Railroad Terminology Terms

"A" End Of Car	The end opposite that on this the hand brake is mounted.
"A" Unit	A diesel unit equipped with a cab and operating controls.
AB Brake	The current standard freight car air brake system. Also see Automatic Air Brake.
AB Control Valve	The operating valve of the AB freight car brake. It controls the charging, application and release of the brakes.
Absolute Block	A block which a train is not permitted to enter while it is occupied by another train.
Absolute Signal	A block or interlocking signal without a number plate.
Advance Of A Signal	The side of the signal opposite to that from which the indication is received.
Agent	See Freight Agent.
Air Brake Hose	The flexible connection between the brake pipes of cars or locomotives.
Air Compressor	A power driven air pump which supplies compressed air for the operation of air brakes and other air actuated equipment.
Air Gauge (Air Brake)	An instrument which indicates the amount of air pressure in the reservoirs or brake pipe.
Air Monkey	Air brake repairman
Air Pipe (Air Brake)	See Brake Pipe.
Alertor	A device which detects the frequency of the engineman's movements and initiates an air brake application when the required frequency of such movement is not maintained. See Deadman Control.
Alley	A clear track for movement through a yard.
Angle Bar	Metal bar that is bolted to the ends of two railroad rail to fasten them together.
Angle Cock	A two position valve located at both ends of the brake pipe on locomotives, passenger and freight cars. When open, it allows the passage of air.
Approach Signal	A fixed signal preceding an interlocking signal, governing the approach to the interlocking.
Arrival Notice	A notice, furnished to consignee, of the arrival of freight.
Aspect	The appearance of a fixed signal conveying an indication.
Assigned Car	Car which has been assigned to a particular industry or for use with a specific commodity.
Automatic Air Brake	A braking system which draws air from the atmosphere and stores it under pressure. A reduction in brake pipe pressure, regardless of how it is made (bleeding of air by use of a valve, or by a break in the train line) automatically applies the brakes. An increase of brake pipe pressure causes brake to release.
Automatic Block Signaling	1. A system in which signals are operated automatically by a train, a broken rail, an open switch, a car standing on a turnout fouling the main track, etc. 2. Railroad crossing flashers and gates operated automatically by the approach of a train.
Automatic Block Signal System (ABS)	A block signal system wherein the use of each block is governed by an automatic signal.
Automobile Car	A car specially designed for transporting automobiles. It may be a type of box car or a type of flat car usually called an automobile rack car.
Automobile Parts Car.	A box car specially fitted for transportation of automobile parts in racks without packing.
Automobile Rack Car	Flat car with steel racks for transporting fully assembled automobiles. Rack have either two or three levels, are equipped with tie-down devices, and are cushioned for vertical and horizontal shocks.
Auxiliary Reservoir	A reservoir for storage of compressed air to operate the brakes of each individual car, and supplied from the main reservoir on the locomotive through the brake pipe.
Average Agreement	An agreement made between an industry and the railroad whereby the industry is debited for the time cars are held for loading or unloading beyond a certain period, and credited for the time cars are released within that certain period. Demurrage charges are assessed at the end of the month for any outstanding debits.
B & B	Bridge and Building department
"B" End of Car	The end on which the hand brake is located.
"B" Unit	A diesel unit without a cab and without complete operating controls. Usually equipped with hostler controls for independent operating at terminals.
Back Haul	To haul a shipment back over part of the route which it has traveled.
Back-Up Air Signal	A warning whistle which can be operated at the rear of the train when backing up. Air for its operation is taken from the train line.
Bad Order	1. Car in need of repair. 2. When a defective car is found by a car inspector, he tacks a small card labeled "bad order" in bold lettering on or near the door of the car. That car may not be moved from the terminal where the inspection occurred until the necessary repairs are made.
Ballast	Selected material (gravel, slag or other heavy material) placed on the roadbed to hold track in line. Ballast preferably consists of hard particles easily handled in tamping, which distribute the load, drain well, and resist plant growth.
Ballast Car	A car for carrying ballast for repair and construction work, usually a gondola or hopper.
Ballast Tamper	A machine for compacting ballast under the ties.
Beanery	A railroad eating house.
Belt Line	A railroad with trackage within and/or around a city, operating as a pickup, delivery and transfer facility for truck lines and industrial plants.
Big Hole	Emergency position of the air brake valve.
Billed Weight	The weight shown on a waybill and freight bill.
Billet Car	A low side gondola car built of steel throughout for transportation of hot steel billets.
Billing Point	Location where the waybill is prepared.
Billing Repair Card	The card furnished to the car owner when repair work is done on a foreign car.
Bill Of Lading	A contract for the transportation services authorized by a tariff.
Bleed Valve	See Release Valve.
Bleeder	See Release Valve.
Block	1. A length of track of defined limits. 2. A group of cars classified for movement to the same yard or terminal.
Block Signal	A signal at the entrance of a block to govern trains and engines entering and using that block.
Block Signal System	A method of governing the movement of trains into or within one or more blocks by the use of signals.
Blocking or Bracing	Wood or metal supports to keep shipments in place in or on cars.
Blue Goose	A high-rail car used by management to get out of the office and look important.
Board	A fixed signal regulating railroad traffic and usually referred to as a Slow Board, Order Board, Clear Board or Red Board.
Boarding Car	A term commonly applied to a car used as a place of lodging for workmen. In the case of wreck trains, they are more often called dining and sleeping cars.
Body Center Plate	The center plate attached to the underside of the body bolster. See Center Plate.
Bogie	1. The running gear of a highway semi-trailer which may be removed. 2. The term used generally to mean swivel railway truck.
Book of Rules	See Rule Book.
Boomer	A railroader given to drifting from road to road.
Bowl	The tracks in the Classification Yard where all of the cars are switched to after being humped.
Box Car	An enclosed car used for general service and especially for lading which must be protected from the weather.
Brake Club	Three foot hickory stick used by freight trainmen to tighten hand brakes.
Brake Cylinder (Air Brake)	A cylinder containing a piston which is forced outwardly by compressed air to apply the brakes. When the air pressure is released it is returned to its normal position by a release spring coiled about the piston rod inside the cylinder.
Brakeman	Train service employee who assists with train and yard operations.
Brake Pawl (Hand Brake)	A small, specially shaped, steel piece, pivoted to engage the teeth of a brake ratchet wheel to prevent turning backward, and thus releasing the brakes.
Brake Pipe	The air brake piping of a car or locomotive which acts as a supply pipe for the reservoirs. When all brake pipes on the cars are joined, the entire pipe line comprises what is commonly called the "train line".
Brake Ratchet (Hand Brake)	A wheel attached to the brake shaft, having teeth which the pawl engages, thus preventing the wheel and shaft from turning backward.
Brake Shaft	A shaft on which a chain is wound and by which the power of a hand brake is applied to the wheels.
Brake Shoe	Friction material shaped to fit the tread of the wheel when the brakes are applied
Brake Step	A small shelf or ledge on the end of a freight car on which the brakeman stands when applying the hand brake. Sometimes called a brake footboard.
Brake Valve (Air Brake)	The valve by which the engineer operates the brakes. The proper name is engineer's brake valve.
Brake Wheel	An iron wheel attached to the upper end of the brake shaft which is manually turned to apply the brakes.
Branch Line	A line serving one or more stations beyond the point of junction with the main or another branch line.
Brass Pounder	Telegraph operator, whose sending instruments are made of brass.
Broad Gage (Track)	When the distance between the heads of the rails is greater than 4 feet 9 inches. See Narrow Gage, Standard Gage and Gage Of Track.
Brownie	A demerit for violation of rules.
Bulk Freight	Freight not in packages or containers.
Bulkhead	A partition which divides the car into sections or compartments. See Compartmentizer Car.
Bulkhead Flat	A flat car with adjustable bulkheads at each end of the car, used for plywood, wallboard, etc.
Bull	A special agent, patrolman or railroad policeman. Railroad policemen who check on the activities of all other railroad employees as well as those of trespassers.
Bump	To displace a junior employee by the exercise of seniority rights.
Bumping Post	A braced post or block placed at the end of a stub track to prevent rolling cars from going off the ends of the rails. See Car Stop.
Bunching	The accumulation and tender of cars for loading or unloading in excess of orders or contrary to customary schedules.
Business Car	See Office Car
Cab	The space in a locomotive "A" unit containing the operating controls and providing shelter and seats for the engine crew.
Cab Signal	A device located in the cab of a locomotive which indicates the condition of the track ahead, whether clear or occupied, by a display of signals.
Cabin Car	See Caboose
Caboose	A car attached to the rear end of a freight train for use by the train crew.
Caboose Hop	An early term for a train composed of only engine and caboose.
Caboose Valve	A valve located in the caboose so emergency brake applications may be made from the rear end of the train.
Caller	An employee who notifies train and engine crews and other employees to report for duty.
Canned	Discharged or dismissed from service.
Capacity (Freight Car)	The normal load in pounds, cubic feet or gallons which the car is designed to carry. These figures are stenciled on the car.
Captain	Freight or passenger conductor. A title dating from earliest railroading times when this was his official designation.
Car Distributor	An individual who is assigned the responsibility of distributing empty freight cars.
Car Dumper	A device for quick unloading of bulk materials such as coal or grain. After being clamped to the rail, the car is tilted or rolled over to discharge the lading.
Car Float	A large flat-bottomed boat equipped with tracks on which railroad cars are moved in inland waterways.
Car Knocker	A car inspector.
Car Lining	Material placed on the walls of a car for the protection of goods
Car Mile	The movement of a car the distance of one mile. A term used in statistical data.
Car Seal	See Seals.
Car Stop	A device for stopping motion of a car by engaging the wheels, as distinguished from a bumping post which arrests motion upon contact with the coupler of a car. See Bumping Post.
Card Board	A small board, secured to the outside of a freight car, on which are tacked cards giving shipping directions or warning of dangerous lading, etc.
Card Rack	A small receptacle on the outside of a freight car to receive cards giving shipping directions.
Carload	The quantity of freight required for the application of a carload rate.
Carload Rate	A rate applicable to a carload quantity of freight.
Catenary	A system of wires suspended between poles and bridges supporting overhead contact wires normally energized at 11,000 volts.
Center Dump Car	A car which will discharge its entire load between the rails.
Center Pin or King Bolt	A large bolt which passes through the center plates on the body bolster and truck bolster. The truck turns about the bolt, but the stress is taken by the center plates. It is, therefore, a mere pin and not a bolt in the usual sense.
Center Plate	One of a pair of plates which fit one into the other and which support the car body on the trucks, allowing them to turn freely under the car. The center pin or king bolt passes through both, but does not really serve as a pivot. The male or body center plate is attached to the underside of the body bolster. The female or truck center plate is attached to the topside of the truck bolster.
Centralized Traffic Control (CTC)	A block system that uses blocks signal indications to authorize train movements.
Center Sill	The central longitudinal member of the underframe of a car which forms, as it were, the backbone of the underframe and transmits most of the buffing shocks, from one end of the car to the other. Freight cars with cushioned underframes use a special type of floating center sill construction. See Cushion Underframe.
Chain Gang	When a number of extra trains (not regularly scheduled freight runs) are put into service, regular crews may be assigned to take such trains in turn. When this occurs, train crews are said to be operating in chain gang service.
Circuitous Route	An extremely indirect route.
Circus Loading	A means of loading highway trailers by moving them over the ends of the cars.
Classification (Freight Cars)	A destination and routing code used on switch lists for ease of switching cars.
Classification Tracks	A system of tracks designed to facilitate classification switching by providing for the arrangement of freight cars according to their kinds, contents and destinations.
Classification Yard	A yard where cars are grouped according to their destinations and made ready for proper train movement.
Class Rate	A rate based on an assigned class rating (a percentage of first class) published in the Uniform Freight Classification
Cleaning In Transit	The stopping of articles, such as peanuts, etc., at a point located between the points of origin and destination to be cleaned.
Clear Board	A signal indication displayed to advise that no train orders are being held (also see Board).
Clearance or Clearance Limit	The limiting dimensions of height and width for cars in order that they may safely clear all bridges, tunnels, station platforms and other structures as well as equipment on adjacent tracks.
Cleat	A strip of wood or metal used to afford additional strength, to prevent warping, or to hold in position.
Coal Car	A car for carrying coal, usually a hopper car.
COFC	Container On Flat Car. See Piggyback.
Coke Rack	A slatted frame or box applied above the sides and ends of gondola or hopper cars to increase the cubic capacity for the purpose of carrying coke or other freight in which the bulk is large relative to the weight.
Color Light Signal	A fixed signal that conveys an indication by the color of a light, or lights only.
Color Position Light Signal	A fixed signal that conveys an indication by the color and position of two or more lights. It consists of a cluster of lights normally displayed in pairs. For some indications, marker lights are displayed above, below, or to the side of the main cluster to qualify its meaning.
Combination Rate	A rate made by combining two or more rates published in different tariffs.
Commodity Rate	A rate applicable to a specific commodity between certain specified points.
Compartmentizer Car	A box car equipped with movable bulkheads which can be used to divide the car into separate compartments.
Compartment Tank Car	A tank car with the tank body divided into several sections for the purpose of carrying different commodities in each compartment or smaller shipments.
Comp Bar or Compromise Bar	A set of rail joint bars that connects rail of two different sizes.
Concealed Damage	Damage to the contents of a package which is in good order externally.
Conductor	Train service employee in charge of train or yard crew. Also called Yard Foreman.
Conflicting Routes	Two or more routes over which movements cannot be made simultaneously without possibility of collision.
Connecting Carrier	A railroad which has a direct physical connection with another or forming a connecting link between two or more railroads.
Consignee	Persons or firm to whom shipment is destined.
Consignee Marks	A symbol placed on packages for export generally consisting of a square, triangle, diamond, circle, cross, etc., with designed letters and/or numbers for the purpose of identification.
Consignor	Person or firm from whom shipment originates. Also called Shipper.
Consist	The make-up of a freight train by types of cars and their contents.
Constructive Placement	When, due to some disability on the part of the consignor or consignee, a car cannot be placed for loading or unloading, it is considered as being under Constructive Placement and is subject to demurrage rules and charges, the same as if it was actually placed.
Container Car	A flat or open top car, such as a gondola, on which containers of freight are loaded.
Continuous Seals	A term denoting that the seals on a car remained intact during the movement of the car from point of origin to destination; or, if broken transit, that it was done by proper authority and without opportunity for loss to occur before new seals were applied. Also see Seals.
Control Operator	Employee in charge of a control point or a segment of controlled track.
Controlled Point	A location where signals and/or switches of a traffic control system are operated and/or controlled from a distant location by a train dispatcher.
Controlled Siding	A siding, the use of which is governed by signals under the control of a train dispatcher or operator.
Controlled Track	A track upon which all movements must be authorized by a train dispatcher or operator.
Cornered	A term used when a car has been struck by another car because it was not in the clear. See In The Clear.
Cornfield Meet	Head-on collision between two trains using the same main track.
Coupler	An appliance for connecting cars or locomotives together. Government regulations require that these must couple automatically by impact and must be uncoupled without going between the cars.
Coupler Centering Device	An arrangement for maintaining the coupler normally in the center line of draft but allowing it to move to either side when a car is rounding a curve while coupled to another car.
Coupler Knuckle Locks	The block which drops into position when the knuckle closes and holds it in place, preventing uncoupling.
Coupler Lock Lifter	The part of the mechanism inside the coupler head which is moved by the uncoupling rod and, in moving, lifts the knuckle lock so that the knuckle can open.
Covered Gondolas	Gondolas which have been equipped with some form of removable cover which can be placed over the lading to protect it from weather exposure in transit. Used primarily for loading sheet steel in coils without the necessity of packing.
Covered Hopper Car	A hopper car with a permanent roof, roof hatches and bottom openings for unloading. Used for carrying cement and other bulk commodities.
CP	See Constructive Placement or Controlled Point.
Crew	General term used to describe the individuals working together as a unit, such as train crew.
Crib	That portion of ballast between two adjacent ties.
Cripple	See Bad Order.
Cross Tie	The transverse member of the track structure to which the rails are spiked or fastened to provide proper gage and to cushion, distribute, and transmit the stresses of traffic through the ballast to the roadbed.
Crossing (Track)	A structure used where one track crosses another at grade, and consisting of four connected frogs.
Crossover	Two turnouts with track between, connecting two nearby and usually parallel tracks.
Crows Nest	The cupola or box-like structure raised above the roof of a caboose from which a trainman may see along the train while it is in motion.
Crummy	See Caboose.
Cubical Capacity	The carrying capacity of a car according to measurement in cubic feet.
Cupola	A small cabin built on the roof of a caboose to afford a means of lookout for the train crews.
Current Of Traffic	The movement of trains on a track in a designated direction specified in the timetable.
Cushion Underframe	A term commonly used to designate the framework of a railway car which is designed to prevent the shocks and impact stresses from damaging the car structure or its lading. The principle involved is the application of a center sill member which is detached and permitted to travel longitudinally in either direction through the bolsters, hydraulically resisted and controlled by high capacity cushion gears located within the center sills.
Cut	1. To uncouple a car. 2. A group of cars coupled together. 3. That part of the right-of-way which is excavated out of a hill or mountain instead of running up over it or being tunneled through it.
Cutout Cock (Air Brake)	A valve which, when closed, will bypass or cut out the brake system for that car. The closing of this valve does not interfere with the operation of the brakes on the other cars in the train.
Cut The Board	To reduce the number of men on the extra board. See Extra Board.
Damage Free Car	Car equipped with special bracing devices to decrease the possibility of damage to lading. Usually called a DF car.
Dead Heading	Traveling from one point to another by an employee who has received orders for such travel from his supervisor. The employee performs no service in such travel status, and he/she is paid for his/her time while in travel at an hourly "dead head" rate.
Dead Rail	A second set of tracks over a scale used when cars are not being weighed.
Deadhead	1. Fireman's term for brakeman. 2. Employee riding on company pass or on company business. 3. Train and/or engine crew moved without performing service, from one terminal to another at railroad convenience and for which they are paid.
Deadman	A buried timber, log or beam designed as an anchorage to which a guy wire or cable is fastened to support a structure, as a wood or steel column, derrick or mast.
Deadman Control	A foot pedal or brake valve which must be kept in a depressed position while the locomotive is operating. A release from this depressed position initiates an air brake application after a short time delay.
Deck	Floor of locomotive cab or cars.
Defect Card Receptacle	A small metal container, placed underneath the car for protection from the weather, in which defect cards are placed.
Delivering Carrier	The railroad which delivers a shipment to the consignee.
Demurrage	A penalty charge assessed by railroads for detention of cars by shippers or receivers beyond a specified free time.
Depressed Center Flat Car	A flat car with the section of floor between the trucks depressed to permit loading of high shipments within overhead clearance limits. Also called a well flat.
Derail	A track safety device designed to guide a car off the rails at a selected spot as a means of protection against collisions or another accidents; commonly used on spurs or sidings to prevent cars from fouling the main line.
Destination	The place to which a shipment is consigned.
Detainer	Train dispatcher.
DF Car	See Damage Free Car.
Diamond	See Crossing.
Diesel	Internal combustion engine or locomotive.
Diesel Electric Locomotive	A locomotive in which one or more diesel engines drive electric generators which in turn supply electric motors (usually series D.C.) which are geared to the driving axles.
Dinky	A small engine used around roundhouse or backshops for switching.
Distant Signal	A fixed signal outside a block system that governs the approach to a block signal, interlocking tower, or switch point indicator. A distant signal does not indicate conditions that affect track use between the distant signal and block or interlocking signals. A distant signal may be identified by a "D".
District	A portion of the railroad designated by timetable.
Division	1. A geographical unit of operation in charge of a superintendent under whose direction the three essential functions coming under "operations" are carried out. These functions are the maintenance of way and structures, maintenance of equipment, and transportation of freight and passengers. 2. The apportionment, by carriers, of revenue received from joint traffic.
Dog Chase	A relief crew that went out to bring in a train which cannot be legally moved by its own crew.
Doll	A blue signal displayed to the side of another signal indicating there is one track between the signal and the track governed by the signal.
Double	1. Two consecutive tours of duty. 2. Putting train together when part of train is on one track and balance on another. 3. Taking train over steep grade in two sections.
Double Deck (Stock Car)	A car with a second floor (often made removable) half way between the ordinary floor and the roof, to increase the carrying capacity of the car for small livestock, such as pigs and sheep.
Double Track	Two main tracks, one of which the trains run in one direction and the other in the opposite direction.
Dozer	Bulldozer operator.
Draft Gear	The unit which forms the connection between the coupler rigging and the center sill. The purpose of this unit is to receive shocks incidental to train movements and coupling of cars, and so cushion the force of impact.
Drag	1. A heavy train, usually coal, ore or stone. 2. Group of cars for movement from one point to another within a terminal. 3. Train of empties.
Drawbar	A term used synonymously with coupler. See Coupler.
Drawhead	The head of an automatic coupler, exclusive of the knuckle, knuckle pin and lock.
Drill Track	A track connecting with the ladder track, over which engines and cars move back and forth in switching.
Drilling (Car)	The handling or switching of cars in freight yards.
Drop	Switching movement in which cars are cut off from an engine and allowed to roll free into a track.
Drop Bottom Car	A gondola car with a level floor equipped with a number of drop doors for discharging the load.
Drop Brake Shaft	A brake shaft for flat cars which normally extends above the floor, but can be dropped down should conditions of the lading require.
Drop End Gondola Car	A gondola car with end doors which can be dropped down when the car is used for shipping long material which extends over more than one car.
Dual Control Switch	A power operated switch or derail that can also be operated by hand.
Dump Car	A car from which the load is discharged either through doors or by tipping the car body.
Dunnage	The material used to protect or support freight in or on cars, such as bracings, false floor, meat racks, etc.
Dwarf Signal	A low interlocking or block signal.
Dynamic Braking	A means of braking a locomotive or car having electric motors by using the motors as generators and dissipating this power through resistors. It may be used to control train speed and to brake a train to a low speed after which air brakes bring it to a full stop.
Easy Sign	A hand signal indicating the train is to move slowly.
Electrically Locked Switch	A hand operated switch equipped with an electrically controlled device which restricts the movement of the switch.
Electric Locomotive	A locomotive which receives electric power from an overhead contact wire or third rail and uses the power to drive electric motors connected by gears to the driving axles.
Electric Switch Lock	An electrically controlled lock that restricts the use of a hand operated switch or derail.
Embargo	An order prohibiting the acceptance and/or handling of freight at certain points or via certain routes due to emergencies, congestion, strikes, etc.
Emergency Application	A quick heavy reduction of brake pipe pressure made when a train must be stopped in the minimum distance possible. An emergency application may also occur when a brake pipe is broken, or when air hoses between cars are disconnected with angle cocks open.
Emergency Brake Valve	A valve for applying the train brakes in emergency. It is connected to the brake pipe by a branch pipe and operated by releasing brake pipe air to the atmosphere.
Emergency Rate (Freight)	A rate established to meet some immediate and pressing need, and without due regard to the usual rate factors.
Emergency Reservoir	A part of the AB air brake system to provide quick recharge, graduate release and high emergency cylinder pressure. It supplements the supply from the auxiliary reservoir.
Empty Car Bill	Waybill used to move ordinary empty cars from one station to another.
End Door	A door in the end of a car. In some box cars this door is used for loading and unloading long material which cannot be handled through the side door. Sometimes called lumber door.
Engine	A unit propelled by any form of energy or a combination of such units operated from a single control, used in train or yard service.
Engineman	The driver or operator of a locomotive. Also called engineer.
Engineer's Brake Valve (Air Brake)	A brake valve in the locomotive used for operating the brakes of the train.
En Route	On the way.
Exceptions To Classification	A publication containing classification ratings (a percentage of first class) and rules different (usually lower) from the classification ratings and rules shown in the uniform freight classification. See Uniform Freight Classification.
Exchange Bill Of Lading	A bill of lading issued in exchange for another bill of lading.
Expense Bill	See Freight Bill.
Expiration Notice	A notice in a tariff that all or some part of it will expire at a stated time.
Export	To send goods to a foreign country.
Export Rate	A rate published on traffic moving from an interior point to a port for trans-shipment to a foreign country.
Extra Board	A list of employees who may be assigned to train crews (1) when extra trains are run, (2) when regular crews have not had sufficient rest time before they can legally be required to return to duty, or (3) when relief men are required on regular crews.
Extra Gang	The crew of track laborers assigned to maintenance work at various points on a railroad right-of-way. These employees may live in camp (bunk) cars where they are provided lodging and meals at a nominal cost.
Extra Train	A train not included in a timetable schedule.
Fabrication In Transit	The stopping of steel products at a point located between the points of origin and destination for further process of manufacture. For example, steel beams to be fabricated as bridge girders.
Facing Movement	The movement of a train over the points of a switch which face in a direction opposite to that in which the train is moving.
Feeding In Transit	The stopping of shipments of live stock, etc., at a point located between the points of origin and destination to be fed and watered.
Fifth Wheel	The supporting plate and pivot at the forward end of a truck trailer.
Fish Plate	See Angle Bar.
Fixed Signal	A signal of fixed location indication a condition affecting the movement of a train or engine.
Flag	1. Brakeman sent out to protect the ends of a train making an unscheduled stop. 2. A non-lighted signaling device. 3. An assumed name.
Flag Station	A station at which trains only stop when signaled.
Flagman	Usually, the brakeman assigned to duties at the rear end of the train.
Flammable	Commodity which can be easily ignited.
Flange (Car Wheel)	A projecting edge or rim on the circumference of the wheel to keep it on the rail.
Flare	See Fusee.
Flat Car	An open car without sides, ends or top, used principally for hauling lumber, stone, heavy machinery, etc.
Flat Wheel	A car wheel that has flat spots on the tread.
Floatage	1. The floating or transfer of railroad cars across water. 2. Also the charge for such service.
Float Bridge	A bridge connecting car floats with rail landings.
Floating Load	A load in which the lading is prepared as a unit with space between unit and ends of car and end blocking omitted. The lengthwise movement of the lading over the floor of the car permits dissipating the impact of shocks.
Flying Switch or Drop	Switching technique in which cars are cut off from behind a moving locomotive and the switch opened after the engine has passed.
Foreign Car	A car belonging to a railroad other than that on which it is being run.
Foul	To obstruct or interfere with the movement of railroad cars or engines.
Free Time	The time allowed by the carriers for the loading or unloading of freight after which demurrage or detention charges will accrue.
Freight Agent	Railroad's representative with the public who prices services performed based on approved tariffs.
Freight Bill	Statement given customer of charges for transportation. Information is taken from waybill.
Freight Classification	See Classification and also Uniform Freight Classification.
Freight Charge	The charge assessed for transporting freight.
Freight Claim	A demand upon a carrier for the payment of overcharge, loss or damage sustained by shipper or consignee.
Freight Forwarder	A person engaged in the business of shipping and distributing less than carload freight.
Freight House	The station facility of a transportation line for receiving and delivering freight.
Frog	1. 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 to the other.. 2. An implement for rerailing car wheels.
Full Service Application	An application of the brakes resulting from a reduction in brake pipe pressure at a service rate until maximum brake cylinder pressure is developed.
Fusee	Combustible torches which burn (usually red) for ten to fifteen minutes as warning signals to other trains when touched off and placed or thrown on the ground by train service employees.
Gage Of Track	The distance between the heads of the rails, measured at a point 5/8 inch below the top of the rails. Standard ghage is 4 feet, 8½ inches. See Broad Gage and Narrow Gage.
Gandy Dancer	A track laborer.
Gate	Switch
Gateway	A point at which freight moving from one territory to another is interchanged between railroads.
Gauntlet	A third set of rails placed in between two other sets of rails to carry wide loads through tunnels.
General Service Car	Box, gondola, or flat car not designed for a specific commodity or shipper, without special equipment.
Go High	To climb on the top of freight cars for purposes of signaling or setting brakes.
Goat	A yard switch engine.
Gondola Car	A freight car with sides and ends, but without a top covering. Gondola cars are sometimes distinguished as high side, low side, drop end, drop bottom and general service.
Grab Iron	Steel bar attached to cars and engines as a hand hold.
Gradient (Brake Pipe)	The difference in brake pipe pressure between the front and the rear of the train. It is the direct result of leakage or train line obstruction.
Grain Door	A partition placed across the door of a box car to prevent loss of grain by leaking.
Grease Monkey	An employee who is responsible for greasing frogs, switches and interlocking track equipment. Also a car oiler.
Griever	A representative of the union who consults with railroad officials in connection with complaints made by employees.
Gross Ton	2,240 pounds.
Gross Ton-Mile	The movement of a ton of transportation equipment and contents a distance of one mile.
Gross Weight	1. The weight of an article together with the weight of its container and the material used for packing. 2. As applied to a carload, the weight of a car together with the weight of its contents.
Gumshoe	A railroad detective.
Gun	1. A torpedo placed on a rail which will act as a signal warning when it is detonated by a train crossing over it. 2. The injector of a locomotive.
Hack	See Caboose
Ham	A student telegrapher.
Hand Brake	The brake apparatus used to manually apply the brakes on a car or locomotive.
Harmonic Rock	A condition that may occur on jointed rail between 13 and 19 miles per hour in which the cars begin swaying sideways and may cause derailments.
Head End	Beginning or forward portion of any train.
Head Man	The brakeman who rides in the locomotive cab and is responsible for work done in connection with the forward section of the train..
Head Pin	See Head Man.
Header	Beginning or identifying portion of any list or consist.
Heat Kink	See Sun Kink.
Heater (Switch)	A device for melting snow at switches by means of steam, an electric current, gas jets or oil.
Heater Car	An insulated box car equipped with heating apparatus for the protection of perishables.
Helper	One or more engines added to a train to assist in moving the train over steep grades.
Hi-Cube Car	Originally a box car of approximately 85 ft. length and 10,000 cu. ft. capacity designed for hauling automobile body stampings and other low density freight. The term has become frequently used to describe any box car of excess height.
Highball	1. Signal given to proceed to at maximum authorized speed. 2. Fixed signal consisting of two round balls, one red, the other white. A highball is when the white ball is raised to the top indicating the train may proceed.
High Iron	Main line or high speed track of a system of main line tracks.
High Rail	1. A vehicle that can be driven on the highway or railroad. Also known as Hi-rail and Hy-rail. 2. The outer or elevated rail of a curved track.
High Side Gondola Car	A gondola car with sides and ends over 36 inches high.
Hog	Locomotive.
Hogger, Hog Head	Locomotive engineer.
Hog Law	The federal stature which provides that all train and engine crews must be relieved of duty after 12 hours of continuous service.
Hold Track	A track on which cars are held awaiting disposition.
Hole	Side track on a single track line which permits another train to pass.
Home	A location where the car is on the tracks of its owner.
Home Car	A car on the tracks of its owner.
Home Junction	A junction with the home road.
Home Road	The owning road of a railroad car.
Home Route	The return route of a foreign empty car to the owning road.
Home Signal	A fixed signal at the entrance to an interlocking block to govern trains or engines entering and using that block. See Absolute Signal.
Hook	A crane used in wreck train service. Also called Big Hook or Wrecker.
Hopper	An open top car with hinged trap doors and inclined floors which permits quick unloading of bulk commodities.
Horsepower	A term used as a measure of power. One horsepower is equivalent to a force that will raise 33,000 pounds one foot in a minute.
Hostler	A fireman who operates light engines in designated enginehouse territory and works under the direction of the enginehouse foreman.
Hostler's Control	A simplified throttle provided to move the B unit of a diesel locomotive not equipped with a regular engineer's control.
Hot Box	Overheated wheel journal or wheel bearing caused by excess friction between bearing and journal, lack of lubricant, or foreign matter which usually causes journal packing to burn and smoke.
Hot Box Detector	A wayside infrared sensing instrument for determining journal temperatures.
Hump	The inclined track in a hump yard. See Hump Yard.
Hump Yard	A switching yard on an incline where, after movements by the engine, the cars are shunted by gravitational pull to their destination in a yard.
Ice Bunker (Refrigerated Car)	The compartment in which the ice is placed
Icing Charge	A charge made for icing perishable freight.
Idler Car	An unloaded flat car used to protecting overhanging loads on an adjacent car.
Impact Register	An appliance placed in a car with a shipment which is both a time clock and a measuring device to record the amount of shock the car received enroute.
Import	To receive goods from a foreign country.
In Bond Shipment	An import or export shipment which has not been cleared by Federal customs officials.
In The Clear	When a train has passed over a switch and frog so far that another can pass it without damage, it is in the clear.
In The Hole	In a siding.
Inbound Train	A train arriving at a yard or terminal.
Independent Brake Valve (Air Brake)	A brake valve for operating the locomotive brakes independently of the train brakes.
Indication	The information conveyed by the aspect of a signal.
Industrial Carrier	A short railroad line owned or controlled by one or more of the principal industries served by it. Also called Industrial Line or Industrial Road.
Inflammable Liquids	Liquids that give off vapors which become combustible at a certain temperature.
Initial Carrier	The railroad on which a shipment originates.
Initial Point	The location at which a shipment originates.
Inland Carrier	A transportation line which hauls export or import traffic between ports and inland points.
Insulated Rail Joint	A rail joint which arrests the flow of electric current form rail to rail as at the end of a track circuit, by means of nonconductors separating rail ends and other metal parts.
Inter	Between
Interchange	The exchange of cars between railroads at specified junction points.
Interchange Point	The location where cars are transferred from on road to another.
Interchange Track	A track on which various cars are delivered or received from one railroad to another.
Interline	Between one or more railroads.
Interline Freight	Freight moving from point of origin to destination over the lines of two or more railroads.
Interline Waybill	A waybill covering the movement of freight over two or more railroads.
Interlocker	See Interlocking.
Interlocking	An arrangement of signals and switches 'interlocked' in such a way that their movements must succeed each other in a predetermined order so that a clear indication cannot be given simultaneously on conflicting routes. They are found at a crossing of two railroads, a drawbridge, junction, or entering or leaving a terminal or yard.
Interlocking Limits	The tracks between the extreme opposing home signals of an interlocking.
Interlocking Signals	The fixed signals of an interlocking that govern trains using the interlocking limits.
Intermediate Carrier	A railroad over which a shipment moves but on which neither the point of origin nor destination is located.
Intermediate Clause	A clause or basis contained in a tariff to provide for rates to a point not named therein but which is intermediate to points that are named.
Intermediate Point	A location between two other points specifically names.
Interstate Commerce Act	An act of Congress regulating the practices, rates and rules of transportation lines engaged in the handling interstate traffic.
Interstate Traffic	Traffic moving from a point in one State to a point in another State or between points in the same State, but passing within or through another State enroute.
Intra	Within
Intra-Plant Switching	The moving of cars from one track to another within a plant
Ivory Tower	The main control room where the Train Movement Director or Yard Master is based.
Jack	Locomotive
Jam Buster	Assistant yardmaster.
Janney	To couple.
Join The Birds	To jump from a moving train when collision is imminent.
Joint	1. The connection where two rails are joined together. 2. To "ride to a joint" is to bring cars together so that they are coupled. 3. A railroad rail, usually 39 feet in length.
Joint Authority	A method of authorizing men or machines to occupy or perform maintenance on a main track or siding within specified limits.
Juggler	Brakeman who must load and unload less than carload lots at way stations.
Katy	The Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad.
Keeley	A small tank containing water which is hung on the side of a car and attached by a hose to the journal box when there is a hotbox.
Kettle	Locomotive. Taken from "Watt's teakettle."
Kick	To uncouple a car or cars while in motion, allowing them to roll to a stop.
Kicker	Triple valve in defective order which throws airbrakes into emergency when service application is intended.
King	Yardmaster or freight conductor.
King Pin	Another name for a conductor.
Kitchen Car	Caboose. Sometimes it is equipped for light housekeeping and used by the crew on the foreign end of their run.
Knee Brace	A stiffening piece used to reinforce two members of a structure that meet at right angles.
Knuckle	The pivoting hook like casting that fits into the head of a coupler and rotates about a vertical pin to either the open position (to engage a mating coupler) or to the closed position (when fully engaged).
Knuckle Pin (Coupler)	The pin holding the knuckle in the jaws of the coupler. Sometimes called pivot pin.
Knuckle Thrower	A device which throws the knuckle of a car coupler open when the uncoupling lever is operated.
Ladder	The main track of a yard from which individual tracks lead off. This track is also called a lead track.
Lading	Freight or cargo making up a shipment.
Latch (Switch Stand)	A device for catching and holding the lever of a switch stand in position. Also called a switch keeper.
Lateral Motion	The motion, crosswise of the track, of all car parts except the wheels and axles. This lateral motion, or end play, results from the flexibility which must be provided in truck structure in order to permit easy and safe negotiation of track curves
Lawful Rate	A rate published in conformity with the provisions of regulatory law and which does not violate any other provisions of such law.
L.C.L.	See Less Than Carload Lot.
Lead Track	An extended track connecting either end of a yard with main track.
Less Than Carload Lot	The quantity of freight less than that required for the application of a carload rate.
Less Than Carload Rate	A rate applicable to a less than carload shipment.
Light Engine	An engine moving without caboose or cars attached.
Lighter	A flat bottomed boat usually used in inland waterways.
Lighterage Limits	The limits of the area within which freight is handled by lighters or barges under certain lightering charges, rules and regulations.
Lightering	The hauling of freight on lighters or barges.
Light Weight	The weight of any empty freight car.
Limited Speed	Not exceeding 45 or 60 miles per hour as designated by the operating railroad.
Line Haul	The movement of freight over the tracks of a railroad from one town or city to another town or city (not a switching service).
Lining Bar	Metal bar approximately five feet long with a wedge point on one end used in track work.
Livestock Car	A special freight car for handling or livestock.
Load Limit	The maximum load in pounds which the car is designed to carry.
Local Rate	A rate applying between stations located on the same railroad.
Local Waybill	A waybill covering the movement of freight over a single railroad.
Locomotive	See Engine
Long and Short Clause	The fourth section of the Interstate Commerce Act prohibits railroads from charging more for a shorter than a longer haul over the same route, except by special permission of the Interstate Commerce Commission.
Long Ton	2,240 pounds. Also called gross ton.
Lookout (Caboose)	See Cupola
Lorry	A small four-wheel push car used in railroad construction and maintenance work for moving rails, ties, etc.
Low Rail	The inner rail of a curve which is maintained at grade while the opposite or outer rail is elevated.
Low Side Gondola	A gondola car with sides and ends 36 inches high or less.
Main Iron	Slang for main track.
Main Line	That part of a railroad exclusive of switch tracks, branches, yards and terminals.
Main Reservoir (Air Brake)	A tank on an engine for storing the main air supply. So called in distinction from the auxiliary reservoirs under each car.
Main Track	A designated track upon which trains are operated by timetable, train order, or both, or the use of which is governed by block signals.
Make A Joint	To couple cars.
Manifest	1. Fast freight usually made up of merchandise, perishables or livestock. 2. A description of the contents of a shipment.
Manual Block Signal System	A block signal system wherein the use of each block is governed by block signals controlled manually.
Manual Interlocking	An interlocking operated manually.
Marked Capacity	The carrying capacity of a car as marked or stenciled on the car.
Marker	Front and rear signals of a train (flags or lamps).
Marking Off	1. Reporting as not available for work. 2. The act of filling out the employee's time slip with the time released from duty.
Marking Up	Reporting as available for duty.
Maximum Rate	The highest rate that may be charged.
ME	Maintenance of Equipment Department
Meat Rack (Refrigerator Car)	The supports near the ceiling from which meat is suspended. Also called Beef Rail.
Mechanical Refrigerator Car	A car equipped with a diesel powered refrigerating unit under thermostatic control.
Medium Speed	Not exceeding either 30 or 40 miles per hour, as defined by the particular railroad being operated on.
Memorandum Bill Of Lading	The duplicate copy of a bill of lading.
Memo Waybill	Memorandum waybill. A waybill used then the agent does not have sufficient information to determine the freight charges. It contains adequate information to enable yards to properly handle the car.
Men	Railroad employees, either male or female.
Merchandise Car	A car containing several less than carload shipments.
Mileage Allowance	An allowance based on distance made by railroads to owners of privately owned freight cars.
Mileage Rate	Rates applicable according to distance.
Milling In Transit	The stopping of grain, lumber, etc., at a point located between the points of origin and destination for the purpose of milling.
Minimum Charge	The least charge for which a shipment will be handled.
Minimum Rate	The lowest rate that may be charged.
Minimum Weight	The least weight at which a shipment is handled at a carload rate.
Mixed Carload	A carload of different articles in a single consignment.
Mixed Carload Rate	A rate applicable to a carload of different articles in a single consignment.
Motor Car	A motor-driven railway inspection or work car which rides on the rails and is operated by maintenance of way employees to minimize time spent traveling while on duty.
MOW	Maintenance of Way.
Mud Hop	A yard clerk; a car checker who maintains a listing of freight cars on arriving and departing trains.
Mud Hen	A surveyor.
Multiple Main Tracks	Two or more main tracks that are used according to the timetable.
MW	Maintenance of Way Department
MP	Motive Power Department
Narrow Gage (Track)	When the distance between the heads of the rails is less than 4 feet 8 inches. See Broad Gage, Standard Gage and Gage of Track.
Nested	Packed one within another.
Net Ton	2,000 pounds.
Net Ton-Mile	The movement of a ton of freight one mile.
Net Weight	1. The weight of an article clear of packing and container. 2. As applied to a carload, the weight of the entire contents of the car.
No Bill	1. A worker who refuses to join the union, particularly train or enginemen. 2. A worker who is thought of as not being productive while working.
Non-Agency Station	A station which does not have an agent. Also called a closed station.
Normal Speed	The maximum authorized speed shown in the timetable.
Office Car	Car used by railway officials while traveling.
On The Ground	On the ties, not on the rails, as derailed train.
Opposing Signals	Signals which govern movements in opposite directions on the same track.
Orders	Train orders transmitted to an operator from a dispatcher, delivered to the conductor for himself and crew.
Package Car	A car containing several less than carload shipments
Package Freight	Merchandise shipped in less than carload quantities.
Pallet	A small portable platform for holding material for storage or transportation.
Pantograph	A device located on top of electric equipment which collects power from an overhead contact wire by means of a sliding contact shoe.
Paper Rate	A published rate under which no traffic moves.
Participating Carrier (Tariff)	A railroad which is a party, under concurrence, to a tariff issued by another railroad or by a tariff publishing agent.
Pawl (Brake Wheel)	A pivoted bar adapted to fall into the notches or teeth of a wheel as it rotates in one direction, and to restrain it from backward motion. See Ratchet and Brake Ratchet.
P.D. Car	Permanent Dunnage Car. A boxcar equipped with dunnage.
Peddler	Local way freight.
Per Diem	A charge made by one transportation line against another for the use of its cars. The charge is based on a fixed rate per day.
Per Diem Reclaim	A method of recouping Per Diem payments.
Perishable	Commodities easily spoiled or damaged because of weather or delay in transit. Usually describing food stuffs.
Piggy Back	The transportation of truck trailer and containers on railroad flat cars.
Pilot	An employee assigned to a train when the engineman or driver of a track car is not qualified on the physical characteristics or rules of the railroad.
Pin Puller	A trainman who uncouples cars while switching by lifting the coupler pin with the uncoupling leaver located on each end of a car.
Piston Travel (Air Brake)	The amount of piston movement when forced outward as the brakes are applied.
Pivot Pin (Coupler)	Another name for the Knuckle Pin. It is so called from the fact that the knuckle, when opening, swings about the pin as a pivot. See Coupler.
Placard	Paper forms of various designs used to identify cars requiring special attention; e.g., dangerous and explosives.
Plug Door	A door on refrigerator or boxcars which is flush with side of car when closed. to open, it is swung out and rolled to one side. Also call sliding flush door.
Point of Origin	The station at which a shipment is received by the railroad from the shipper.
Pool Car	Specially equipped cars of different ownerships assigned to a specific company or location.
Port Of Entry	A port at which foreign goods are admitted into the receiving country.
Power Switch	A remotely controlled switch.
Prepaid	A term denoting that transportation charges have been or are to be paid at the point of shipment.
Prepay	Pay before or in advance.
Prepay Station	A station to which the transportation charges on shipments must be prepaid - generally a non-agency station.
Private Car	A car having other than railroad ownership.
Private Siding	A side track owned or leased by an individual or firm.
Pro Number	Pro. is the abbreviation of the word progressive. A pro number is usually applied by the Agent on freight bills, waybills, etc. for control purposes as part of the accounting procedure.
Proportional Rate	A rate specifically published to be used only as a factor in making a combination through rate. A rate published from New York to Chicago to apply only on traffic destined to points beyond Chicago would be a proportional rate.
Public Service Commission	A name usually given to a State body having control or, or regulating public utilities.
Publishing Agent	A person authorized by transportation lines to publish tariffs of rates, rules and regulations for their account.
Pull The Pin	1. Uncouple a car by pulling up the coupling pin. 2. An expression meaning to resign or leave a job.
Pulpwood Car	See Wood Rack Car.
Push Car	A small maintenance of way car without a motor that is pulled by a motorcar or pushed by hand.
Pusher	1. Team leader responsible for seeing that work gets done on schedule 2. A locomotive used to help trains up steep grades by pushing from behind.
Put it on the ground	Derail
Radio Controlled Engine	An unmanned engine situated within the train consist, separated by cars from the lead unit, but controlled from it by radio signals.
Rail	A length of track, usually 39 feet long. Also see Track.
Rail Bond	An electrical conductor for bridging joints between rails for the purpose of carrying electrical current as part of a track circuit.
Rail Joint	A fastening designed to unite abutting ends of rails.
Rail Stop	See Car Stop.
Rail Tong	Clamp used to lift or move sections of railroad rail. Depending on the design, it may be used either manually by two or more men or by a crane.
Railway Labor Act	A Federal Act providing for adjustment of disputes between railroads and employees.
Ran a Red Block	Enter a circuit without clearance from the control tower or dispatcher.
Ratchet	A serrated edge like that of a saw, sometimes straight and sometimes on a wheel, into which a pawl engages, for producing or (more