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- Accidents
- Attractions
- By country
- Companies
- List of high-speed trains
- Longest train services
- Modelling
- Museums
- Operating
- Railway speed record
- Subsidies
- Terminology (AU, NA, NZ, UK)
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Rail transport terms are a form of technical terminology applied to railways. Although many terms are uniform across different nations and companies, they are by no means universal, with differences often originating from parallel development of rail transport systems in different parts of the world, and in the national origins of the engineers and managers who built the inaugural rail infrastructure. An example is the term railroad, used (but not exclusively) in North America, and railway, generally used in English-speaking countries outside North America and by the International Union of Railways. In English-speaking countries outside the United Kingdom, a mixture of US and UK terms may exist.<ref>Template:Cite conference</ref>
Various terms, both global and specific to individual countries, are listed here. The abbreviation "UIC" refers to terminology adopted by the International Union of Railways in its official publications and thesaurus.<ref name="UIC">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
0–9Edit
AEdit
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File:WheelArrangement 4-4-0.svg
The American wheel arrangement
File:WheelArrangement 4-4-2.svg
The Atlantic wheel arrangement
File:Achslager-Nordbahn-Wagen.JPG
A Swiss axle box
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BEdit
File:4017 Backhead 20040426.jpg
The backhead of UP 4017, a locomotive at the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, Wisconsin
File:BNSF-badorder.jpg
An example of a BNSF Railway bad order repair tag
File:WheelArrangement 2-8-4.svg
The Berkshire wheel arrangement
File:Level crossing P1210798.jpg
Boom barriers at a railway crossing in France
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CEdit
Template:Glossary Template:Term Template:Defn
File:ConRail Bay Cab Caboose.jpg
A caboose on display at the National New York Central Railroad Museum
File:Amtrak Regional viewed from NJ Transit train.jpg
A catenary is visible above this electric Amtrak train.
File:WheelArrangement 4-6-6-4.svg
The Challenger wheel arrangement
File:WheelArrangement 2-8-0.svg
The Consolidation wheel arrangement
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DEdit
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File:WheelArrangement 2-10-0.svg
The Decapod wheel arrangement
File:Track Detonator.JPG
A detonator on a rail
File:MulberryXing.jpg
A railroad crossing at grade, also known as a diamond
File:Szynobus Wlkp..JPG
A diesel multiple unit in Poland
File:Canadian National diesels southbound on the Norfolk Southern near Polaris Mall in Columbus, Ohio (2092116881).jpg
.jpg){kind=link}
A Canadian National Railway train showing the placement of ditch lights on the locomotive
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EEdit
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FEdit
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GEdit
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File:3801 EMD GP38-2 diesel locomotive.jpg
An EMD GP38-2, "General Purpose" (GP) locomotives are often called a "Geep"
Template:Term Template:Defn Template:Glossary end
HEdit
- Harmonic rock or harmonic rock and roll
- The condition of locomotives and cars swaying in opposite directions when traversing depressions on the roadbed. A potentially dangerous condition that can cause coupler damage, lading damage, or derailments at slower speeds.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Head-End Power
- A scheme whereby the locomotive engine or a separate generator provides hotel power to carriages<ref name="Trains Glossary H">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Headboard
- A sign attached to a locomotive to identify a named train or charter, or for other special occasions<ref name="Webb, Deltic">Template:Cite book</ref>
- Headstock
- A transverse structural member located at the extreme end of a rail vehicle's underframe. The headstock supports the coupling at that end of the vehicle, and may also support buffers, in which case it may also be known as a "buffer beam".<ref name="rtwp">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Heavy haul
- Heavy freight operations<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- High rail
- The upper rail in a curve or superelevation, which typically experiences higher lateral loads and greater wear
- Hole
- A passing siding. Inferior trains "lay over in the hole" to let superior ones pass.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Home signal
- See absolute signal.
- Template:AnchorHorn blocks
- Plates lining the axlebox cut-outs in a locomotive frame to allow smooth vertical movement under control of the springs<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
- Hostling
- The action of shuttling a locomotive from the yard to the engine house or vice versa<ref>Template:Cite encyclopedia</ref>
- Hotbox
- An axle bearing that has become excessively hot due to friction<ref name="Trains Glossary H" /><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite patent</ref>
- Hotbox detector
- A device attached to the track that monitors passing trains for hot axles, and reports results via radio transmission (typical in the US) or a circuit to the signal box (typical in the UK). See defect detector.<ref name="Trains Glossary H" />
- Hudson type
- A steam locomotive with a 4-6-4 wheel arrangement<ref name="Solomon 2009 52" /><ref name = solomon>Template:Cite book</ref>File:WheelArrangement 4-6-4.svgThe Hudson wheel arrangement
- 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. This is faster and requires less effort than moving cars with a switching engine.<ref name="Trains Glossary H" />
- 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 truck or bogie wanders from side to side between the rails, "hunting" for the optimum location based on the forces at play.<ref name="Trains Glossary H" />
IEdit
- Independent brake or locomotive brake
- The braking system that applies or releases the brakes of a locomotive independently from its train<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Infill station or in-fill station
- A train station built on an existing passenger line to address demand in a location between existing stations
- Injector
- A device to force water into a steam locomotive's boiler by steam pressure<ref name="Trains Glossary I">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Insulated rail joint (IRJ) or insulated block joint (IBJ)
- Rail joints incorporating insulation to isolate individual track circuits<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Interchange
- Any track or yard where rail cars are transferred from one carrier to another<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Interlocking
- An arrangement of switches and signals interconnected in a way that each movement follows the other in a proper and safe sequence<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Intermodal freight transport
- Moving goods by more than one type of vehicle, often achieved using shipping containers that are transferred among railroad flatcars, ships, airplanes, and tractor-trailer trucks<ref name="Trains Glossary I" />
- Intermodal passenger transport
- Moving people by more than one type of vehicle<ref name="Trains Glossary I" />
- Interoperability
- Ability of a transport network to operate trains and infrastructures to provide, accept and use services so exchanged without any substantial change in functionality or performance<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Island platform
- A railway platform that has tracks along the full lengths of both sides
- Island railway station
- A railway station with a station building on an island platform
JEdit
File:Journal box.png
A journal box complete with bearing and journal
- Jacobs Bogie
- A Bogie, or truck (American), shared between two pieces of rolling stock. Cars joined with Jacobs bogies are semi-permanently joined in an articulated configuration. A weight-saving feature used on lightweight passenger trains.
- Joint bar or rail joiner
- A metal plate that joins the ends of rails in jointed track<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}Template:Failed verification</ref>
- 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 or joint bars<ref name="Trains Glossary J">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Journal bearing
- A bearing without rolling elements; a plain bearing<ref name="CSXJ">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Journal box
- The housing of a journal bearing.<ref name="CSXJ" /><ref>Template:Cite encyclopedia</ref> See also Axlebox above.
- Jubilee type
- A steam locomotive with a 4-4-4 wheel arrangement<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>File:WheelArrangement 4-4-4.svgThe Jubilee wheel arrangement
- Junction
- A point at which two lines or separate routes diverge from each other<ref name="Trains Glossary J" />
KEdit
- Keeper
- A padlock or hook securing the lever of a hand-operated switch, thereby preventing the switch points from moving as rolling stock passes over them<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Kick
- To shove a car a short distance and uncouple it in motion, allowing it to roll free under gravity and/or its own inertia onto a track. Commonly practiced in bowl or hump yards to make up or break down trains or classify large numbers of cars in an expedient fashion. Differs from a flying switch in that the locomotive is pushing the car rather than pulling it when the cut is made.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
- Kicker
- A freight car with a defect in its brake valve that causes the entire train's brake system to go into emergency when any application is made<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Kinematic envelope (KE)
- The outline of the space beside and above the track that must be kept clear of obstructions for the train to pass. This can be larger than the static clearance around an unmoving engine or car.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> See also: loading gauge and structure gauge
- Knuckle
- The articulating part of a coupler that locks automatically in its closed position to join rail cars; so named because its movement resembles that of the human finger<ref>Template:Cite patent</ref>
LEdit
- Template:AnchorLead track
- A non-main track from which several others branch within a short distance, such as within a rail yard or engine terminal<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Level crossing (LC), railroad crossing, railway crossing, train crossing, or grade crossing
- 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. Not to be confused with non-dead-end railways (see Rail crossing)
- Light engine
- A locomotive travelling on its own, or perhaps with just a caboose (brake van) attached<ref name="Trains Glossary L">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Light rail
- A city-based rail system based on tram design standards<ref name="Trains Glossary L" /> that operates mostly in private rights-of-way separated from other traffic but sometimes, if necessary, mixed with other traffic in city streets.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref> Light rail vehicles (LRVs) generally have a top speed of around Template:Convert though mostly operating at much lower speeds, more akin to road vehicles.
- Link and pin
- An obsolete method of coupling rail cars, consisting of manually dropping the coupling pin into the drawbar as the cars joined. Extremely hazardous to the brakemen of its day, it was outlawed in the United States by the Railroad Safety Appliance Act of 1893.
- Local train
- A train that stops at most, if not all, stations along its route<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Template:AnchorLunar
- An off-white color of railway signal light, like the Moon, achieved by the use of a clear lens of very light blue, to make it distinct from a light that has a broken lens.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
MEdit
- Maglev
- A system of high speed train transportation that uses two sets of magnets: one set to repel and push the train up off the track, and another set to move the elevated train ahead, taking advantage of the lack of friction.
- Main generator
- The electric generator in a diesel–electric locomotive that is coupled directly to the prime mover and feeds electrical energy to the traction motors<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Main reservoir
- The compressed-air tank of a locomotive containing source air for the brakes and other pneumatic appliances<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>Template:Self-published inline
- Mallet
- A type of compound articulated locomotive designed by the Swiss mechanical engineer Anatole Mallet (pronounced "mallay").<ref name="Trains Glossary M">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> See Compound engine.
- Manifest
- An express freight train carrying a variety of general merchandise<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Mars Light
- A nose-mounted mechanically oscillated light used to warn traffic of an approaching locomotive. Functionally replaced by ditch lights on modern locomotives.
- Mechanical semaphore signal
- A signal in which the aspect is conveyed by moving an arm<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Meet
- In rail transport operations, a meet occurs when two trains arrive at a location and pass each other on parallel tracks, such as on a siding, usually in opposing directions.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> This is also sometimes referred to as a crossing of two trains.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Mikado type
- A steam locomotive with a 2-8-2 wheel arrangement<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>File:WheelArrangement 2-8-2.svgThe Mikado wheel arrangement
- Template:Visible anchor
- In the U.S., milk trains ran from the countryside to cities making numerous stops at minor depots to pick up cans of fresh milk, making them a colloquial expression for a very slow train.
- In the U. K., an aggregator for transporting milk from farms to dairies, such as British Railways Milk Trains; as these trains invariably ran very early in the morning, "milk train" became a colloquialism for a particularly early train.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Modalohr
- An inter-modal car
- Mogul type
- A steam locomotive with a 2-6-0 wheel arrangement<ref>White (1968), p 62-65.</ref>File:WheelArrangement 2-6-0.svgThe Mogul wheel arrangement
- Template:Visible anchor
- A track that is still serviceable but no trains are running on them.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Mountain type
- A steam locomotive with a 4-8-2 wheel arrangement<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>File:WheelArrangement 4-8-2.svgThe Mountain wheel arrangement
- Mud ring
- The bottom of the water space surrounding a steam locomotive's firebox that collects solids precipitating from the water supply during the boiling process<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Multiple aspect signalling
- A system of colour-light signalling in which signals may show three or four aspects<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Multiple unit (MU)
- A self-propelled rail vehicle that can be joined with compatible others and controlled from a single driving station. The names of 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. These may also be termed railcars.
- Multiple-unit train control
- The control of multiple locomotives or MUs from a single set of controls.
NEdit
File:CombinedTrack.svg
Comparison between standard gauge (blue) and one common narrow gauge (red) rail spacing
- Narrow gauge
- Railroad track where the rails are spaced less than Template:Track gauge apart,<ref name="Trains Glossary N">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Northern type
- A steam locomotive with a 4-8-4 wheel arrangement, also known in North America as "Pocono", "Niagara", "Confederation", "Greenbrier", and "Potomac"<ref name = solomon/><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>File:WheelArrangement 4-8-4.svgThe Northern wheel arrangement
- Template:Visible anchor or run 8
- The eighth notch of a locomotive throttle control, indicating full power on the standard American diesel locomotive control scheme<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
OEdit
- Open wagon (UIC)
- A form of freight hauling car for bulk goods<ref name="Trains Glossary O">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Out to foul
- When equipment is placed ahead of the fouling point of a switch turnout
PEdit
File:WheelArrangement 4-6-2.svg
The Pacific wheel arrangement
File:Schynige Platte diamond pantograph.jpg
A pantograph
- Pacific type
- A steam locomotive with a 4-6-2 wheel arrangement<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Pannier tank
- A tank locomotive where the water tanks are mounted on the boiler in pannier-like fashion
- Pantograph
- An apparatus mounted on the roof of a rail vehicle to allow the collection of electric current from overhead lines<ref name="Trains Glossary P">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Paperwork
- As a reason for delays, written instructions conveyed to a train's engineer in which the train must proceed slower than its normal speed. These instructions are either handed to the crew or recited and read back over radio.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Pennsy
- Abbreviation for the former Pennsylvania Railroad<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Per diem (pronounced by some U.S. railroaders per die-um, not per dee-um)
- A fee paid by a rail company to the owner of a car (or wagon) for the time it spends on the company's property<ref name="Trains Glossary P" /><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- An authorized living expense payment for some workers forced away from their home terminal<ref name="Trains Glossary P" /><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Permissive signal
- A block signal whose most restrictive indication is stop and proceed. A permissive signal is identified by the presence of a number plate affixed to the mast or supporting structure. Proceeding beyond a permissive signal at stop is allowed at restricted speed if operating conditions enable a train operator to stop before reaching any train or obstruction.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Pilot
- A deflective shield affixed to the front of a locomotive to protect its wheels from on-track debris; archaically called a "cowcatcher"<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> See also: Pilot (locomotive attachment)
- An employee qualified on the operating rules and physical characteristics of a certain section of the railroad, assisting a crew member who is not so qualified<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> See also: Railroad engineer
- Pilot engine
- The leading locomotive during a double-heading operation<ref name="Hawkins-pilotengine">Template:Cite book</ref>
- An unattached locomotive driven a specified distance in front of a special train<ref name="Hawkins-pilotengine" /><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Pilot man
- Where it is necessary to temporarily work a section of line as single track (for instance if the other track of a double-track line is out of use), a person (the pilot man) acts as the single track token.
- 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 quickly-burning fuel<ref>White (1968), p 207-208.</ref>
- Piston travel
- A specified distance that a brake piston may move from its cylinder to the brake rigging. If the travel exceeds or falls short of this distance, the equipment must be set out for repair.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Platform screen doors
- Infrastructure used to separate the platform from train tracks.
- Pony truck
- A two-wheel truck or bogie at the front of a locomotive<ref>White (1968), p 174.</ref>
- Porch
- The extended walkway at either end of a U.S. locomotive<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Porter
- An employee who performs or performed (the role has now largely become obsolete) various physical duties, chiefly but not exclusively involving lifting. Various types of porter include:
- A baggage porter assisting with luggage
- An operating porter assisting with safeworking duties
- A station porter assisting with general station duties
- A lad porter being a junior station porter
- Portion working
- The practice of coupling two or more passenger trains together over common sections of their respective routes, but otherwise operating the trains separately<ref name="rentrains">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="PTN">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Position light signal
- A block signal in which the relative position of the lights determines the meaningFile:OVERBROOK 18R-Approach-Medium.jpgA position light signal
- Positive train control (PTC)
- An American system of functional requirements for monitoring and controlling train movements with the aim of increasing operational safety
- Possession
- In Britain, a period of time when one or more tracks are closed for maintenance. For the duration of the work, a person in charge of possession (PICOP) has control of the line. When work is complete the possession is relinquished and control of the line handed back to the signaller.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>Template:Self-published inline
- Pound
- The weight (and thus the cross section) of a length of rail. A heavier rail can carry heavier loads with less distortion and less damage to the rails themselves and the roadbed.
- Power
- A locomotive or group of connected (MU'd) locomotives serving as the motive power for a train<ref name="Trains Glossary P" />
- Power braking
- Pulling against the train brakes at the higher end of the locomotive's power output (e.g. notches five through eight on a conventional throttle). This is considered wasteful of fuel and brake shoes, and is therefore discouraged by most operating departments.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Prairie type
- A steam locomotive with a 2-6-2 wheel arrangement<ref name=":3">Template:Cite book</ref>File:WheelArrangement 2-6-2.svgThe Prairie wheel arrangement
- Prime mover
- The internal combustion engine of a diesel locomotive
- Pull apart
- A rail broken from cold-related contraction<ref>Template:Cite periodical</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Push pole
- A pole about Template:Convert long and having a diameter of Template:Convert and used in the United States between 1870 and the mid-1960s to push a freight car onto or off a siding or onto another track by being placed between a locomotive (on an adjacent track) and the freight car. The two ends of the poles were placed in receptacles called push pole pockets.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citationFile:PushPoleSRM.jpgA push pole
|CitationClass=web }}</ref> The practice of using a push pole for switching was called "poling".<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Push–pull train
- A configuration for locomotive-hauled trains, allowing them to be driven from either end of the train, whether having a locomotive at each end or not. See also: Auto train. See Top and tail for train with locomotives at both front and back.<ref name="Trains Glossary P" />
REdit
- Rack railway, rack-and-pinion railway, or cog railway
- A steep-grade railway with a toothed rack rail (usually between the running rails), used when adhesion is insufficient
- Railbus
- A passenger rail vehicle (typically non-articulated or rigid frame) that derived from bus propulsion and construction technology, but may evolve into larger dimensions, performance, and characteristics similar in appearance to a light DMU railcar
- Railcar
- A self-propelled single-unit or articulated passenger car with a driver's cab at one or both ends. In multiples, may be called a diesel multiple unit (DMU) or electric multiple unit (EMU).
- Rail crossing
- The opposite of a dead-end rail, i.e. a line connecting locations accessed by other railways, often associated with the overcoming of natural obstacles, such as mountain ranges.<ref>1,000 Places to See Before You Die, p. 272 ["Completed in 1910, the Bernina line is the highest railway crossing in the Alps."]</ref> Not to be confused with a railway crossing a road (see Level crossing).
- Railfan
- A hobbyist or enthusiast of trains
- Rail grinder
- A machine used to remove irregularities in the surface of the rails that may be self-powered or part of a consist
- Rail profile
- The cross-sectional shape of a rail. There are many rail profiles, often specific to individual railroads. Rails must be periodically scanned electronically, their data inspected and analysed, then re-profiled with rail grinding machines to maintain the correct profile. Rails that cannot be restored are condemned and replaced.File:Flat-bottom and bullhead rail profiles.pngRail profiles of flat-bottom and bullhead rails
- Rail squeal
- A screeching train–track friction sound, most commonly occurring on sharp curves or heavy braking<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Rail tractor
- A small petrol (gas) or diesel shunting (switcher) locomotive
- Railroad car
- Any railroad vehicle other than a locomotive
- Railroadiana
- Artifacts of railways around the world
- Template:Visible anchor, railroad line, rail line, or train line
- A railway route connecting two or more places or other railway routes<ref name="FreeDict-RyLine">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- A railway route constructed by an organization, usually one formed for that purpose<ref name="FreeDict-RyLine" /><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
- A railway route that has an official name (notably bestowed by engineers line references in the UK)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- A set of railway routes that are bundled for publicity purposes (e.g. a UK train operating company)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Railway station
- A train station, a stopping point for trains, usually with passenger accessFile:Union Station from Columbus Circle, Washington, D.C. 2011.jpgWashington Union Station in Washington, D.C., an example of a railway station
- Railway terminal
- A building for passengers at the end of a railway line
- Red
- A colour generally associated with stop, when shown by signals or flags
- Red zone
- The area between, under, or within a few feet of cars and locomotives. To enter the zone, a ground employee must obtain protection from the locomotive engineer (if a locomotive is coupled) or a blue signal (if no locomotive is coupled).<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>Template:Self-published inline
- Reefer
- A refrigerated railcar, used to transport perishable goods<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Template:Visible anchor
- A siding used as a passing place on a main line, where slow trains may be held whilst an express passes—a simpler, but less convenient, form of the passing loop
- 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<ref name="Trains Glossary R">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Rerail frog or rerailer
- File:RerailFrog-SRM.jpgA rerail frog or rerailer stored (on its side) on a locomotive. The slot is placed over the rail and the derailed wheel is pushed or pulled until it runs up the rerailer and back on to the track.
A metal casting incorporating a slot that allows the casting to fit over the rail near the wheel of a derailed car. The locomotive then pushes or pulls the car so that the derailed wheel runs up the rerailer and back on to the track.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Retarder
- A device installed in a classification yard used to reduce the speed of freight cars as they are sorted into consists<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
- Reverser or reverser handle
- The handle that controls the directional control on a locomotive. See also Cut off.
- Ribbon rail
- Continuously welded rail<ref name="Trains Glossary R" />
- Right-side failure
- A failure in a signalling or other safety critical system that leaves the system in a safe condition<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>Template:Self-published inline
- Roadrailer
- A highway trailer, or semi-trailer, that is specially equipped for direct use on a railroad
- Rolling stock
- In UK parlance, any railway vehicle that is not capable of moving under its own power<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>Template:Self-published inline
- In US parlance, any railroad car or locomotive<ref name="Trains Glossary R" /><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Rookie
- See Trainee.
- Rotary
- Short for rotary snowplow, an extreme-duty railroad snowplow used mainly in the mountain ranges of the American West<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- RoundhouseFile:John Street Roundhouse.jpgA roundhouse and turntable, viewed from above
- A circular or semi-circular structure used for storage and running maintenance of locomotivesFile:Toyooka station (Hyogo prefecture) Miyazu line engine running track.jpgPlatform track and a run-round loop at Toyooka Station, Hyogo, Japan, the terminus of the line from Miyazu
- Template:Visible anchor, punch box, or train-identification pushbuttons (New York City Subway)
- A box or panel adjacent to a rail line at an interlocking, with several buttons for train operators to select a desired route, which is then either communicated to a signal tower where an operator fulfills the request, or switched automatically<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
_Miyazu_line_engine_running_track.jpg){kind=link}
|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Ruling gradient
- The longest or steepest grade on a division, thus setting the standard for track speeds, locomotive tonnage ratings, and train handling instructions<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
- Run
- The action verb for the train's movement. The train runs across the track.
- Runaway
- A heavy train that has lost speed control while descending a steep grade, due to either brake failure or poor preparation by the crew<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
- Running track
- An other-than-main track, typically providing access to a yard or industry and governed by the requirements of restricted speed<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Run-round
- 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).<ref name="Trains Glossary R" /><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Run-through power
- Locomotives that remain attached to a manifest or unit train from their home rails over the tracks of a receiving railroad until the train reaches its final destination<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
SEdit
- Saddle tank
- A tank locomotive with the water tank mounted on top of the boiler like a saddle<ref name="Trains Glossary S">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Safe place
- An area within the network of an operator where evacuation of passengers can be performed, depending on current operational conditions, with a minimum of risk to the passengers (e.g. stations, refuges on the line)<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>Template:Page needed
- Safeworking
- In Australia, the system of rules and equipment designed to ensure the safe operation of trains<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Sandbox
- A container on locomotives and self-propelled multiple units, or trams, that run on tramways and adhesion railways. The container holds sand, which a crew can drop onto the rail to improve rail adhesion under wet, steep, or slippery rail conditions. The sandbox and operating mechanism are collectively known as sanding gear.
- Sandite
- Consists of a mixture of sand, aluminium, and a unique type of adhesive, used instead of plain sand for extreme slippery rail conditions
- Santa Fe type
- A steam locomotive with a 2-10-2 wheel arrangement, named for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway—the first railroad to use such a configuration<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>File:WheelArrangement 2-10-2.svgThe Santa Fe wheel arrangement
- Saturated locomotive
- A steam locomotive not equipped with a superheater; the steam thus remains at the same temperature as the water in the boiler<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
- Scale
- Solid debris distilled from boiling water in a steam locomotive. To prevent corrosion damage from scale build-up, the locomotive must undergo a boiler wash once each operating month.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Schnabel car
- A specialized type of freight car for extra heavy and oversized loads where the car is loaded in such a way that the load forms part of the car superstructure<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Searchlight
- A signal with a single light source usually capable of displaying three different colors. An internal mechanism governs the color displayed.<ref name="Trains Glossary S" />
- Section
- A portion of a train that may be operated independently or combined with other sections to operate as a single unit<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- A portion of railway line designated for signalling or maintenance<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- An interior portion of a sleeping car made up of two double seats during daytime that convert to two double berths during night-time<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Semaphore signal
- A type of signal that has a moving arm to change the indicationFile:Rail-semaphore-signal-Dave-F.jpgA British lower-quadrant semaphore signal with subsidiary arm below
- Shay locomotive
- A type of geared steam locomotive built to the patents of Ephraim Shay<ref name="Trains Glossary S" />
- Shunt
- In UK and Australian parlance, to make up and divide trains in sidings, to move trains to or from sidings, or to move trains between platforms in a station<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>Template:Self-published inline
- Shoofly
- Temporary track used to avoid an obstacle that blocks movement on the normal track section
- Shuttle train
- A train, usually a passenger service, that runs back and forth, usually over a relatively short distance, such as between a junction station and a branch-line terminus.
- Side tank
- A tank locomotive with water tanks mounted each side of the boiler
- Siding
- A section of track off the main line. Sidings are often used for storing rolling stock or freight. A siding is also used as a form of rail access for warehouses and other businesses, where the siding often meets up with loading docks at rail car height. In the U.S. the term also covers the British term loop. Also, a passing track in the U.S.
- Signal
- A device that indicates the condition of the line ahead to the driver of a trainFile:CSX Cum-Sub 145-MAGNOLIA-CPL-brackets-winter.jpgA two-head color position signal on a CSXT mainline where the left head displays "Stop" and the right, "Clear"
- Signal box
- A building or room that houses signal levers (usually in a frame), a control panel or a VDU-based control system
- Signal passed at danger
- The British term for the event in which a train passes a signal to stop without authorization to do so<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Signaller or signalman
- A person in charge of the signalling at a station or junction, often in a signal box
- 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
- Slow order
- A local speed restriction below the track's normal speed limit often designated by yellow and green flags. Slow orders can be imposed on a temporary basis to protect, for example, maintenance of way employees while sections of track are under repair. Widely used in areas where track is substandard and in need of repair.
- 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<ref name="Trains Glossary S" />
- Smokebox
- An enclosed (normally cylindrical) space attached to the end of the boiler opposite the firebox on a steam locomotive (normally the front). Supports the stack; steam pipes to and from the cylinders pass through here; contains the blastpipe where the exhaust steam is used to provide draft for the fire. In superheated locomotives, also contains the superheater header and (optionally) a front-end throttle.
- Snowplow, snow plow, snowplough, or snow plough
- A rail service vehicle used for snow removal from train tracks<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citationFile:CNR-Snow-Plough-SRM.jpgA Canadian National Railway prairie rail snowplow
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Snow shed
- A long shelter erected over a railroad track on the side of a mountain to protect the line from avalanches and drifting<ref name="Ellis 2006 341">Template:Cite book</ref>Template:Self-published inline
- Span bolster
- The beam between two bogies
- Spike
- A bolt, pin, or nail used to hold rails, or plates connected to the rails (known as tie plates), to sleepers (ties)File:Railroad spikes.JPGTwo unused and one heavily corroded spikes, with an inch ruler shown for scale
- Spiral easement
- See Track transition curve. Also known as tangent lead-in.<ref name="Trains Glossary S" />
- Spreader
- Maintenance of way equipment designed to spread or shape ballast profiles, remove snow, clean and dig ditches as well as trim embankmentsFile:Jordan-Spreader-SRM.jpgA Jordan spreader
- Spur line
- A very short branch line may be called a spur line.
- Self-propelled ultrasonic rail testing (SPURT) (India)
- A self-propelled rail-defect detector car<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
- Staff and ticket
- The Australian term for a method of safeworking involving a tokenTemplate:Definition<ref name="Trains Glossary S" />
- Standard gauge
- A gauge where the rails are spaced Template:Track gauge apart—by far the most common gauge worldwide<ref name="Trains Glossary S" />
- Station master
- The person in charge of a station
- Steam generator
- A device generally used in passenger trains to create steam for heating. The steam generator is usually in the locomotive but may also be located in other cars.<ref name="Trains Glossary S" />
- Steam reverser
- A reversing gear worked by a steam cylinder controlled from the cab
- Stop signal overrun
- The American term for the event in which a train passes a signal to stop without authorization to do so
- Subdivision
- In North America, the trackage area within a division covered by a single timetable<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Supercharger
- A mechanical device that boosts the pressure of engine intake air to above atmospheric level, causing an increase in power. Not to be confused with the blower used to scavenge the cylinders of a naturally aspirated two-stroke Diesel engine.
- Superelevation
- Areas on curves where the outside rail is elevated higher than the inside rail, creating a banked curve, generally allowing higher speeds and more comfort for passengers (on passenger trains).
- 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<ref name="Trains Glossary S" />
- Survey
- To determine the position of constructed objects, including rail infrastructure, in relation to the earth's surface. This is accomplished by measuring angles and distances based on the principles of triangulation.
- Surveyor
- A person assigned to perform survey work
- Switchback or zig zag
- A method of climbing and descending steep gradients, where shallow-gradient track reverses direction for a while, and then reverses again to continue in the original direction
- Switchman
- A railroad worker responsible for assembling trains and switching railroad cars in a yard
TEdit
- Tamping machine
- Generally, a locomotive used in track maintenance and equipped with track lifting facilities, and paddles that push ballast beneath a rail track to assure its level and cant
- Tank car
- A type of rolling stock designed to transport liquid and gaseous commodities
- Tank locomotive or Tank engine
- A steam locomotive that carries its water in one or more on-board water tanks rather than in a separate tender.
- Team track
- In North America, A spur or siding for loading freight, often used by firms not having their own direct rail access<ref name="Trains Glossary T">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Tender
- A specialized rail car attached to a steam locomotive to carry its fuel and water supplies, sometimes along with tools and flagging equipment
- Terminal railroad (or terminal railway)
- A company in the United States that owns no cars of its own and transports only the railroad cars of other companies around a specific terminal station<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Texas type
- A steam locomotive with a 2-10-4 wheel arrangementTemplate:Citation neededFile:WheelArrangement 2-10-4.svgThe Texas wheel arrangement
- Third rail
- An electrified rail that runs along the tracks, giving power to trains. Used mostly in subways and rapid transit systems.<ref name="Trains Glossary T" />
- Through coach
- A passenger coach that is disconnected from one train and attached to another before continuing on with its journey, thus avoiding the need for passengers themselves to switch trains<ref name="irfca.org">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Through platform
- The standard platform and track arrangement at a station. The train pulls alongside the platform, arriving from one end of the station, and may pass out the other end of the station by continuing along the same track<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>Template:Self-published inline
- Tie plate
- A plate bolted to sleepers to hold the rails in place
- Trailer on flat car (TOFC)
- Intermodal freight transport<ref name="Trains Glossary T" />
- Token
- A physical object given to a locomotive driver to authorize use of a particular stretch of single track
- Track bed or trackbed
- The foundation of rail tracks
- Track bulletin
- In North America, a form used by railroad employees that shows the locations of slow orders, maintenance of way work locations, and other conditions affecting the track and movement of trainsTemplate:Citation needed
- Track circuit
- An electrical circuit that detects the presence of locomotives or cars (as their wheelsets electrically bond the rails) in a block of track, and provides real-time input to signaling logic
- 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. Also known as the transition spiral and spiral easement.
- Track Warrant Control
- Control of train movements by "track warrants" which are sets of instructions issued to a train crew authorizing specific train movements.
- Trackside objects
- See Wayobjects.
- Traction current pylon
- Traction motor
- A large electric motor that powers the driving wheels of an electric or diesel–electric locomotive<ref name="Trains Glossary T" />
- Tractive effort
- The pulling or pushing force exerted by a locomotive or other vehicle
- Trailing
- A turnout where both legs merge in the direction of travel—the opposite of facing
- Train bell
- In North American practice, the warning bell on a locomotive or any autonomous railway vehicle
- Train coupler
- The mechanical interface that links vehicles so a driver can operate them together. The coupler can be a purely mechanical device such as a screw coupler or bar coupler. Alternatively the coupler can also incorporate electrical or pneumatic connections.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Train horn
- The warning horn in a locomotive or in a control car
- Trainman
- In North America, an employee assigned to train service, such as a conductor, brakeman, or switchman
- Train inauguration
- The automated process of train bus configuration that includes detecting all bus nodes and their orientation, assigning the numbers to particular bus nodes and collecting their properties.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>Template:Page needed
- Train operation and management
- In Europe, the procedures and related equipment enabling a coherent operation of the different structural subsystem, both during normal and degraded operation, including in particular train driving, traffic planning and management<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>Template:Page needed
- Template:Visible anchor, terminal manager, or road manager
- In North America, an employee who supervises operations over a given territory<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Train order
- The process whereby signallers or dispatchers can change the order or timing of trains to maximise overall train service performance in real timeTemplate:Citation needed
- Train set
- A toy train with its tracks, buildings, etc.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Trainset
- A group of rolling stock that is permanently or semi-permanently coupled together to form a unified set of equipment. Trainsets are most often used in passenger train configurations.Template:Citation needed
- Tram
- A city-based rail system that typically shares its operational space with other vehicles and often runs on, across, or down the center of city streets
- Tram-train
- Trams that are designed to run both on the tracks of a city-based rail system and on the existing railway networks. Tram-trains' dual-voltage capability makes it possible to operate at lower speeds on city streets and at over Template:Convert on main line tracks allowing travel in an extended geographical area without changing the method of transport.
- Treadle File:Rail turntable viewed from the CN Tower.jpgA turntable in Toronto, Canada
- A mechanical or electrical device for detecting the presence of a rail vehicle with pin-point accuracy, unlike a track circuit, which provides detection over an arbitrary distances
- Turnout or points
- A switchTemplate:Citation needed
- Turntable
- A section of track that rotates to let locomotives and rolling stock turn around or access several engine maintenance sidings in a small area
UEdit
- Unit train
- A train in which all cars (wagons) carry the same commodity and are shipped from the same origin to the same destination, without being split up or stored en route<ref>Template:Cite encyclopedia</ref>
- Underbridge
- In the parlance of rail transport in the United Kingdom, an 'underbridge' is a bridge that allows a roadway to cross Template:Em the course of a railway line, in contrast to an overbridge, or overpass, that crosses Template:Em the railway.
- Underframe
A framework of wood or metal carrying the main body structure of a railway vehicle, such as a locomotive, carriage or wagon.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
VEdit
- Vactrain
- A proposed design for very-high-speed rail transportation.
- Vacuum brake
- A continuous train brake that is fail-safe in operation. It is powered by a vacuum from the locomotive but the application is actually by atmospheric pressure when the vacuum is released. Primarily used historically in Britain and in countries influenced by British practice. Now largely superseded by the air brake.
- Valve gear
- The linkage mechanism that operates the valve for a driving cylinder, to alternately admit steam to the cylinder and then exhaust it when the piston's stroke is nearly complete<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
WEdit
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File:Wheel tapper.jpg
A wheeltapper at work on the Bulgarian railway
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File:Double Whistle post.jpg
A double whistle post
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YEdit
File:CNW yard, Chicago.jpg
Railroad yard in Chicago, Illinois, as seen in December 1942
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Template:Term Template:Defn Template:Glossary end
ZEdit
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See alsoEdit
- Glossary of Australian railway terms
- Glossary of New Zealand railway terms
- Glossary of North American railway terms
- Glossary of United Kingdom railway terms
- List of railroad truck parts
- Passenger rail terminology
- Railway and tramway terminology in Europe
- Steam locomotive components
ReferencesEdit
Further readingEdit
- Canadian National Railways: Linguistic Services. Freight Car Inspection & Maintenance: English-French Vocabulary = Surveillance et entretien des wagons: vocabulaire anglais-français. Montréal: Canadian National Railways, 1973. Without ISBN or SBN
- Template:Cite book
- Template:White-Passenger-1978
- Template:White - American railroad freight car