A
Absolute Signal-A block or interlocking signal without a number plate, or designated with an A marker. Trains can only pass absolute signals displaying a stop indication if given permission by a dispatcher or control operator.
Accelerometer-An indicator that displays the rate of increase or decrease in speed in miles per hour per minute.
Air Brake-A system of compressed air devices, controlled manually, electronically, or pneumatically, that makes the car or locomotive slow down or stop.
Alaska Railroad (ARR)-The Alaska Railroad operates freight and passenger trains in the State of Alaska.
Alerter-See Electronic Alertness Control.
Amtrak (AMTK)-Amtrak is the service name of the National Rail Passenger Corporation, which operates medium- and long-distance trains throughout the United States.
Angle Cock-A manually operated device located at each end of the brake pipe on locomotives and cars to permit or prevent air flow.
Articulated-Permanently connected multiple unit cars that share a common truck. Also known as articulated multi-platform cars.
Association of American Railroads (AAR)-This organization was founded in 1934 and represents primarily freight railroads in the United States and Canada.
Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad (ATSF)-This is a fallen flag which became part of the BNSF Railway when it merged with the Burlington Northern (BN). This railroad is sometimes simply called the , "Santa Fe."
Automatic Block Signal System (ABS)-A series of consecutive blocks governed by block signals, cab signals, or both. The signals are activated by a train or by certain conditions that effect block use.
Automatic Brake Valve-A manually operated electronic controller or pneumatic valve on the locomotive that controls the train and engine brakes.
B
Bad Order-Equipment that is in need of repair.
Block-A length of track between consecutive block signals or between a block signal and the end of the block system limits.
Block Signal-A fixed signal at the entrance of a block that governs trains entering and using that block.
Block System-A block or series of consecutive blocks within ABS , CTC, or interlocking limits.
BNSF Railway-Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway. BNSF operates freight trains throughout the mid-western and western United States and in three Canadian provinces. It was formed by the merger of the Burlington Northern Railroad (BN), and the Atchison, Topeka, & Santa Fe Railroad (AT&SF).
Boston & Maine Railroad (B&M, BM)-This is a fallen flag, a railroad which once operated in New England, but has now become a subsidiary of Pan Am Railways (PAR). See also Pan Am Railways (PAR).
Brake Application-A brake pipe pressure reduction (no matter how made) that causes the control valve to move to the service or emergency position.
Brake Cylinder-A metal cylinder containing a piston. Compressed air forces the piston outward to apply the brakes. When the air pressure is released, the piston returns to its normal position by a spring inside the cylinder.
Brake Pipe-The section of air brake piping of a car or locomotive that supplies the reservoirs. It also connects the piping to allow the locomotive engineer to control the car brakes. The pipe extends from one end of the car to the other. At the ends, flexible hoses connect the cars. When a train is made up and all brake pipes are joined together, the entire pipe line is called the brake pipe.
Brake Pipe Pressure-The amount of pressure, in pounds per square inch (PSI), in the brake pipe.
Broadway Limited-The Pennsylvania Railroad's (PRR) premier, all First Class train, operating between Chicago and New York, in 16 hours. This train was inaugurated in 1912 and operated as a PRR train until 1971, when it was taken over by Amtrak. Amtrak operated it until 1995.
Buffer Car-A car, not carrying hazardous material, which is used to space cars carrying hazardous materials away from locomotives, cabooses, or other hazardous material cars.
Burlington Northern Railroad (BN)-This railroad is a fallen flag which merged with the Santa Fe (AT&SF) to form the BNSF Railway (BNSF).
C
Cab Signal-A signal in the engineer's compartment or cab that indicates a condition affecting train movement. Cab signals are used with interlocking or block signals or without block signals.
Centralized Traffic Control (CTC)-A block system that uses block signal indications to authorize train movements.
20th Century Limited-A premier train operated by the New York Central System (NYC), which traveled between Chicago and New York. This train connected the two cities in just 16 hours. The train was inaugurated in 1902 and operated until 1967. It became known as a "National Institution," and as the "Most Famous Train in the World," and sometimes simply as the "Century."
Class I-A Class I railroad is a major railroad, which has an annual revenue of over $250 million.
Class II-A Class II railroad is a medium sized railroad, which has an annual revenue of over $20.5 million, but less than $277.7 million, for the past three years.
Class III-A Class III railroad is considered a short line railroad, and has an annual revenue of less than $20 million.
Clearance Point-The location closest to a switch where it is safe for equipment to pass equipment on an adjacent track.
Conductor-Employee in charge of yard or train movements.
Control Operator-The person assigned to operate a CTC or interlocking control machine or authorized to grant track permits.
Control Point-The location of absolute signals controlled by a control operator.
Control Valve-A device on locomotives or cars that charges the reservoirs and applies or releases brake cylinder pressure when brake pipe pressure reduces or increases.
Controlled Signal-An absolute signal controlled by a control operator.
Coupler-An appliance for connecting cars or locomotives.
Crossover-A track connection between two adjacent tracks, consisting of two switches, which is intended to be used primarily for the purpose of crossing over from one track to the other.
Current of Traffic-The movement of trains in one direction on a main track, as specified by the rules.
D
Derail-1. A track safety device designed to guide a car off the rails at a selected spot as a means of protection against collisions or other accidents; commonly used on spurs or sidings to prevent cars from fouling the main track.
2. An incident in which one or more locomotive or rolling equipment wheels move to a state in which they are not properly situated on one or both rails.
Distant Signal-A fixed signal outside a block system that governs the approach to a block signal or interlocking signal. A distant signal does not indicate conditions that effect track use between the distant signal and the block or interlocking signal. A distant signal is identified by a D.
Double Track-Two main tracks where the current of traffic on one track is in a specified direction and in the opposite direction on the other.
Dynamic Brake-An electrical device that converts some the energy developed by a moving locomotive into an effective retarding force.
E
Electronic Alertness Control-A safety control system that senses the activity of the engineer. As the engineer goes about normal activities, and such changes will reset the control and start a timing circuit. If, during the timing period, no additional activity is detected, an audible and/or visible alarm occurs. If activity still does not occur for another period, approximately six seconds, a penalty brake application is initiated. Also known as an alerter or an alertor.
Emergency Application-A rapid reduction of brake pipe pressure that causes the control valves to move to the emergency position and the vent valves to open.
End-of-Train Device (ETD)-A device that determines the rear car brake pipe pressure and transmits that information to the display on the head-of-train device (HTD). This device can also include a red reflective marker and a lighted flashing marker. Also known as a FRED.
Engine-A unit propelled by any form of energy or more than one of these units operated from a single control. Engines are used in train or yard service. Rules that apply to engines also apply to cab control cars.
F
Fallen Flag-a railroad that existed in history, but for reasons of bankruptcy, a merger, or a buyout, no longer exist.
Fixed Signal-A signal that is fixed to a location permanently and that indicates a condition affecting train movement.
FRED-See End-of-Train Device (ETD).
Frog-A track structure used at the intersection of two running rails to provide support for wheels and passageways for their flanges, thus permitting wheels on either rail to cross the other.
FrontRunner-A commuter rail system operated by the Utah Transit Authority (UTA), which connects downtown Salt Lake City with some of the suburban towns around the city.
Fusee-A red flare used for flagging purposes.
G
GG1-An electric locomotive designed by General Electric for the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR). GG1's were later operated by successor companies including Conrail, Amtrak, Penn Central, and New Jersey Transit. They first went into service in 1935 and the last one was retired in 1983.
Grade-Other than level track, usually expressed as a percentage. The percentage is the number of feet the track rises or falls in a distance of 100 feet.
Gravity Switch Move-A switching maneuver whereby gravity causes a stationary car to roll when the hand brake is released rather than being propelled by an engine.
Great Northern Railway (GN)-This is a fallen flag, which became part of the Burlington Northern (BN) in a merger with the Northern Pacific Railroad (NP) and the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad (CB&Q). The Empire Builder was operated by the Great Northern Railway, from Chicago to Portland and Seattle.
Guilford Rail System- Guilford became known as Pan Am Railways (PAR) in March 2006, which operates a Class II railroad the northeastern United States. See also Pan Am Railways.
H
Hand Brake-A mechanical arrangement of levers, chains, rods, gears, and fulcrum. When applied manually by wheel or lever, the hand brake forces the brake shoes against the braking surfaces to control car or locomotive movement.
Hazardous Material-A substance or material which the Secretary of Transportation has determined to be capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property when transported in commerce. This includes wastes, hot materials, and marine pollutants.
Helper-Distributed power or manned locomotive added to a train to assist movement. Helpers are most commonly found in locations where long grades prevail.
High Capacity Dynamic Brakes-Dynamic brakes which provide approximately 13,500 lbs. of retarding effort per axle instead of 10,000 lbs. per axle of other dynamic brake systems.
I
Independent Brake Valve-A brake valve that controls the locomotive brakes independent of the automatic brake valve handle position.
Interchange-The process of transferring rail cars to or from another railroad.
Interlocking-Signal appliances that are interconnected so that each of their movements follows the other in a proper sequence. Interlockings may be operated manually or automatically.
Interlocking Limits-The tracks between the outer opposing absolute signals protecting an interlocking.
Interlocking Signals-The fixed signals of an interlocking that govern trains using the interlocking limits.
Intermodal Equipment-Equipment designed to carry trailers, containers, or automobiles.
Intermodal Trains-Trains made up entirely of intermodal equipment.
K
Knuckle-The pivoting casting that fits into the head of a coupler to engage the mating coupler.
L
Light Locomotive-One or more units, with or without a caboose, not coupler to cars.
Long Island Railroad (LIRR)-This railroad operates commuter trains from New York City to many points on Long Island, to the east. For many years, this was a subsidiary of the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR), although today it operates as a subsidy of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The Long Island Railroad is the oldest railroad in the United States operating under its original charter.
M
Main Track-A track extending through yards and between stations that must not be occupied without authority or protection.
Maine Central Railroad (MEC)-This is considered a fallen flag, although it is technically operated as a subsidiary of Pan Am Railways (PAR). Maine Central once operated throughout Maine and northern New England. See also Pan Am Railways (PAR).
Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad (MBCR)-This is the company that operates the commuter trains for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), in the Boston area.
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)-This is the transportation agency that operates transit and commuter rail in the Boston area.
McKinley Explorer- McKinley Explorer is a set of private, domed passenger cars, operated by Holland America Tours. They are pulled by the Alaska Railroad under contract, between Anchorage, AK, and Fairbanks, AK.
Metro-North Railroad (MNRR)-A subsidy of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), and operates commuter trains north of New York City and into Connecticut.
Frog-A track structure used at the intersection of two running rails to provide support for wheels and passageways for their flanges, thus permitting wheels on either rail to cross the other.
FrontRunner-A commuter rail system operated by the Utah Transit Authority (UTA), which connects downtown Salt Lake City with some of the suburban towns around the city.
Fusee-A red flare used for flagging purposes.
G
GG1-An electric locomotive designed by General Electric for the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR). GG1's were later operated by successor companies including Conrail, Amtrak, Penn Central, and New Jersey Transit. They first went into service in 1935 and the last one was retired in 1983.
Grade-Other than level track, usually expressed as a percentage. The percentage is the number of feet the track rises or falls in a distance of 100 feet.
Gravity Switch Move-A switching maneuver whereby gravity causes a stationary car to roll when the hand brake is released rather than being propelled by an engine.
Great Northern Railway (GN)-This is a fallen flag, which became part of the Burlington Northern (BN) in a merger with the Northern Pacific Railroad (NP) and the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad (CB&Q). The Empire Builder was operated by the Great Northern Railway, from Chicago to Portland and Seattle.
Guilford Rail System- Guilford became known as Pan Am Railways (PAR) in March 2006, which operates a Class II railroad the northeastern United States. See also Pan Am Railways.
H
Hand Brake-A mechanical arrangement of levers, chains, rods, gears, and fulcrum. When applied manually by wheel or lever, the hand brake forces the brake shoes against the braking surfaces to control car or locomotive movement.
Hazardous Material-A substance or material which the Secretary of Transportation has determined to be capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property when transported in commerce. This includes wastes, hot materials, and marine pollutants.
Helper-Distributed power or manned locomotive added to a train to assist movement. Helpers are most commonly found in locations where long grades prevail.
High Capacity Dynamic Brakes-Dynamic brakes which provide approximately 13,500 lbs. of retarding effort per axle instead of 10,000 lbs. per axle of other dynamic brake systems.
I
Independent Brake Valve-A brake valve that controls the locomotive brakes independent of the automatic brake valve handle position.
Interchange-The process of transferring rail cars to or from another railroad.
Interlocking-Signal appliances that are interconnected so that each of their movements follows the other in a proper sequence. Interlockings may be operated manually or automatically.
Interlocking Limits-The tracks between the outer opposing absolute signals protecting an interlocking.
Interlocking Signals-The fixed signals of an interlocking that govern trains using the interlocking limits.
Intermodal Equipment-Equipment designed to carry trailers, containers, or automobiles.
Intermodal Trains-Trains made up entirely of intermodal equipment.
K
Knuckle-The pivoting casting that fits into the head of a coupler to engage the mating coupler.
L
Light Locomotive-One or more units, with or without a caboose, not coupler to cars.
Long Island Railroad (LIRR)-This railroad operates commuter trains from New York City to many points on Long Island, to the east. For many years, this was a subsidiary of the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR), although today it operates as a subsidy of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The Long Island Railroad is the oldest railroad in the United States operating under its original charter.
M
Main Track-A track extending through yards and between stations that must not be occupied without authority or protection.
Maine Central Railroad (MEC)-This is considered a fallen flag, although it is technically operated as a subsidiary of Pan Am Railways (PAR). Maine Central once operated throughout Maine and northern New England. See also Pan Am Railways (PAR).
Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad (MBCR)-This is the company that operates the commuter trains for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), in the Boston area.
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)-This is the transportation agency that operates transit and commuter rail in the Boston area.
McKinley Explorer- McKinley Explorer is a set of private, domed passenger cars, operated by Holland America Tours. They are pulled by the Alaska Railroad under contract, between Anchorage, AK, and Fairbanks, AK.
Metro-North Railroad (MNRR)-A subsidy of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), and operates commuter trains north of New York City and into Connecticut.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)-An agencys subsidized by the State of New York and operates all the commuter rail and transit systems in the greater New York City area. These services include the Ling Island Railroad (LIRR), the Metro-North Railroad (MNRR), the New York City Transit Authority (NYCTA), and the area's bus systems and toll bridges and tunnels.
Multiple Main Tracks-Two or more main tracks that are used according to the timetable.
Mundy-A sledge hammer.
N
New Jersey Transit (NJT)-An agency subsidized by the State of New Jersey and operates commuter rail, light rail, and a bus system serving the metropolitan New York City area.
New Hampshire Northcoast (NHN)-A short line railroad which operates between Rollinsford and Ossipee, NH.
New Haven Railroad (NH, NYNH&H)-New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, sometimes known as the New Haven Railroad (NH), which operated in the northeastern United States. The New Haven (NH) connected Boston with New York, as well as connecting many other smaller communities throughout the New England area and Upstate New York. This merged with the Pennsylvania (PRR) and the New York Central System (NYC) to form Penn Central.
New York Central System (NYC)-This is a fallen flag which operate passenger and freight trains throughout the eastern and mid-western Uniter States. They became famous for the 20th Century Limited, which connected New York with Chicago in just 16 hours.
New York City Transit Authority (NYCTA, TA)-The agency responsible for the operation of all the subway and rapid transit trains in the City of New York. This agency operates under subsidy of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
P
Pan Am Railways-A holding company in the northeastern United States, which operates a Class II railroad, from Mattawamkeag, ME, to Rotterdam Junction, NY. The primary subsidiaries of Pan Am Railways are the Boston and Maine Corporation (B&M), Maine Central Railroad (MEC), Portland Terminal Company, and Springfield Terminal Railway.
Penalty Brake Application-An automatic full service brake application caused by various safety devices.
Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR)-This is a fallen flag which once operated frieght and passenger trains throughout the eastern and mid-western United States. It was sometimes known as the "Standard Railroad of the World," and operated the famous GG1 locomotives. The PRR was famous for the Broadway Limited, which ran between Chicago and New York.
Pilot-An employee assigned to a train to assist an engineer or conductor who is unfamiliar with the rules or the portion of railroad the train will operate on.
Placarded Car-A rail car displaying hazardous material placards in accordance with DOT regulations.
Plymouth & Lincoln Railroad (PLRR)-This is a tourist operation in the Lakes Region and White Mountains if New Hampshire.
Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH)-PATH trains are operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and connect Manhattan with nearby areas of New Jersey.
Positive Train Control (PTC)-A system designed to prevent collisions between trains. It monitors several aspects of train control, and often relies on GPS for position data. Using this data, it helps to avoid train-to-train collisions.
Proceed Indication-Any block signal indication that allows a train to proceed without stopping.
R
Reduction-A decrease in brake pipe pressure at a rate and of an amount sufficient to cause a train brake application to be initiated or increased.
Regional Railroad-A railroad which operates over 350 miles and has a fairly substantial amount of traffic. Regional railroads must have an annual revenue of over $40 million.
Reverse Movement-A movement opposite the authorized direction.
S
Seashore Electric Railway (SERy)-The railroad operated by the Seashore Trolley Museum, see also Seashore Trolley Museum (STM).
Seashore Trolley Museum (STM)-The world's oldest and largest mass transit museum. The main focus of the collection is trolley cars, although there are also buses, rapid transit trains, and trolley buses in the collection.
Service Application-When brake pipe pressure exhausts at a service rate to apply the train brakes.
Short Line-A railroad which operates over a short distance, usually connecting with a larger railroad, or as a tourist railroad. Short line railroads have an annual revenue less than $20 million.
Signal Aspect-The appearance of a fixed or cab signal.
Signal Indication-The action required by the signal aspect.
Single Track-A main track where trains are operated in both directions.
Slack Action-Movement of part of a coupled train at a different speed than another part of the same train, due to slack between coupled cars.
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)-The agency that operates commuter rail and light rail trains which serve suburban Philadelphia, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.
Station-A place designated by name in the timetable station column.
Switching-The operation of moving rail cars within a yard, at a customer's facility, or at an interchange point, in order to place them in a train or on a classification, repair, or storage track.
T
Tie Tongs-Steel tongs designed for handling rail ties and crossing timbers.
Tie Plate-Metal plate installed between the rail and cross tie to distribute the weight over a greater area of the tie.
Timetable-A publication with instructions on train, engines, or equipment movement. It also contains other essential information.
Track Bulletin-A notice of conditions affecting train movement. It may also authorize movement against the current of traffic in certain circumstances.
Trackside Warning Detector-A device that indicates conditions such as overheated journals, dragging equipment, excess dimensions, shifted loads, high water, and rock or mud slides. This is also known as a Defect Detector.
Track Warrant Control (TWC)-A method to authorize train movements or protect men or machines on a main track within specified limits in a territory designated by the timetable.
Train-One or more engines coupled, with or without cars, displaying a marker, and authorized to operate on a main track.
TRAX-TRAX is a light rail system operating in Salt Lake County, in Utah. TRAX is operated by the Utah Transit Authority (UTA), and connects Salt Lake City suburbs with the downtown area. See also UTA.
U
Union Pacific Railroad (UP, UPRR, UPY)-This is one of the railroads involved in the construction of the transcontinental railroad. The Union Pacific (UP) once carried both passengers and freight, although today's operations are almost exclusively freight. Union Pacific operates several historic steam locomotives and diesels in excursion and special service.
Utah Transit Authority (UTA)-The agency that operates the transit system in the Salt Lake City area of Utah. Services include a variety of buses, light rail, and commuter rail. See also TRAX, FrontRunner.
Y
Yard-A system of tracks, other than main tracks and sidings, used for making and breaking up trains and for other purposes such as repair or storage of cars.
Yard Limits-A portion of main track designated by yard limits signs and timetable special instructions or a track bulletin.
Multiple Main Tracks-Two or more main tracks that are used according to the timetable.
Mundy-A sledge hammer.
N
New Jersey Transit (NJT)-An agency subsidized by the State of New Jersey and operates commuter rail, light rail, and a bus system serving the metropolitan New York City area.
New Hampshire Northcoast (NHN)-A short line railroad which operates between Rollinsford and Ossipee, NH.
New Haven Railroad (NH, NYNH&H)-New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, sometimes known as the New Haven Railroad (NH), which operated in the northeastern United States. The New Haven (NH) connected Boston with New York, as well as connecting many other smaller communities throughout the New England area and Upstate New York. This merged with the Pennsylvania (PRR) and the New York Central System (NYC) to form Penn Central.
New York Central System (NYC)-This is a fallen flag which operate passenger and freight trains throughout the eastern and mid-western Uniter States. They became famous for the 20th Century Limited, which connected New York with Chicago in just 16 hours.
New York City Transit Authority (NYCTA, TA)-The agency responsible for the operation of all the subway and rapid transit trains in the City of New York. This agency operates under subsidy of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
P
Pan Am Railways-A holding company in the northeastern United States, which operates a Class II railroad, from Mattawamkeag, ME, to Rotterdam Junction, NY. The primary subsidiaries of Pan Am Railways are the Boston and Maine Corporation (B&M), Maine Central Railroad (MEC), Portland Terminal Company, and Springfield Terminal Railway.
Penalty Brake Application-An automatic full service brake application caused by various safety devices.
Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR)-This is a fallen flag which once operated frieght and passenger trains throughout the eastern and mid-western United States. It was sometimes known as the "Standard Railroad of the World," and operated the famous GG1 locomotives. The PRR was famous for the Broadway Limited, which ran between Chicago and New York.
Pilot-An employee assigned to a train to assist an engineer or conductor who is unfamiliar with the rules or the portion of railroad the train will operate on.
Placarded Car-A rail car displaying hazardous material placards in accordance with DOT regulations.
Plymouth & Lincoln Railroad (PLRR)-This is a tourist operation in the Lakes Region and White Mountains if New Hampshire.
Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH)-PATH trains are operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and connect Manhattan with nearby areas of New Jersey.
Positive Train Control (PTC)-A system designed to prevent collisions between trains. It monitors several aspects of train control, and often relies on GPS for position data. Using this data, it helps to avoid train-to-train collisions.
Proceed Indication-Any block signal indication that allows a train to proceed without stopping.
R
Reduction-A decrease in brake pipe pressure at a rate and of an amount sufficient to cause a train brake application to be initiated or increased.
Regional Railroad-A railroad which operates over 350 miles and has a fairly substantial amount of traffic. Regional railroads must have an annual revenue of over $40 million.
Reverse Movement-A movement opposite the authorized direction.
S
Seashore Electric Railway (SERy)-The railroad operated by the Seashore Trolley Museum, see also Seashore Trolley Museum (STM).
Seashore Trolley Museum (STM)-The world's oldest and largest mass transit museum. The main focus of the collection is trolley cars, although there are also buses, rapid transit trains, and trolley buses in the collection.
Service Application-When brake pipe pressure exhausts at a service rate to apply the train brakes.
Short Line-A railroad which operates over a short distance, usually connecting with a larger railroad, or as a tourist railroad. Short line railroads have an annual revenue less than $20 million.
Signal Aspect-The appearance of a fixed or cab signal.
Signal Indication-The action required by the signal aspect.
Single Track-A main track where trains are operated in both directions.
Slack Action-Movement of part of a coupled train at a different speed than another part of the same train, due to slack between coupled cars.
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)-The agency that operates commuter rail and light rail trains which serve suburban Philadelphia, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.
Station-A place designated by name in the timetable station column.
Switching-The operation of moving rail cars within a yard, at a customer's facility, or at an interchange point, in order to place them in a train or on a classification, repair, or storage track.
T
Tie Tongs-Steel tongs designed for handling rail ties and crossing timbers.
Tie Plate-Metal plate installed between the rail and cross tie to distribute the weight over a greater area of the tie.
Timetable-A publication with instructions on train, engines, or equipment movement. It also contains other essential information.
Track Bulletin-A notice of conditions affecting train movement. It may also authorize movement against the current of traffic in certain circumstances.
Trackside Warning Detector-A device that indicates conditions such as overheated journals, dragging equipment, excess dimensions, shifted loads, high water, and rock or mud slides. This is also known as a Defect Detector.
Track Warrant Control (TWC)-A method to authorize train movements or protect men or machines on a main track within specified limits in a territory designated by the timetable.
Train-One or more engines coupled, with or without cars, displaying a marker, and authorized to operate on a main track.
TRAX-TRAX is a light rail system operating in Salt Lake County, in Utah. TRAX is operated by the Utah Transit Authority (UTA), and connects Salt Lake City suburbs with the downtown area. See also UTA.
U
Union Pacific Railroad (UP, UPRR, UPY)-This is one of the railroads involved in the construction of the transcontinental railroad. The Union Pacific (UP) once carried both passengers and freight, although today's operations are almost exclusively freight. Union Pacific operates several historic steam locomotives and diesels in excursion and special service.
Utah Transit Authority (UTA)-The agency that operates the transit system in the Salt Lake City area of Utah. Services include a variety of buses, light rail, and commuter rail. See also TRAX, FrontRunner.
Y
Yard-A system of tracks, other than main tracks and sidings, used for making and breaking up trains and for other purposes such as repair or storage of cars.
Yard Limits-A portion of main track designated by yard limits signs and timetable special instructions or a track bulletin.
Last Updated 23 June 2012
