiple unit or DMU is a Multiple unit train consisting of multiple carriages powered by one or more on-board Diesel 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. Direct Traffic Control (DTC is a system for authorizing track occupancy used on some railroads instead of or in addition to signals. This article is about rail industry occupation Train Dispatcher is also a computer simulation by Softrail. ^[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. A locomotive is a railway Vehicle that provides the motive power for a Train. A train is a connected series of vehicles that move along a track ( Permanent way) to transport freight or passengers from one place to another
• DOO: Driver-only operation
• Doodlebug: Gasoline-electric self-powered passenger car used for small capacity rural commuter service. In the United States, doodlebug was the common name for a self-propelled Railroad car (multiple unit ^[18] Also a British Rail Class 153 DMU. The British Rail Class 153 " Sprinter " is a single-car Diesel multiple unit train
• 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). Railroad directions are used to describe train directions on railroad systems 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. A defect detector is a device used on Railroads to detect and signal problems in passing Trains The detectors are normally integrated into the tracks
• Driver (UK), Engineer (US): The operator of a railway/railroad locomotive. A railroad engineer, railway engineer, locomotive engineer, train operator, train driver or engine driver is a person who operates A railroad engineer, railway engineer, locomotive engineer, train operator, train driver or engine driver is a person who operates
• Driver (UK): Steam locomotive driving wheel, particularly in "single driver" (one driven axle) engines. On a Steam locomotive, a driving wheel is a powered Wheel which is driven by the Locomotive 's Pistons (or Turbine, in the A steam locomotive is a Locomotive powered by Steam. The term usually refers to its use on Railways but can also refer to a "road locomotive" On a Steam locomotive, a driving wheel is a powered Wheel which is driven by the Locomotive 's Pistons (or Turbine, in the
• 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. A Driving Van Trailer ( DVT) sometimes referred to as Driving Luggage Van ( DLV) is a purpose-built railway vehicle that allows the driver to operate 0-9 Note for 4-4-0 2-6-4T 0-4-4-0 etc See Whyte notation or UIC classification A B (See Also: DBSO - predecessor to the DVT)

• Ejector: Component of vacuum brake system. An aspirator, also called an Eductor-jet pump or filter pump is a device that produces Vacuum by means of the Venturi effect. The vacuum brake is a braking system used on Trains It was first introduced in the mid 1860s and a variant the automatic vacuum brake system became almost 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. An electric multiple unit or EMU is a Multiple unit train consisting of many carriages using Electricity as the motive power
• 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. A railfan or rail buff ( American English) railway enthusiast or railway buff ( Australian / British English) or (often A locomotive is a railway Vehicle that provides the motive power for a Train. ^[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". A rapid transit, underground, subway, elevated railway or metro(politan system is an electric passenger railway
• 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. A carriage is a wheeled vehicle for people usually horse-drawn They usually run between sidings and main stations, with the carriages then forming a service train to another destination. A siding, in Rail terminology, is a track section distinct from a through route such as a main line or Branch line or spur 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. Electro-Motive Diesel Inc (formerly the Electro-Motive Division of General Motors Corporation is currently the world's second largest builder of Railroad EMD was previously Electro-Motive Division of GM before being sold off. General Motors Corporation ( GM) ( is a multinational automobile manufacturer founded in 1908 and headquartered in the United States.
• Engineer (US), driver, engine driver, train driver (UK): The operator of a locomotive. A railroad engineer, railway engineer, locomotive engineer, train operator, train driver or engine driver is a person who operates ^[20]
• EOT (US): End of train device. A form of an electronic caboose also called FRED. A caboose (North American Railway terminology) or brake van or guard's van (British terminology is a manned rail transport vehicle coupled at The flashing rear-end device or " FRED," (also called an end-of-train device, ETD or EOT) is an electronic device mounted on the end ^[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. Train event recorders are similar to flight data recorders found on aircraft 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. Consolidated Rail Corporation, also known as Conrail, began operations on April 1, 1976 as a federally funded takeover of the major railroad 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. Train order operation is a system by which the railroads of North America conveyed operating instructions before the days of Centralized traffic control, Direct

• Facing: A turnout is facing if it can select which way to diverge a train. Facing and trailing are terms used to describe railway turnouts (or 'points' in the UK in respect to whether they are divergent or convergent Opposite of trailing. Facing and trailing are terms used to describe railway turnouts (or 'points' in the UK in respect to whether they are divergent or convergent
• Fairlie: A type of articulated locomotive, typically (but not exclusively) with two boilers and connected fireboxes in a central cab. Articulated locomotive usually means a Steam locomotive with one or more engine units which can move relative to the main frame A boiler is a closed vessel in which Water or other Fluid is heated
• Fallen flag (US): A railroad which is defunct, having either merged or discontinued operations. A fallen flag, in USA-based Railroader and Railfan terminology is a railroad company no longer in existence due to Bankruptcy or Merger. ^[21][22]
• Feedwater heater: A device to preheat the water for a steam locomotive; improves efficiency. A feedwater heater is a Power plant component used to pre-heat water delivered to a Steam generating Boiler. A steam locomotive is a Locomotive powered by Steam. The term usually refers to its use on Railways but can also refer to a "road locomotive"
• 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. A Fiddle yard or Staging yard is a collection of Model railway tracks that are invisible to a viewer and allow Trains to be stored and manipulated
• 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. Fireman (US or Boilerman (UK is the designation for someone whose job it is to tend the fire for the running of a Steam engine, typically a Steam locomotive
• Fishplate (UK), Joint bar (US): A metal plate that joins the ends of rails in jointed track. This article relates to the connection bar used in railways For the type of Greek pottery see Fish plate.
• 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 flatcar (also flat car) is a piece of Railroad rolling stock that consists of an open flat deck on four or six wheels or a pair of trucks (US or 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. A flying junction is a Railway junction at which one or more diverging or converging tracks in a multiple-track route cross other tracks on the route by bridge to avoid conflict ^[24]
• Foamer (US): A colloquial term for a railfan, specifically one whose enthusiasm is excessive, "foaming at the mouth". A railfan or rail buff ( American English) railway enthusiast or railway buff ( Australian / British English) or (often ^[25]
• Four-foot: The part of the line between a pair of running rails. An abbreviation for four foot, eight-and-a-half-inches. The standard gauge (also named the Stephenson gauge after George Stephenson, or Normal gauge) is a widely-used Rail gauge. Also see six-foot and ten-foot.
• Four-quadrant gate: A type of Boom barrier, see above. A four-quadrant gate is a type of Boom barrier gate protecting a Grade crossing. A boom barrier is a bar or pole pivoted in such a way as to allow the boom to block vehicular access through a controlled point
• FRA: (US) The Federal Railroad Administration. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA is an administration in the United States Department of Transportation. This agency oversees rail operation regulations and safety requirements for U. S. freight, passenger and commuter rail operations. ^[24]
• Free-mo: A type of modular layout in model railroading. Free-mo stands for "free modular" and is a relatively new modular standard in the hobby of model railroading.
• Freight (US) goods (UK): the product(s) in which are carried. Cargo (or freight) refers to goods or produce transported generally for Commercial gain by ship, aircraft, train,
• Frog: (US) A casting with "X" shaped grooves used in switches and crossovers. This article primarily uses North American terminology British and Commonwealth terms are given in parentheses ^[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). Thomas the Tank Engine is a Fictional Anthropomorphic Tank locomotive created by the Rev A misnomer is a term which suggests an interpretation that is known to be untrue A chimney is a system for venting hot Flue gases or Smoke from a Boiler, Stove, Furnace or Fireplace to the outside 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. A flare, also sometimes called a fusee, is a type of Pyrotechnic that produces a brilliant light or intense heat without an Explosion. ^[24]
• Fusible plug: A threaded plug, with a soft metal core, that is screwed into the crown plate of a firebox. A fusible plug is a threaded metal plug usually made out of Bronze, Brass, or Gunmetal. If the water level gets too low the core melts and the noise of the escaping steam warns the enginemen.

• Gage: An alternate (US) spelling of "Gauge" as in "track or rail gage". Rail gauge is the distance between the inner sides of the two parallel rails that make up a railway track.
• Gandy dancer (slang, US): A track maintenance worker. Gandy dancer is a Slang term for workers who maintained Railroads in North America ^[26]
• Garratt: A type of articulated locomotive. Articulated locomotive usually means a Steam locomotive with one or more engine units which can move relative to the main frame
• Gauge: The width between the inner faces of the rails. Rail gauge is the distance between the inner sides of the two parallel rails that make up a railway track.
• Geep: A slang term for any of the GP ("general-purpose") series of Electro-Motive four-axle diesel locomotives; originally applied only to EMD GP7, GP9, and GP18 models. Electro-Motive Diesel Inc (formerly the Electro-Motive Division of General Motors Corporation is currently the world's second largest builder of Railroad The EMD GP7 is a four-axle diesel-electric Locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division and General Motors Diesel between October 1949 An EMD GP9 is a four-axle diesel Locomotive built by General Motors' Electro-Motive Division in the United States and General Motors Diesel in Canada between An EMD GP18 is a 4-axle diesel Locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division between December 1959 and November 1963. ^[26]
• Glad hand A quick-coupling/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 . A handcar (also known as a pump trolley, pump car, jigger or Kalamazoo) is a Railroad car powered by its passengers or by people A draisine primarily refers to a light auxiliary rail vehicle or trolley.
• Gondola: A type of rolling stock with a flat bottom and relatively low sides, used to haul material such as ore or scrap, and loaded and unloaded from the top. In Railroad terminology, a gondola is an open-top type of Rolling stock that is used for carrying loose bulk materials May be covered or uncovered. Open wagon (UK). ^[26]
• Goods (UK): Freight (US): Both terms are used in Australian English
• Goods wagon or Goods van or Goods truck (UK): Freight car or Box car (US): A flat car with sides and a top, usually with a large sliding door in the middle of each side. Cargo (or freight) refers to goods or produce transported generally for Commercial gain by ship, aircraft, train, Australian English ( AuE, AusE, en-AU) is the form of the English language used in Australia. A railroad car or railway carriage is a Vehicle on a rail transport system (railroad or railway that is used for the carrying of Cargo or A boxcar (the American term the British call this kind of car a " goods van " while in Australia they are usually referred to as "
• Grab bar: A handle on the side of a car to allow switching personnel to hold on (also known as a "grab iron").
• Green: A colour associated with go or proceed. Green is a Color, the perception of which is evoked by light having a spectrum dominated by energy with a Wavelength of roughly 520–570- nm.
• Guard (UK): Conductor (US) See Conductor above. Train Conductor (North America The Conductor is the railway employee charged with the management of a freight passenger or various other types of Train, and is Train Conductor (North America The Conductor is the railway employee charged with the management of a freight passenger or various other types of Train, and is
• Guard rail (US) Check rail (UK): A double rail section of track, sometimes found in train yards and on bridges to prevent derailments or limit damage caused by derailments , by having rail on both sides of the wheel flange. Guard rail, sometimes referred to as guide rail, is a system designed to keep people or vehicles from (in most cases unintentionally straying into dangerous or off-limits areas Also found on curves with a tight radius and switches and crossings^[26]
• Gunzel (AU) Railway enthusiast, in Melbourne, Victoria often refers to tramway enthusiast. A railfan or rail buff ( American English) railway enthusiast or railway buff ( Australian / British English) or (often Melbourne ( is the second most populous city in Australia, with a Metropolitan area population of approximately 3

• Hack (slang, US): A caboose, since it carried the crew around like a taxicab. A caboose (North American Railway terminology) or brake van or guard's van (British terminology is a manned rail transport vehicle coupled at
• Hammerhead style (slang, US): The practice of running a Diesel locomotive with its long hood forward. This has been done for a variety of reasons, such as crew safety in case of a collision. On short runs, operating the locomotive "backwards" is more economical than using a wye or turntable or operating a second locomotive. Some locomotives may have a second control stand to facilitate operation in the "reverse" direction.
• Handcar(US), A small, hand-powered railroad car used for track inspection. A handcar (also known as a pump trolley, pump car, jigger or Kalamazoo) is a Railroad car powered by its passengers or by people Pump trolley (UK).
• Head end power or HEP: A scheme whereby the locomotive engine or a separate generator provides 'hotel' power to carriages. Head end power (HEP or Electric train supply ( ETS) in the United Kingdom is a Rail transport term for the electrical power distribution system ^[27]
• Headshunt (UK), Shunting neck (US): A length of track feeding a number of sidings that permits the sidings to be shunted without blocking the main line, or where two lines merge into one before ending with a buffer, to allow a run-round procedure to take place. A headshunt (US escape track) is a short length of track, provided to release Locomotives at terminal platforms, or to allow shunting to take ^[28]
• Heavy haul: Heavy freight operations.
• Heavy rail (US): A city-based transit rail system that runs on its own dedicated track and often underground. Subways are considered heavy rail.
• Heavyweight (US): During the period between about 1910 and the mid nineteen thirties, most passenger cars in the US were built with three axle trucks, concrete floors, and riveted, double walled sides and often weighed 90 - 100 tons or more. Heavyweight construction was used to improve ride quality. ^[27][29]
• High rail: The upper rail in a curve or superelevation which typically experiences the higher lateral loads and greater wear. High rail (also called "hi-rail" and "hirail" is a phrase used in model railroading in North America, mostly in O scale and S
• Hogger (slang, US): A locomotive engineer. This article gives UK usage For US usage see Railroad engineer A Locomotive engineer is a person who designs builds ^[27][30][31]
• Hoodlebug (slang, US): A small commuter passenger train or trolley. Hoodlebug was a nickname used for small passenger trains or trolley cars that provided commuter service in parts of America.
• Hood unit (US): A locomotive whose sides and roof are nonstructural and do not extend the full width of the locomotive. A hood unit, in Railroad terminology, is a body style for diesel and electric Locomotives On a hood unit the body of the locomotive is less than full-width Structural strength comes from the underframe. ^[27]
• Horn blocks: Plates lining the axlebox cut-outs in a locomotive frame to allow smooth vertical movement under control of the springs.
• Hotbox: An axle bearing that has become excessively hot due to friction. A hot box is the term used when an axle Bearing overheats on a piece of Railway Rolling stock. Friction is the Force resisting the relative motion of two Surfaces in contact or a surface in contact with a fluid (e ^[27][32][33]
• Hotbox detector: A device attached to the track which monitors passing trains for hot axles, and then reports the results via a radio transmission (US) or a circuit to the signal box (UK). (see defect detector). A defect detector is a device used on Railroads to detect and signal problems in passing Trains The detectors are normally integrated into the tracks ^[27]
• Hotel power (US): Electric power used to provide for the comfort of passengers aboard a train en-route. See "HEP" above.
• Hot rail (US): 1. Any section of track over which a train movement is imminent. The closer and/or faster the approaching train, the "hotter" the rail. 2. On some electrified railroads and rapid transit lines, the third rail which supplies power to locomotives or cars.
• Hotshot (US): A fast, long-distance train given priority on the track over other trains.
• Hump: 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 (that is, humping the cars). A ( US and Canada) classification yard or ( UK and Canada) marshalling yard (including hump yards) is a Railroad This is faster and requires less effort than moving cars with a switching engine. ^[27]
• Hunting: Swaying motion of a railway vehicle or bogie caused by the coning action on which the directional stability of an adhesion railway depends. The classical Hunting oscillation is a swaying motion of a Railway vehicle caused by the coning action on which the directional stability of an Adhesion The truck or bogie wanders from side to side between the rails, "hunting" for the optimum location based on the forces at play. ^[27]

• Infill station (sometimes in-fill station): A train station built on an existing passenger line to address demand in a location between existing stations. |}A train station, railway station, railroad station, or station yard is a facility at which Passengers may board and alight from Trains
• Injector: A device to force water into a steam locomotive's boiler by steam pressure. An injector, ejector, steam ejector or steam injector is a pump-like device that uses the Venturi effect of a converging-diverging ^[34]
• Interlocking (US): Any location that includes a switch or crossing of two tracks, derived from the early practice of installation of a system of mechanical equipment called an interlocking plant to prevent collisions. In Railway signaling, an interlocking is an arrangement of signal apparatus that prevents conflicting movements through an arrangement of tracks such as junctions or crossings See also signal box. Interlocking is also the term for the actual mechanical or electrical apparatus that prevents switch/points and signals from being operated in ways that would allow for conflicting train movements. ^[34]
• Intermodal: Moving goods or people by more than one type of vehicle. Intermodal freight can be transported using shipping containers which can easily be transferred among railroad flatcars, ships, airplanes, and tractor-trailer trucks. ^[34]
• IRJ, IBJ: Insulated rail joint/insulated block joint. Rail joints incorporating insulation to isolate individual track circuits.
• Island platform: A railway platform that has tracks along the full lengths of both sides. An island platform (also known as center platform or centre platform) on a Railway is where a single platform lies between two tracks A railway platform is a section of pathway alongside Rail tracks at a Train station, Metro station or Tram stop, at which passengers may board

• Jack: A dwarf signal (slang, Boston and Maine and New York New Haven and Hartford Railroads)
• Jerk a lung (North America): 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. A coupling (or a coupler) is a mechanism for connecting Rolling stock in a train Example: "The engineer jerked a lung on the upgrade. "
• Johnson bar (US): On a locomotive, a long, heavy lever that operates the cutoff, etymology unknown. This article is about a hand lever used in various vehicles for other uses of the term see Johnson bar (disambiguation. In a Steam engine, cutoff is the point in the Piston stroke at which the inlet valve is closed Etymology is the study of the History of Words &mdash when they entered a language from what source and how their form and meaning have changed over time ^[35]
• Joint bar, fishplate (UK): Joins the ends of rails in jointed track. Also referred to in North America as a rail joiner or angle bar^[36].
• Jointed track: Track in which the rails are laid in lengths of around 20 m and bolted to each other end-to-end by means of fishplates (UK) or joint bars (US). ^[35]
• Journal bearing: a bearing without rolling-elements
• Junction: A point at which two lines or separate routes diverge from each other. A journal bearing is a simple bearing in which a shaft, or "journal" or Crankshaft rotates in the bearing with a layer of Oil or A rolling-element bearing is a bearing which carries a load by placing round elements between the two pieces A junction, in the context of Rail transport, is a place at which two or more rail routes converge or diverge ^[35]

• KE: (Kinematic Envelope) 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.
• Key (UK): Timber or sprung steel block used to secure Bullhead rail into the chairs. A Rail profile is a Hot rolled Steel profile of a specific Shape or cross section (an asymmetrical I-beam) designed Chairs, in UK Railway parlance are cast-iron items screwed or bolted to sleepers and used to support Bullhead rails The rail sits in the chair and is

• Lantern (US): A portable (often handheld) light source that is used to signal train crews. A lantern is a Portable Lighting device used to illuminate broad areas Lamp (UK).
• Leaner (US): (slang) A car in which the load has shifted, or it has been improperly loaded, or a mechanical failure has occurred that causes the car to lean to one side. This could potentially cause a collision or derailment.
• Level crossing The term level crossing (also called a railroad crossing, railway crossing, train crossing or grade crossing) is a crossing on one level ("at-grade intersection") — without recourse to a bridge or tunnel — generally of a railway line by a road or path, but sometimes used for a crossing by (not a junction with) another railroad. The term level crossing (also called a railroad crossing, road through railroad, railway crossing, train crossing or grade crossing
• Level junction (US), Flat junction (UK): A junction in which all track crossings take place at grade and routings must therefore be controlled by signals and an interlocking plant. In US Railroad practice a level junction (or in the United Kingdom a flat crossing) is a Railway junction that has a track An at-grade intersection is a junction at which two or more transport axes cross at the same Level (or grade) A signal is a mechanical or electrical device erected beside a Railway line to pass information relating to the state of the line ahead to train drivers/engineers. In Railway signaling, an interlocking is an arrangement of signal apparatus that prevents conflicting movements through an arrangement of tracks such as junctions or crossings
• Light engine: A locomotive travelling without cars attached except perhaps a caboose (brake van). A caboose (North American Railway terminology) or brake van or guard's van (British terminology is a manned rail transport vehicle coupled at A caboose (North American Railway terminology) or brake van or guard's van (British terminology is a manned rail transport vehicle coupled at ^[37]
• Light rail: A city-based rail system that typically shares its operational space with other vehicles (e. For specific light rail systems many of which use the words "light rail" as part of their name see List of light-rail transit systems. g. automobiles) and often runs on, across or down the center of city streets. Light rail vehicles (LRV) generally have a top speed of around 60 mph (100 km/h) though mostly operating at much lower speeds, more akin to road vehicles. Vehicles, derived from the Latin word vehiculum, are non-living Means of transport. 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. ^[37]
• Local train: A train that stops at most, if not all, stations along its route. Often referred to in North America as a "milk train" or "milk run" (usage from the days when trains stopped at dairy farms to pick up fresh milk). Dairy farming is a class of agricultural, or an Animal husbandry enterprise for long-term production of Milk, which may be either processed on-site or
• Location case (UK): A trackside cabinet used to house signalling equipment such as relays or transformers.
• Loop (UK), siding (US): Used on single-track railway lines, a loop is a second parallel track (running for a short distance), allowing two trains to pass by one another. A passing loop (or "crossing loop" is a place on a single line railway/tramway where trains/trams in opposing directions can pass each other A siding, in Rail terminology, is a track section distinct from a through route such as a main line or Branch line or spur
• Lunar, as in lunar white, is a color of Railway signal light. A signal is a mechanical or electrical device erected beside a Railway line to pass information relating to the state of the line ahead to train drivers/engineers. It is an off-white color, achieved by the use of a clear lens of very light blue, to make it distinct from a light that has a broken lens. In UK practice, it is the color used for the type of junction indicator known as a feather, so-called for its resemblance to a popular inn sign. Modern British signalling is based on a two three and four aspect colour light system using non-permissive '''block''' rules The Prince of Wales's feathers is the Heraldic badge of the Prince of Wales.

• Mainline or Main line: The principal artery of a railway system. The Mainline or Main line of a Railway is a track that is used for through trains or is the principal artery of the system from which Branch lines, The Mainline or Main line of a Railway is a track that is used for through trains or is the principal artery of the system from which Branch lines, ^[38]
• Main rod (US): The drive rod connecting the crosshead to a driving-wheel or axle in a steam locomotive. ^[16] Connecting rod (UK).
• Maintenance of way (US): The maintenance of railroad rights of way, including track. MOW redirects here For other meanings see MOW (disambiguation. Often abbreviated to MOW (as in MOW car). ^[38]
• Mallet (pronounced "mallay"): type of articulated locomotive designed by Anatole Mallet. Articulated locomotive usually means a Steam locomotive with one or more engine units which can move relative to the main frame See "Compound Engine" above. ^[38]
• Matchbox tank (UK slang): a type of pannier tank where the tanks are square and do not rest of the locomotive frame. A tank locomotive is a Steam locomotive that carries its own fuel and water on it instead of pulling it behind it in a tender.
• Mating worms (US): Penn Central logo (jargon/slang). The Pennsylvania and New York Central Transportation Company, almost always called Penn Central, was an American Railroad company that operated from 1968 ^[39][40]
• Mechanical semaphore signal: A signal in which the aspect is conveyed by moving an arm.
• Merry-go-round (MGR) train (UK): coal train running between a coal mine and a power station, loading and unloading without stopping or shunting. A Merry-go-round train, often abbreviated to MGR, is a Unit train of hopper wagons which both loads and unloads its cargo while moving
• MLW: Montreal Locomotive Works, bought by Bombardier and closed. Montreal Locomotive Works (MLW was a Canadian Railway Locomotive manufacturer which existed under several names from 1883 - 1985 Bombardier Inc (bɔ̃baʁdje is a Canadian conglomerate, founded by Joseph-Armand Bombardier as L'Auto-Neige Bombardier Limitée in 1942 ^[38]
• Mogul: A steam locomotive with a 2-6-0 wheel arrangement. In the Whyte notation for the classification of Steam locomotives by Wheel arrangement, a 2-6-0 has a pair of Leading wheels followed by six Locomotive wheel arrangement is how the wheels of the locomotive are arranged by type position and connections ^[41]
• Motor train (UK): See Auto train (UK) above.
• Multiple aspect signalling: A system of colour-light signalling in which signals may show 3 or 4 aspects.
• Multiple unit (UK) MU (US): a self-propelled rail vehicle that can be joined with compatible others and controlled from a single driving station. The term multiple unit or MU is used to describe a self-propelling train unit capable of coupling with other units of the same or similar type and still The sub-classes of this type of vehicle; Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU), Diesel-Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) and Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) are more common terms. A diesel multiple unit or DMU is a Multiple unit train consisting of multiple carriages powered by one or more on-board Diesel A diesel multiple unit or DMU is a Multiple unit train consisting of multiple carriages powered by one or more on-board Diesel An electric multiple unit or EMU is a Multiple unit train consisting of many carriages using Electricity as the motive power These may also be termed railcars. A railcar (not to be confused with a railway car) is a self-propelled railway Vehicle designed to Transport passengers
• Multiple-unit train control (US), Multiple working (UK): generally seen as the abbreviation MU, this normally refers to the ability of diesel and electric locomotives or multiple units to be joined together and controlled from one driving station. Multiple-unit train control, sometimes referred to simply as multiple-unit or MU, is a method of simultaneously controlling all the traction equipment in a Train Such a set of joined locomotives is called (US) a consist or (colloquially) "lash-up" and is said to be "MUed together". A consist, in North American Railway terminology, is used as a noun to describe the group of rail vehicles which make up a Train. ^[38]
• Multiple working (UK): see Multiple unit (above).

• narrow gauge: Railroad track where the rails are spaced less than 1,435 mm (4 ft 8½ in) apart. A narrow gauge railway (or narrow gauge railroad) is a Railway that has a Track gauge narrower than the of Standard gauge railways ^[42] There are many common gauges narrower than standard, amongst them 3 ft 6 in (1067 mm) widely in Africa and Asia; 3 ft (914 mm), which was the most common narrow gauge in the U. S. ; and 2 ft (600 mm), which saw widespread use in the UK. Meter gauge (1000 mm) is also been used. Narrow-gauge lines are often found in mountainous terrain where the cost savings of building a smaller railroad can be considerable.

• Open wagon (UK), Gondola (US). In Railroad terminology, a gondola is an open-top type of Rolling stock that is used for carrying loose bulk materials A form of freight hauling car for bulk goods. ^[43]
• ORER Official Railway Equipment Register. ^[44]
• Overlap (UK): A distance (normally 180 metres or set according to the permitted speed of the line) beyond a stop signal which must be clear before the preceding stop signal can display a proceed aspect; allows a margin in case a train overshoots a signal before stopping.

• P-train: An NMBS/SNCB commuter train. The Nationale Maatschappij der Belgische Spoorwegen (NMBS Dutch) or Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Belges (SNCB French) is the Belgian
• Pacific: A steam locomotive with a 4-6-2 wheel arrangement. Under the Whyte notation for the classification of Steam locomotives, a 4-6-2 Locomotive has four Leading wheels (generally arranged in a Locomotive wheel arrangement is how the wheels of the locomotive are arranged by type position and connections
• Pannier tank: A tank locomotive with the water tanks mounted on the boiler like panniers. A tank locomotive is a Steam locomotive that carries its own fuel and water on it instead of pulling it behind it in a tender. A tank locomotive is a Steam locomotive that carries its own fuel and water on it instead of pulling it behind it in a tender.
• Pantograph: An arm to pick up current from overhead lines. A pantograph is a device that collects electric current from Overhead lines for electric Trains or Trams The term stems from the resemblance to pantograph Overhead lines or overhead wires are used to transmit Electrical energy to Trams Trolleybuses or Trains at a distance from the ^[45]
• Per diem: A fee paid by a rail company to the owner of a car (US) (wagon (UK)) for the time it spends on the company's property; also an authorized living expense payment for some workers forced away from their home terminal. Pronounced by some U. S. railroaders per die-um, not per dee-um. ^[45]
• PICOP (UK): Person In Charge Of Possession – the railway or contractor's official responsible for safe working during engineer's possession.
• Piston: The moving component in the cylinder of a steam engine or internal combustion engine that translates into motion the force exerted by pressurised steam or exploding fuel. A piston is a component of Reciprocating engines Pumps and Gas compressors It is located in a cylinder and is made gas-tight by Piston A cylinder is the central working part of a Reciprocating engine, the space in which a Piston travels A steam engine is a Heat engine that performs Mechanical work using Steam as its Working fluid. The internal combustion engine is an engine in which the Combustion of Fuel and an Oxidizer (typically air occurs in a confined space called a ^[46]
• Point machine (UK): A motor or device which operates points.
• Points (UK): switch (US). This article primarily uses North American terminology British and Commonwealth terms are given in parentheses This article primarily uses North American terminology British and Commonwealth terms are given in parentheses Also "turnout".
• Pony truck: A two-wheel truck (US) or bogie (UK) at the front of a locomotive. A pony truck, in Railroad terminology, is a Leading truck with only two wheels ^[47]
• Porter: A Porter had various roles: A Baggage Porter assisted with luggage; an Operating Porter assisted with Safeworking duties; a Station Porter assisted with general station duties and a Lad Porter was a junior Station Porter. A porter is a railroad employee assigned to assist passengers aboard a passenger train or to handle their baggage it may be used particularly to refer to employees assigned to assisting Safeworking is the application by Railways of sets of rules and physical equipment so as to avoid collisions between trains
• Position light signal: A signal in which the position of the lights determine the meaning of the aspect shown.
• Pound (rail): Term describing the weight (and thus the cross section) of a length of rail. A Rail profile is a Hot rolled Steel profile of a specific Shape or cross section (an asymmetrical I-beam) designed A heavier rail can carry heavier loads with less distortion and less damage to the rails themselves and the roadbed.
• Power: A slang term referring to a locomotive or group of connected (MU'd) locomotives serving as the motive power for a train (as in "the hostler brought the power to the service pit. ")^[45]
• Prairie: A steam locomotive with a 2-6-2 wheel arrangement. Under the Whyte notation for the classification of Steam locomotives by Wheel arrangement, a 2-6-2 has two Leading wheels six coupled Locomotive wheel arrangement is how the wheels of the locomotive are arranged by type position and connections
• Push-pull: A mode of operation whereby a locomotive-hauled train may be driven with the locomotive at the front, middle or back of the train. Push-pull is a mode of operation for Locomotive -hauled Trains allowing them to be driven from either end Also: Auto train (UK), above. See Top and tail for train with locomotives at both front and back. A top and tail Railway Train is a has Locomotives at both ends for ease of changing direction ^[45]

• Railbus: A DMU the size of a bus, sometimes made using bus components. A diesel multiple unit or DMU is a Multiple unit train consisting of multiple carriages powered by one or more on-board Diesel
• Railcar: A powered passenger car. A railcar (not to be confused with a railway car) is a self-propelled railway Vehicle designed to Transport passengers
• Railfan: A hobbyist or enthusiast of trains (q. A railfan or rail buff ( American English) railway enthusiast or railway buff ( Australian / British English) or (often v. "Foamer").
• Rail grinder: a machine used to remove irregularities in the surface of the rails. A railgrinder (or rail grinder is a Maintenance of way vehicle or train used to restore the profile and remove irregularities from worn Rail track to extend its life May be self powered or part of a consist. A consist, in North American Railway terminology, is used as a noun to describe the group of rail vehicles which make up a Train.
• Rail profile The cross section shape of rail. A Rail profile is a Hot rolled Steel profile of a specific Shape or cross section (an asymmetrical I-beam) designed There are many rail profiles which are often specific to individual railroads. Rails need to 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.
• Railroad car: A railroad vehicle that is not a locomotive. A railroad car or railway carriage is a Vehicle on a rail transport system (railroad or railway that is used for the carrying of Cargo or
• Railroadiana: Artifacts of railways around the world. Railroadiana or railwayana refers to artifacts of currently or formerly operating Railways around the world
• Rail sled (US): A form of wheel chock that slips onto the rail under the wheel of rolling stock which prevents the vehicle from rolling. Rolling Stock was a Newspaper of ideas and a chronicle of the 1980s published in Boulder, Colorado
• Rail Tractor: A small petrol (gas) or diesel shunting (switcher) locomotive. A switcher or shunter ( Great Britain: shunter; Australia: shunter or yard pilot; USA: switcher (or A switcher or shunter ( Great Britain: shunter; Australia: shunter or yard pilot; USA: switcher (or
• Railway station : A train station. |}A train station, railway station, railroad station, or station yard is a facility at which Passengers may board and alight from Trains |}A train station, railway station, railroad station, or station yard is a facility at which Passengers may board and alight from Trains
• Rake: (UK) A group of passenger coaches coupled together.
• Red: A colour generally associated with stop, when shown by signals or flags. Red is any of a number of similar Colors evoked by light consisting predominantly of the longest wavelengths of Light discernible by the human eye in the wavelength
• Reefer: A refrigerated railcar, used to transport perishable goods. A refrigerator car (or "reefer") is a refrigerated Boxcar, a piece of Railroad Rolling stock designed to carry perishable
• Rent-a-Wreck (slang, U. S. ): A (usually old) locomotive owned by a leasing company. ^[48]
• Reporting mark: A two- to four-letter code, assigned by the Association of American Railroads, that is applied to equipment operating on North American railroads to identify the owner. A reporting mark is an identification assigned by the Association of American Railroads (AAR to rail carriers and other companies operating in North America. The Association of American Railroads is an industry trade group representing primarily the major freight railroads of ^[49]
• Reverser or Reverser handle: See Cut off, above. A reverser handle is an operating control for a Railroad Locomotive that is used to determine the direction of travel In a Steam engine, cutoff is the point in the Piston stroke at which the inlet valve is closed The handle that controls the directional control on a locomotive.
• Ribbon Rail: Continuously welded rail. ^[49]
• Right-side failure: A failure in a signalling system which leaves the system in a safe condition.
• Rolling stock: (UK) A railroad vehicle that is not a locomotive; 'railroad car'. Rolling Stock was a Newspaper of ideas and a chronicle of the 1980s published in Boulder, Colorado (US) Any railroad car and/or locomotive. ^[49]
• Rookie: See Trainee. For the Walt Disney Pictures film about Jim Morris, see The Rookie (2002 movie.
• Run-round (runaround (US)): the 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).
  (See headshunt for diagram of a 'run-round loop'. A headshunt (US escape track) is a short length of track, provided to release Locomotives at terminal platforms, or to allow shunting to take )^[49]

• Saddle tank: A tank locomotive with the water tank mounted on top of the boiler like a saddle. A tank locomotive is a Steam locomotive that carries its own fuel and water on it instead of pulling it behind it in a tender. ^[50]
• Safety Appliance Act (US): A law mandating air brakes, grab bars, and automatic couplers
• Safeworking: The system of rules and equipment designed to ensure the safe operation of trains. The Safety Appliance Act is a United States federal law that made air brakes and automatic couplers mandatory on all Trains in the United States An air brake is a conveyance braking system applied by means of compressed air. A coupling (or a coupler) is a mechanism for connecting Rolling stock in a train
• Schnabel car: A specialized type of freight car for extra heavy and over sized loads; the car is loaded in such a way that the load forms part of the car superstructure. A Schnabel car is a specialized type of Railroad Freight car. A railroad car or railway carriage is a Vehicle on a rail transport system (railroad or railway that is used for the carrying of Cargo or
• Searchlight: A signal with a single light source usually capable of displaying three different colors. An internal mechanism governs the color displayed. ^[50]
• Section: The division of the track for security (occupation).
• Semaphore: A type of signal that has a moving arm; any signalling using semaphores. A signal is a mechanical or electrical device erected beside a Railway line to pass information relating to the state of the line ahead to train drivers/engineers.
• Shay: A type of geared steam locomotive built to the patents of Ephraim Shay. Shay locomotive was the most widely used Geared steam locomotive. ^[50]
• Shoofly: A temporary stretch of track that takes trains around construction or an accident scene. ^[50]
• Shunt (UK): To move trains or vehicles from one track to another.
• Shunt (US): To bond the rails/power feeds between sections on trolley/light rail systems, so as to temporarily bridge past dead areas.
• Shunter (UK): switcher (US) or shifter (PRR only): A small locomotive used for assembling trains and moving railroad cars around. A switcher or shunter ( Great Britain: shunter; Australia: shunter or yard pilot; USA: switcher (or A switcher or shunter ( Great Britain: shunter; Australia: shunter or yard pilot; USA: switcher (or A switcher or shunter ( Great Britain: shunter; Australia: shunter or yard pilot; USA: switcher (or The Pennsylvania Railroad was an American Railroad, founded in 1846 Also, a person involved in such work. ^[50]
• Shuttle service: A train, usually a passenger service, that runs back and forth over a relatively short distance, such as between a junction station and a branch-line terminus. A branch line is a secondary railway line which branches off a more important through route usually a main line.
• Side tank: A tank locomotive with water tanks mounted each side of the boiler. A tank locomotive is a Steam locomotive that carries its own fuel and water on it instead of pulling it behind it in a tender. A tank locomotive is a Steam locomotive that carries its own fuel and water on it instead of pulling it behind it in a tender.
• Siding: A section of track off the main line. A siding, in Rail terminology, is a track section distinct from a through route such as a main line or Branch line or spur Sidings are often used for storing rolling stock or freight. A sidiing is also used as a form of rail access for warehouses and other businesses, where the siding will often meet up with loading docks at rail car height in the building. In the U. S. the term is also used to cover the British term: loop. A passing loop (or "crossing loop" is a place on a single line railway/tramway where trains/trams in opposing directions can pass each other Also, a passing track in the U. A siding, in Rail terminology, is a track section distinct from a through route such as a main line or Branch line or spur S.
• Signal: A device that indicates to the driver of a train information about the line ahead. A signal is a mechanical or electrical device erected beside a Railway line to pass information relating to the state of the line ahead to train drivers/engineers.
• Signal aspect: The information conveyed to a railroad vehicle operator by a block signal. A railroad engineer, railway engineer, locomotive engineer, train operator, train driver or engine driver is a person who operates A signal is a mechanical or electrical device erected beside a Railway line to pass information relating to the state of the line ahead to train drivers/engineers. Signals may use colored lights, position-significant lights or mechanical semaphores to generate various aspects.
• Signal box: A building or room which houses signal levers (usually in a frame), a control panel or a VDU-based control system. Mechanical Railway signalling installations rely on lever frames for their operation to interlock the signals and points to allow the safe operation
• Signal Passed At Danger or SPAD (UK): where a train disobeys a stop signal. Signal passed at danger (SPAD in Railway terminology, describes an event where a train has run beyond its allocated signal block without authority as indicated
• Signalman: A person in charge of the signalling at a station or junction, often in a Signal-box. A signalman or signaller is an employee of a Railway transport network who operates the points and signals from a Signal box in order
• Six-foot: The narrow corridor between a pair of closely-spaced tracks, nominally six feet wide. See also four-foot and ten-foot.
• Slack (UK): A temporary speed restriction to protect, for example, sections of track in poor condition and awaiting repair. Also applies to the timing tolerance included in timetable schedules to allow for such restrictions.
• Slack action (UK/US): Looseness in a train caused by mating clearances in couplers. In Railroading slack action is the amount of free movement of one car before it transmits its motion to an adjoining coupled car ^[50]
• Sleeper (UK), tie (US): Bars placed at 90° to the rail tracks to support the rails. A railroad tie, cross tie, or railway sleeper is a rectangular object used as a base for Railroad tracks. Generally of wood, concrete or steel, with hardware to affix the rails, usually spikes, nails or bolts. In Rail terminology, a spike is a large nail with an offset head that is used to secure rails or Fishplates (or baseplates to ties in the track Note in the UK baseplates and clips are used to affix the rail to the sleeper. Spikes are widely used in North America.
• Slippery rail: 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. Slippery rail is an adverse condition of railroads caused by fallen moist leaves that lie on and cling to the top surface of the rails of Railroad tracks
• Slow order: A local speed restriction below the track's normal speed limit. A slow order is a local speed restriction on a rail line which is set below the track's normal speed limit Slow orders can be imposed on a temporary basis to protect, for example, maintenance of way employees while sections track are under repair. MOW redirects here For other meanings see MOW (disambiguation. Widely used in areas where track is substandard and in need of repair.
• Slug: 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. A railroad slug is an accessory to a Diesel-electric locomotive. ^[50]
• Smokebox: An enclosed (normally cylindrical) space attached to the end of the boiler opposite the firebox on a steam locomotive (normally the front). A smokebox is one of the major basic parts of a steam Locomotive. A steam locomotive is a Locomotive powered by Steam. The term usually refers to its use on Railways but can also refer to a "road locomotive" Supports the stack/chimney; steam pipes to and from the cylinders pass through here; contains the blastpipe/exhaust nozzle where the exhaust steam is used to provide draft for the fire. The blastpipe is part of a Steam Locomotive that discharges exhaust steam from the cylinders into the Smokebox beneath the Chimney In superheated locomotives, also contains the superheater header and (optionally) a front-end throttle. See Superheating for the physics process A superheater is a device in a Steam engine that heats the steam generated by the A smokebox door allows access for cleaning.
• Smokestack (abbr. A flue gas stack is a type of Chimney, a vertical pipe channel or similar structure through which Combustion product gases called Flue gases are exhausted stack) (US): chimney (UK). A chimney is a system for venting hot Flue gases or Smoke from a Boiler, Stove, Furnace or Fireplace to the outside ^[51]
• SPAD (UK): Signal Passed At Danger, where a train disobeys a stop signal. Signal passed at danger (SPAD in Railway terminology, describes an event where a train has run beyond its allocated signal block without authority as indicated Sometimes referred to as a "blown red" in U. S. railroad slang.
• Speeder (US): A small vehicle used to let track inspectors and work crews move quickly to and from work sites. A speeder (also known as railway motor car putt-putt track-maintenance car crew car jigger trike quad trolley or inspection car is a Maintenance of way Motorized (Obsolete) Speeders have mostly been replaced by trucks and SUVs with retractable flanged wheels. ^[52]
• Spike: A bolt, pin or nail used to hold rails, or plates connected to the rails (known as tie plates), to sleepers (ties). In Rail terminology, a spike is a large nail with an offset head that is used to secure rails or Fishplates (or baseplates to ties in the track
• Spiral easement See Track transition curve. A Track transition curve, or spiral easement, is a mathematically calculated curve on a section of highway or railroad track where a straight section changes into a curve Also known as tangent lead-in. ^[50]
• SPT (UK): Signal-post telephone - A direct no-dial telephone link to the relevant Signal-box, positioned on or near a signal.
• Spur (US): A stretch of rail that branches off the main line. Different from a siding or stub, spurs can be miles in length, and usually have only one destination at the end. ^[50]
• SPURT (India): An acronym for Self Propelled Ultrasonic Rail Testing, a self-propelled rail defect detector car. ^[53]
• Staff and ticket: A method of safeworking involving a token. In Railway signalling, a token is a physical object which a locomotive driver is required to have or see before entering onto a particular section of single track ^[50]
• Standard gauge: Railroad track where the rails are spaced 1,435 mm (4 ft 8½ in) apart. The standard gauge (also named the Stephenson gauge after George Stephenson, or Normal gauge) is a widely-used Rail gauge. This is by far the most common gauge of railway worldwide. ^[50]
• Station-master: The person in charge of a station. The station master was the person in charge of railway stations in the United Kingdom and some other countries before the modern age
• Station pilot (UK): Shunting engine based at a major passenger station and used for passenger train shunting duties. A switcher or shunter ( Great Britain: shunter; Australia: shunter or yard pilot; USA: switcher (or
• Steam generator: A device generally used in passenger trains to create steam for heating. Steam generator is the term used to describe a type of boiler used to produce Steam for climate control and Potable water heating in Railroad The steam generator is usually in the locomotive but may also be located in other cars. ^[50]
• Steam reverser: A Cut Off worked by a steam piston controlled from the cab. In a Steam engine, cutoff is the point in the Piston stroke at which the inlet valve is closed In a Steam engine, cutoff is the point in the Piston stroke at which the inlet valve is closed
• Steeplecab (US): An electric locomotive with a central cab and sloping "noses" on each end. In Railroad terminology, a steeplecab is a style or design of Electric locomotive; the term is rarely if ever used for other forms of power
• Steward: A person in a dining car with a role similar to that of a Maitre d’Hotel.
• Stub (North America) A relatively short section of track that ends at a bumper or wheelstop, most often found in a terminal. |}A train station, railway station, railroad station, or station yard is a facility at which Passengers may board and alight from Trains Not to be confused with a spur, which may be miles (kilometers) in length.
• Subway (UK): A tunnel passing underneath the railway tracks to allow passengers to cross from one platform to another. In the United Kingdom and some Commonwealth countries (such as India, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, and Singapore) the term
• Subway (US): A railroad that runs underground, generally in a large city. A rapid transit, underground, subway, elevated railway or metro(politan system is an electric passenger railway Subways are also considered "heavy rail" because they operate on their own dedicated track. Not to be confused with the interurban definition of subway, which is normally a light-rail passenger service running mostly underground.
• Supercharger A mechanical device that increases the supply of air to the combustion chamber on a Diesel engine. A supercharger is an air compressor used for Forced induction of an Internal combustion engine. A diesel engine is an Internal combustion engine which operates using the Diesel cycle (named after Dr Also known as a "Blower" The most common type of supercharger used on a diesel locomotive engine is a Roots type supercharger. The Roots type Supercharger or Roots blower is a positive displacement pump which operates by pulling Air through a pair of meshing lobes not
• Superelevation (UK): Synonymous with cant: the banking of railroad track on curves. The cant of a Road (sometimes referred to as Camber or Cross slope) or Railway (also referred to as superelevation) is the difference Specifically, the practice on high speed lines (where the cant needs to be higher) of gently introducing the elevation of the outer rail before the bend starts, in order to avoid sudden lurches. ^[50]
• Superheater: A device in a steam locomotive that raises the temperature of saturated steam substantially beyond the boiling point of water, increasing power and efficiency. See Superheating for the physics process A superheater is a device in a Steam engine that heats the steam generated by the A steam locomotive is a Locomotive powered by Steam. The term usually refers to its use on Railways but can also refer to a "road locomotive" ^[50]
• Switch (US): points (UK). This article primarily uses North American terminology British and Commonwealth terms are given in parentheses Also "turnout". ^[50]
• Switcher (US), shunter (UK): A small locomotive used for assembling trains and moving railroad cars around. A switcher or shunter ( Great Britain: shunter; Australia: shunter or yard pilot; USA: switcher (or A switcher or shunter ( Great Britain: shunter; Australia: shunter or yard pilot; USA: switcher (or ^[50]
• Switchman: A railroad worker responsible for assembling trains and switching railroad cars in a yard; now often used together with brakeman as a single job description ("brakeman/switchman").

• Tank engine (UK): A locomotive that carries its own fuel and water instead of hauling a tender. An EMD SW900 is a diesel Switcher Locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division and General Motors Diesel Division between December 1953 and A tank locomotive is a Steam locomotive that carries its own fuel and water on it instead of pulling it behind it in a tender. The fuel is usually in a bunker behind the cab and the water in tanks on either side of, above, or below the boiler (respectively: side tank, saddle tank, well tank).
• Team track: A spur or siding for loading freight, often used by firms not having their own direct rail access. A team track is a small Railroad siding or spur track intended for the use of area Merchants manufacturers, farmers ^[54]
• Ten-foot: An area, usually at least ten feet wide, between a pair of widely-spaced tracks, wide enough to form a place of safety in which railway workers can stand while a train goes past. See also four-foot and six-foot.
• Ten-wheeler (US): A steam locomotive with a 4-6-0 wheel arrangement. In the Whyte notation, a 4-6-0 is a Railroad Steam locomotive that has a two-axle Leading truck followed by three Driving axles Locomotive wheel arrangement is how the wheels of the locomotive are arranged by type position and connections
• Terminal station (esp. |}A train station, railway station, railroad station, or station yard is a facility at which Passengers may board and alight from Trains U. S. ), terminus (esp. UK): A station sited where a railway line or service ends or terminates.
• The T (US): A nickname for Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) the Subway service through Boston, Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority ( MBTA) is "a body politic and corporate and a political subdivision" of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority ( MBTA) is "a body politic and corporate and a political subdivision" of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts A rapid transit, underground, subway, elevated railway or metro(politan system is an electric passenger railway
• Theatre indicator (UK) An illuminated number usually attached to signal indicating arrival platform for train approaching a station.
• Third Rail: An electrified rail that runs along the tracks, giving power to trains. A third rail is a method of providing Electricity to power a railway through a continuous rigid conductor alongside the railway track or between the rails Used mostly in subways and rapid transit systems. The New York City Subway is a Rapid transit system owned by the City of New York and leased to the New York City Transit Authority, a subsidiary agency ^[54]
• Through platform: The standard platform and track arrangement at a station. A railway platform is a section of pathway alongside Rail tracks at a Train station, Metro station or Tram stop, at which passengers may board 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.
• Through-routing: Combining two or more different railways onto a common length of track. This is often done to eliminate redundant trackage and/or improve service.
• Tie (US): sleeper (UK): A rectangular object used as a base for railroad tracks. A railroad tie, cross tie, or railway sleeper is a rectangular object used as a base for Railroad tracks. A railroad tie, cross tie, or railway sleeper is a rectangular object used as a base for Railroad tracks. ^[54]
• Tie plate: A plate which is bolted to sleepers, holding the rails in place. A tie plate (US or baseplate (UK in Railroading is a Steel plate used between Flanged T rail and the crossties The tie plate increases
• TOFC: An abbreviation for "Trailer-On-Flat-Car" (Intermodal freight transport). Intermodal freight transport involves the transportation of freight in a container or Vehicle, using multiple modes of Transportation ( ^[54]
• Token: A physical object given to a locomotive driver to authorize him to use a particular stretch of single track. In Railway signalling, a token is a physical object which a locomotive driver is required to have or see before entering onto a particular section of single track
• Top and tail (UK): A train with locomotives at both ends, for ease of changing direction. A top and tail Railway Train is a has Locomotives at both ends for ease of changing direction
• Torpedo (US): A small explosive device strapped to the top of the rail to alert an approaching train of danger ahead. A torpedo creates a loud noise upon contact with a locomotive wheel, signaling the engineer to reduce speed to 20 mph or less; the train cannot resume its original speed until it has traveled at least a mile beyond where it encountered the device. Traditionally used in pairs to ensure that the sound registered with train crews, torpedoes today are essentially obsolete as modern locomotive cabs' soundproof construction renders the devices useless. (UK:Detonator)^[54]
• Torpedo tube: A slang term for a type of roof-mounted air reservoir. A torpedo tube is a device for launching Torpedoes in a horizontal direction The long, cylindrical tanks (which resembled the torpedo launch tubes on World War II PT boats) were integral to the design of the EMD SD24, and retrofitted (both at the factory and on an aftermarket basis) to other locomotives such as the GP7, GP9, and CF7 (typically when the units were placed into passenger train service and larger fuel and water storage tanks were required). World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including PT Boats were a variety of motor Torpedo boat ( Hull classification symbol "PT" for "Patrol Torpedo" a small fast vessel used by the The EMD SD24 was a 2400 hp (1800 kW C-C Diesel locomotive built by General Motors ' Electro-Motive Division of La Grange Illinois The EMD GP7 is a four-axle diesel-electric Locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division and General Motors Diesel between October 1949 An EMD GP9 is a four-axle diesel Locomotive built by General Motors' Electro-Motive Division in the United States and General Motors Diesel in Canada between A CF7 is an EMD F-unit Railroad Locomotive that has had its streamlined carbody removed and replaced with a custom-made "general purpose"
• Trackage rights (US): The legal right of one railroad company to use the tracks of another, as agreed to by the companies concerned or their predecessors; may also be ordered by government regulators, for example, as a condition of a merger. Railway companies can interact with and control others in many ways Running powers (UK). ^[54]
• Track circuit: An electrical device for proving that a section of track is clear of vehicles, and used in the signalling logic. A track circuit is a simple electrical device used to detect the presence or absence of a Train on Rail tracks, used to inform signallers and control relevant signals
• Trackside objects: See Wayobjects under "W" below.
• Track tamping machine: Generally, a locomotive used in track maintenance and equipped with track lifting facilities, and paddles enabling ballast to be pushed beneath a rail track so as to assure its level and cant.
• Track transition curve: 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. A Track transition curve, or spiral easement, is a mathematically calculated curve on a section of highway or railroad track where a straight section changes into a curve The cant of a Road (sometimes referred to as Camber or Cross slope) or Railway (also referred to as superelevation) is the difference Also known as the transition spiral and spiral easement.
• Track warrant (TWC)(US) Occupancy Control System (OCS)(CA): A system for authorizing main track occupancy using defined points such as mileposts, switches, or stations. Track warrants are systematized permissions used on some rail lines to authorize use of the main line instead of signals. ^[54]
• Traction motor: A large electric motor which drives the wheels on a Diesel Electric Locomotive. See also Electric vehicle, Electric motor A traction motor is a type of Electric motor used to power the driving wheels of a vehicle such as The number of traction motors depends on the locomotives configuration and horsepower. Most have direct drive axles and some have gear driven axles. ^[54]
• Traction supply: The supply for the driving traction motors of electric trains.
• Trailing: A turnout is trailing if the two legs of that turnout merge in the direction of travel. Facing and trailing are terms used to describe railway turnouts (or 'points' in the UK in respect to whether they are divergent or convergent See Facing. Facing and trailing are terms used to describe railway turnouts (or 'points' in the UK in respect to whether they are divergent or convergent
• Trainee: An employee that is new on the job and has gotten out of railroad school. The term training refers to the acquisition of knowledge skills and competencies as a result of the teaching of vocational or practical skills and knowledge
• Trainman: An employee assigned to train service, such as a Conductor, Brakeman or Switchman. is a Japanese Movie, television series, Manga, Novel, and other media, all based on the purportedly true story of a 23-year-old
• Trainmaster: A Dispatcher, the person(s) in charge of all traffic within the assigned blocks.
• Train order: A system for authorizing main track occupancy using telephone, telegraph and wayside stations to pass authority to train crews. Train order operation is a system by which the railroads of North America conveyed operating instructions before the days of Centralized traffic control, Direct
• Train register (UK): A book or loose-leaf sheets kept in a signal box and used to record the passage of trains, messages passed, and other prescribed events.
• Trainset: A group of rolling stock that is permanently or semi-permanently coupled together to form a unified set of equipment. Rolling Stock was a Newspaper of ideas and a chronicle of the 1980s published in Boulder, Colorado Trainsets are most often used in passenger train configurations. A train is a connected series of vehicles that move along a track ( Permanent way) to transport freight or passengers from one place to another
• Treadle: A mechanical or electrical device for detecting the presence of a rail vehicle with a pin-point accuracy, unlike a track circuit which can be detection over a length of up to several kilometres. A treadle OE ''tredan'' = to tread is a part of a machine which is operated by the foot to produce reciprocating or rotary motion in a machine such as a weaving loom (reciprocating A track circuit is a simple electrical device used to detect the presence or absence of a Train on Rail tracks, used to inform signallers and control relevant signals
• Triangle (UK), Wye (US): A track layout that facilitates the turning of engines or complete trains.
• Truck (mainly US, not Canada) See Bogie
• Truck (UK, outdated/informal): freight car (US). 0-9 Note for 4-4-0 2-6-4T 0-4-4-0 etc See Whyte notation or UIC classification A B A railroad car or railway carriage is a Vehicle on a rail transport system (railroad or railway that is used for the carrying of Cargo or
• Turnout: A switch (also known as a set of points)
• Turntable: A section of track that can rotate, allowing rolling stock to be reversed, and also allow a large number of engine maintenance sidings to be accessed in a small area. This article primarily uses North American terminology British and Commonwealth terms are given in parentheses This article primarily uses North American terminology British and Commonwealth terms are given in parentheses In Rail terminology, a turntable is a device used to turn railroad Rolling stock.

• Union station or union terminal (US), joint station (UK): A railway station (q. Chester railway station is a Railway station in the city of Chester, England. For other meanings see Union Station. See List of Union Stations for a specific station with the name v. ) at which tracks and facilities are shared by two or more railway companies. This is a list of the world's Railway operating companies listed alphabetically by continent and country ^[55]
• Up (UK, etc. ): A direction (usually towards London, other capital city, or the headquarters of the railway concerned) or side (on left-running railways, the left side when facing in the up direction). Railroad directions are used to describe train directions on railroad systems The opposite of down. The up direction is usually associated with even-numbered trains and signals.
• UP (US): The common name and reporting mark for the Union Pacific Railroad. A reporting mark is an identification assigned by the Association of American Railroads (AAR to rail carriers and other companies operating in North America.

• Vacuum brake A continuous train brake which is fail-safe in operation: the brake is powered by a vacuum from the locomotive but the application is actually by atmospheric pressure when the vacuum is released. The vacuum brake is a braking system used on Trains It was first introduced in the mid 1860s and a variant the automatic vacuum brake system became almost This vacuum means "absence of matter" or "an empty area or space" for the cleaning appliance see Vacuum cleaner. Now largely superseded by the air brake. An air brake is a conveyance braking system applied by means of compressed air.
• (goods) Van (UK), boxcar (US): An enclosed railroad car, or piece of rolling stock, used to transport freight. A boxcar (the American term the British call this kind of car a " goods van " while in Australia they are usually referred to as " A boxcar (the American term the British call this kind of car a " goods van " while in Australia they are usually referred to as " A railroad car or railway carriage is a Vehicle on a rail transport system (railroad or railway that is used for the carrying of Cargo or
• Van (CA): slang word for caboose. A caboose (North American Railway terminology) or brake van or guard's van (British terminology is a manned rail transport vehicle coupled at

• Water glass/gauge: A device showing the level of water in the boiler. A sight glass or water gauge is a transparent tube through which the operator of a tank or Boiler can observe the level of liquid contained within ^[56]
• Way car: A term used by the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, Chicago and North Western Railway and Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway instead of caboose. A caboose (North American Railway terminology) or brake van or guard's van (British terminology is a manned rail transport vehicle coupled at The Chicago Burlington and Quincy Railroad was a railroad that operated in the Midwestern United States. The Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, often abbreviated as Santa Fe, was one of the larger railroads in the United States. A caboose (North American Railway terminology) or brake van or guard's van (British terminology is a manned rail transport vehicle coupled at ^[56]
• Wayobjects or Wayside objects: Trackside objects are any structures at the wayside or beside the rail tracks usually within the right-of-way, such as:

• railway signals
• third rails
• overhead lines and their supports
• electrification systems
• platforms
• boom barriers
• Etcetera

• Wayside: Trackside. Infrastructure typically refers to the technical structures that support a society such as Roads Water supply, Wastewater, Power grids A right-of-way is a strip of land that is granted – through an Easement or other mechanism – for Transportation purposes such as for a Rail line or A signal is a mechanical or electrical device erected beside a Railway line to pass information relating to the state of the line ahead to train drivers/engineers. A third rail is a method of providing Electricity to power a railway through a continuous rigid conductor alongside the railway track or between the rails Overhead lines or overhead wires are used to transmit Electrical energy to Trams Trolleybuses or Trains at a distance from the Railway electrification supplies electrical energy to railway Locomotives and Multiple units so they can operate without having a Reciprocating A railway platform is a section of pathway alongside Rail tracks at a Train station, Metro station or Tram stop, at which passengers may board A boom barrier is a bar or pole pivoted in such a way as to allow the boom to block vehicular access through a controlled point The term presumably has its origin from the term right-of-way. A right-of-way is a strip of land that is granted – through an Easement or other mechanism – for Transportation purposes such as for a Rail line or
• Well tank: A type of tank locomotive. A tank locomotive is a Steam locomotive that carries its own fuel and water on it instead of pulling it behind it in a tender. A tank locomotive is a Steam locomotive that carries its own fuel and water on it instead of pulling it behind it in a tender. The water tank is mounted between the frame plates, beneath the cab and boiler.
• Well wagon: A flat wagon that has a depressed centre and is used for carrying extra tall loads. A flatcar (also flat car) is a piece of Railroad rolling stock that consists of an open flat deck on four or six wheels or a pair of trucks (US or A flatcar (also flat car) is a piece of Railroad rolling stock that consists of an open flat deck on four or six wheels or a pair of trucks (US or
  • Well car. In Railroad terminology, a gondola is an open-top type of Rolling stock that is used for carrying loose bulk materials
  • Aircraft parts flatcar. In Railroad terminology, a gondola is an open-top type of Rolling stock that is used for carrying loose bulk materials
• Wheel: The rolling component typically pressed onto an axle and mounted on a rail car or locomotive truck or bogie. A wheel is a circular device that is capable of rotating on its axis facilitating movement or transportation whilst supporting a load ( Mass) or performing labour in machines 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 need to 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 rail 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. The term adhesion railway or adhesion traction describes the most common type of Railway, where power is applied by driving some or all of the Wheels 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. See Rail adhesion. The term adhesion railway or adhesion traction describes the most common type of Railway, where power is applied by driving some or all of the Wheels
• Wheel Flange: The inner section of a wheel that rides between the two rails. The term adhesion railway or adhesion traction describes the most common type of Railway, where power is applied by driving some or all of the Wheels The angle between the wheel tread and flange is often specific to the rail to prevent wheel climb and possible derailments. See Rail adhesion. The term adhesion railway or adhesion traction describes the most common type of Railway, where power is applied by driving some or all of the Wheels The wheel flange is part of the wheel tire.
• Wheel slip: The loss of traction due to a slippery rail or wheel. Slippery rail is an adverse condition of railroads caused by fallen moist leaves that lie on and cling to the top surface of the rails of Railroad tracks Slippery rail is an adverse condition of railroads caused by fallen moist leaves that lie on and cling to the top surface of the rails of Railroad tracks 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. ^[56]
• Wheel Tapper: An 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. The term adhesion railway or adhesion traction describes the most common type of Railway, where power is applied by driving some or all of the Wheels See Rail adhesion. The term adhesion railway or adhesion traction describes the most common type of Railway, where power is applied by driving some or all of the Wheels
• Whistle: Train whistles are used as a safety warning and also by the engineer to communicate to other railroad workers. A train whistle or air whistle, (originally referred to as a steam trumpet) is an audible signaling device on a Steam locomotive used to warn that the See train whistle for a description of the whistle code used to communicate. A train whistle or air whistle, (originally referred to as a steam trumpet) is an audible signaling device on a Steam locomotive used to warn that the Also a nickname for an air horn on a diesel locomotive. Train horns are audible warning devices found on most diesel and electric Locomotives Their primary purpose is to alert persons and animals to the presence of a train Steam engine whistles were historically known as chimes in the US during the 19th century.
• Whistle post: An advanced warning to the engineer of an upcoming grade crossing. A whistle post (or whistle board) in Railroad usage is a Sign marking a location where a locomotive engineer is required to sound the It is the point at which the engineer should begin sounding the whistle or horn. A train whistle or air whistle, (originally referred to as a steam trumpet) is an audible signaling device on a Steam locomotive used to warn that the Train horns are audible warning devices found on most diesel and electric Locomotives Their primary purpose is to alert persons and animals to the presence of a train
• Whyte notation: A system of describing steam locomotive wheel arrangements, eg 4-6-4, 2-10-2. The Whyte notation for classifying Steam locomotives by Wheel arrangement was devised by Frederick Methvan Whyte Other classification schemes like The first number indicates the number of "pilot" wheels that help lead the engine into turns. The second in 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, 8 wheels per set, and a 4 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.
• Wigwag: A Level or Grade Crossing Warning Signal consisting of a swinging disc facing road traffic with a red light in the centre. Wigwag is the nickname given to a type of early 20th century railroad Grade crossing signal, so named due to the Pendulum -like motion it The disc normally hangs straight down, but an approaching train will set it swinging from side to side, the red light will illuminate or flash and a bell will ring.
• Wrong-side failure: A failure in a signalling system that leaves the system in a dangerous condition.
• Wye (US), triangle (UK): Three railroad tracks in a triangular form with switches at all three corners. With sufficient lengths of track leading away in all three directions, a wye can turn a train of any length. ^[56]

• X-ing (AU): Slang for road crossing or level crossing. The term level crossing (also called a railroad crossing, road through railroad, railway crossing, train crossing or grade crossing Crossing (US).

• Yard: A location where rolling stock is switched to and from trains, freight is loaded or unloaded, and consist made up. A ( US and Canada) classification yard or ( UK and Canada) marshalling yard (including hump yards) is a Railroad Also Classification Yard or Hump Yard. ^[57]
• Yardmaster: The person(s) responsible for conducting all traffic within the yard. A ( US and Canada) classification yard or ( UK and Canada) marshalling yard (including hump yards) is a Railroad The Yardmaster gives orders for which cars go where in order to assemble or disassemble a consist.
• Yellow: A colour associated with a warning or a need to slow down when used by flags or signals; the exact meaning varies from railway system to railway. Yellow is the Color evoked by light that stimulates both the L and M (long and medium wavelength Cone cells of the Retina about equally

• Zig zag, (U. A Railway zig zag, also called a switchback, is a way of climbing hills in difficult country with a minimal need for Tunnels and heavy earthworks S. commonly) switchback: a way of climbing hills, where the train reverses direction for a while, and then reverses again to continue its journey.