Railways jargon

About this list

Railway terms from the age of steam onward, including British and American usages that differ. Handy for period fiction, where trains carry half the plot.

200 terms, A to Z

air line

A railroad following a very flat, straight route between two endpoints in order to minimize travel times, choosing the shortest, most direct route practical even if longer route that was more advantageous was available.

Atlantic

A steam locomotive of the 4-4-2 wheel arrangement.

automatic train control

A train protection system that involves a speed control mechanism in response to external inputs. For example, a system could effect an emergency brake application if the driver does not react to a signal at danger.

B-unit

A locomotive with an engine, generator, and traction motors, but without a control cab.

bank engine

Synonym of banker (“type of railway locomotive”).

banking engine

Synonym of banker (“type of railway locomotive”).

bar car

A railroad passenger car where drinks are served, typically with seating arranged around cocktail tables.

bay platform

A platform that can be accessed by trains from only one end; a dead-end platform.

block post

In signalling, a signal box at one end of a block section.

block section

In railway signalling, a section of track on which, in normal circumstances, only one train is allowed at one time.

block signal

One of the danger signals or safety signals which guide the movement of trains in a block system, often coupled with a switch so that opening or closing the switch also operates the signal.

block system

On railways, a system by which the track is divided into sections of three or four miles, and trains are run by the guidance of electric signals so that no train enters a section or block before the preceding train has…

block train

A freight train that carries only one commodity.

boat train

A travel service with a train timed to arrive at a ferry port in time for the onward travel by ferry (or vice versa). Alternatively, a service scheduled to connect with the arrival or departure of an ocean liner.

box van

An enclosed railway goods wagon, typically with a sliding door.

branch line

A secondary railroad route or one subsidiary to a railroad's mainlines.

bridge route

a railroad which provides a link from one major carrier (railroad) to another.

car body

The body of a rail vehicle called a car.

car door

A door designed for use on a car (whether a railway carriage or an automobile).

car mile

A mile travelled by a single railway car, taken as a unit of computation, as in computing the average travel of each car of a system during a given period.

catch points

A set of points provided to derail rail vehicles out of control on a steep gradient.

chair car

A railway car equipped with reclining armchairs, for passengers travelling at night who do not wish to ride in a sleeping car.

check rail

A rail laid parallel to a running rail to guide wheels through points, rail crossings, and round curves, to reduce wear and the risk of derailments such as those due to flange climb.

Co-Co

A wheel arrangement for diesel and electric locomotives signifying that a locomotive has six axles, each powered by a motor, on two bogies.

coal train

a freight train which carries a single commodity: coal.

colour light signal

An electric railway signal with colour aspects, showing either red or green in a 2-aspect signal, with the addition of a yellow or double yellow aspect (meaning caution) in 3- and 4-aspect signals.

common carrier

A person or company that undertakes to transport goods for the general public or passengers on regular routes at agreed rates.

common crossing

The part of a railway switch or turnout where the running-rails cross; a frog.

contact wire

A bare wire conducting electricity, often the lower part of the catenary, which comes into contact with a raised pantograph or other form of current collector.

control car

A non-powered railroad car, equipped with a driver's cabin, front lights and other equipment required for a locomotive, allowing a train to be controlled from the rear end without turning a locomotive at the end of the…

cross-tie

A sleeper supporting and connecting the rails, and holding them in place.

danger signal

A signal set at danger and showing a red light or other stop indication, which a train driver must not pass until it changes or until manually cleared past the signal by a dispatcher.

dark territory

A section of railroad track not controlled by signals.

dead in the train

Being hauled as part of a train's consist while not providing any motive power.

dead section

Part of a neutral section.

double track

A section of railway line or tramline consisting of two parallel tracks, one being used in one direction and the other in the opposite direction.

double-end

To operate a train with a locomotive at each end.

double-ended

Having a locomotive at each end.

double-ending

a system of operating trains with a driver at each end of the train for a fast turnaround time.

double-head

To haul a train with two locomotives at the head end.

double-heading

The use of two locomotives at the front, or head, of a train.

double-track

Having a pair of tracks in order to allow trains to pass in opposite directions.

driver-only operation

The operation of a train without a conductor or guard as a cost-cutting measure; one-man operation.

driving car

A control car; a non-engine rail car from which the train may be driven.

driving motor

a car in a multiple unit which is motored and from which the train can be driven.

driving trailer

An unpowered coach fitted with a driving cab and placed at one or both ends of a train.

edge rail

A rail designed so that the carriage wheels roll on its edges, being held there by flanges.

electric engine

Synonym of electric locomotive.

electric multiple unit

A multiple unit train powered by electricity, abbreviated EMU.

electric train

A railway train driven by electric motors powered by electricity supplied via overhead lines or third rails, or sometimes from rechargeable batteries. (This entry is a translation hub.)

empty stock working

A train of empty passenger rolling stock that is moved from one location to another where, for example, it is needed to form a revenue-earning service.

express train

A train (either the service or the train itself) making limited stops.

facing

Diverging in the direction of travel.

facing points

A set of points at which two routes diverge in the direction of travel.

fall plate

A metal plate resting on the cab floor of a steam locomotive, between engine and tender.

fire iron

One of a set of tools kept on a steam locomotive for a similar purpose.

fishing space

The space between the base and head of a rail in which a rigid steel bar is placed.

flag stop

A train station at which trains stop only on request.

flat rail

A metal pole or simple flat bar that is laid horizontally on the ground.

flying meet

The carefully-timed situation in which two opposing trains on a nominally single-track line meet at a siding and are able to pass each other without stopping, because they have reached the siding simultaneously.

four foot

the space between the rails on a standard gauge railway line.

four-track

Synonym of four-tracked.

four-tracking

Provision of four running lines on a stretch of railway track, usually two in each direction.

fourth class

A class of rail travel formerly found in some countries.

fourth rail

An extra rail in addition to the third rail (live rail) which is used for current return purposes, mainly by London Underground, because of problems caused by using the running rails for current return underground.

gate box

A signal box that controls a level crossing.

goods van

An enclosed railway freight car, especially one with a sliding door.

grab iron

A metal bar attached to the side of locomotives and railroad cars for use as a handhold.

ground frame

A lever frame controlling the operation of points and/or signals which is installed at ground level.

ground signal

A dwarf railway signal, mounted close to the ground.

Hall

Hall class, a class of steam locomotive used on the GWR.

heavy rail

A term generally applied to main-line railways, but this varies from country to country. It has no relation to the weight of the rails used.

high-speed rail

A type of rail transport that operates significantly faster than traditional rail traffic, using an integrated system of specialized rolling stock and dedicated tracks.

higher-speed rail

A type of railway system based on existing infrastructure upgraded to allow passenger train speeds typically between 80 and 120 miles per hour.

home signal

A railway signal controlling entry to the next section of line. Originally it meant a signal governing entry into a station.

island platform

A railway platform which has tracks on both sides.

joint bar

A fishplate.

joint line

A railway that is or was owned and operated by more than one company.

journal box

A box or housing enclosing or supporting a journal, often used in order to retain the lubricant.

land bridge

A relatively fast rail or road route over land, especially one for transporting goods.

light engine

A locomotive running on its own, or with other powered locomotives, with no wagons or carriages attached.

light rail

A kind of passenger railway in urban and suburban settings typically characterized by a mixture of tram (or in North America streetcar) and metro features, crossing streets at grade crossings and normally powered by…

light railway

A railway built at a lower cost, with a lighter track and to a lower standard than a main-line railway.

limited

An express train that only halts at a limited number of stops.

line speed

The maximum speed at which trains can run on a given railway line, or section of line.

local train

A train (either the service or the train itself) making stops at all stations along its route.

loop line

A secondary route which leaves a mainline, following a different route to the main line, before rejoining it several miles further on.

mail car

A railroad car in which mail is carried and sorted.

mail train

A train used by the postal service to transport mail, and in some cases, to sort mail en route.

mean distance between failure

A measure of reliability that expresses the average distance travelled by a type of lorry, bus, rolling stock, etc, before preventative or reparative maintenance is required.

milk train

A goods train that carried milk, usually in tank wagons.

mind the gap

Be careful of the gap between the vehicle and the adjacent platform, while boarding or alighting.

mixed train

A train consisting of both passenger coaches and freight vehicles.

mixed-traffic

Of a railway, one that caters for both passenger and freight traffic.

motor coach

A powered railway vehicle, designed for passenger transport, capable to pull (or push) other railroad cars (compared to a railcar which only consists of a single railway vehicle with a driver's cab at both ends).

Mountain

A steam locomotive of the 4-8-2 wheel arrangement.

multiple unit

A train consisting of one or more self-propelled cars capable of coupling with other units of the same or similar type and still being controlled from one cab.

multiple-aspect

Designating a colour-light railway signal which displays at least three aspects.

non-op

A nonoperator; a rail worker not directly involved in the mechanical operation of trains.

non-platform

Of a railway lines at a station: not serving a platform, typically on a through line used by non-stopping trains.

Northern

A steam locomotive of the 4-8-4 wheel arrangement.

on-train

Taking place on a train.

one engine in steam

A principle in railway signalling where only one train or locomotive is allowed to run on a section of single-track line, such as a branch line, at any one time.

one-man train

In Japan, a train with a single driver and no conductor.

Pacific

A steam locomotive of the 4-6-2 wheel arrangement.

passenger car

A railroad car designed to carry passengers.

passenger train

A train whose primary function is to carry passengers.

pay train

A train carrying people’s wages.

permanent way

The track and ballast (bed) of a railway.

pick-up goods

A goods train, often on a branch line but also on main lines, that serves every station and siding along its route, dropping off and picking up wagons (freight cars) and goods where required.

plain line

a stretch of railway track that does not have any junctions, crossovers or points on it.

platform car

A railway car open all round and without a roof.

platform door

Synonym of platform screen door.

platform edge door

Synonym of platform screen door.

platform screen door

One of a series of doors at a train or subway station, at the edge of a platform, that prevent access beyond the platform when there is no train to be boarded.

platform ticket

A ticket giving a non-traveller access to a railway station platform.

points

Movable rails which can be used to switch a train from one railway track to another.

private car

A railroad passenger car that is either privately owned or used privately, or both.

rail head

The top part of a railway rail; the part of the rail the wheel runs on.

rail joint

A join between two rails in a railway track placed end to end; the rails are joined by fishplates where joints are not welded.

rail-served

Having a connection to the railway network, such as a siding.

railroad track

A pair of formed steel rails, separated and supported usually on wooden or concrete ties or sleepers, forming a track along which flange-wheeled railroad vehicles may travel.

railway key

A key that allows one to lock and unlock doors to railway carriages and compartments, typically only permitted to railway employees.

railway signal

A visual or mechanical device that conveys instructions or provides a warning regarding the train driver's authority to proceed.

recovery time

Additional time built into a train timetable to allow the train to recover from any delays en route, without arriving at its destination late according to the published arrival time.

red ball

Of or related to priority freight or the trains that carry it.

reporting mark

A code of up to four letters allocated to and used by railroads and other owners of rolling stock for identification purposes, shown on each rail vehicle in combination with an individual number for the vehicle.

restaurant car

Synonym of dining car.

return tag

A tag attached to a railway car as evidence of its due arrival.

right-away signal

A signal given to a train driver by the guard of the train, or a member of station staff, that the train is ready to depart.

road-rail vehicle

A vehicle that can be driven along roads to a place where retractable railway wheels can be lowered onto railway track to allow it to be used on the railway, often used for maintenance and construction purposes.

rolling stock

All vehicles that move on a railway, powered or unpowered.

route mile

A mile of track on a route between places.

royal train

A set of railway carriages dedicated for the use of the monarch or other members of a royal family.

running board

A narrow footway above the driving wheels of some steam locomotives, and along the sides of some diesel locomotives.

running line

A railway line used to operate trains on, as opposed to a siding.

running powers

Permission given in an agreement allowing one railway company to run trains over certain tracks belonging to another railway company.

running rail

One of the two rails of a railway track with which the wheels of a train make contact.

running track

A line on which trains can run, as opposed to a siding.

seat lock

The lock of a reversible seat in railroad cars.

signal box

A building, typically adjacent to or spanning a railway line, from where signals, points and (sometimes) level crossings are controlled.

signal bridge

A structure built over railroad tracks on which signals are mounted.

signal check

An instance where a train must stop at a red signal, or slow down before passing a signal displaying a yellow aspect.

signal passed at danger

An event on a railway where a train passes a stop signal without authority.

signal post

A post on which one or more railway signals are mounted.

single track

A single rail line, where trains can only run in one direction at a time between passing points.

single-driver

A steam locomotive with a single driving axle.

single-heading

The haulage of a train by one locomotive.

single-track

Having only a single track so that trains may only run in one direction at a time.

single-tracking

The reduction of a double-track rail line to a single track, when the extra capacity of a double-track line is no longer required.

six foot

the area between the closest rails of two parallel standard gauge railway lines, regardless of the actual distance.

sleeping car

A railroad car with sleeping facilities for passengers travelling overnight.

slow speed control

An electronic device fitted to locomotives which enables them to operate at a very slow speed when their train is loaded or unloaded on the move.

slow train

Synonym of local train.

staff system

A block system in use on single-line railways, in which the stationmaster gives the driver a staff authorizing the driver to proceed over a given portion of track.

starting signal

A railway signal controlling the starting of trains from a station or some other location, nowadays usually a colour-light signal.

station throat

The often constricted area at the end of a railway station where running lines divide into platform tracks.

steam age

The time when trains were powered by steam locomotives.

steam train

A train pulled by a steam locomotive.

stock car

A railway car for carrying livestock.

stop the job

To completely stop all traffic.

stopping service

A train service operated by a stopping train.

stopping train

A passenger train that stops at most, if not all, of the stations on the route in the course of its journey.

tank car

A railroad car or rolling stock designed to transport liquids or gases.

team track

a railroad siding where customers can load and unload freight cars themselves.

test track

A railway track for the purpose of testing trains.

through station

Any railway station having one or more tracks running through it, and that is not built as a terminus where trains can go no further without changing direction.

through train

a train that travels a long distance without any stops

ticket gate

a ticket barrier

ticket hall

An area in some railway stations where travel tickets are sold.

tie plate

A steel plate used on rail tracks between flanged T rail and the crossties.

top and tail

With a locomotive at each end.

track circuit

an electrical circuit in a railway track used for signalling purposes.

track pan

a long trough placed between the rails in a railroad track, which enabled a steam locomotive to replenish its water supply without stopping by lowering a scoop.

track panel

An assembled section of railway track.

track pizza

A person hit by a train after jumping or falling in front of it.

track plan

A diagram of the track layout at a particular place.

traffic island

An area where rail traffic is low.

traffic mile

Any unit of the total obtained by adding the passenger miles and ton miles in a railroad's transportation for a given period.

trailer car

An unpowered car / coach / carriage included in the formation of a diesel multiple unit or an electric multiple unit.

train mile

A unit used in estimating railway running expenses, etc.: the total number of miles run by all the trains of a railroad, or system of railroads, as within a given time, or for a given expenditure.

train operating company

A company that operates passenger trains on the mainline railway network in Great Britain under franchise or license from the Government.

train order

Formerly, a telegraphed or written instruction issued by a dispatcher to train crews and other railroad employees, concerning changes in operation of a particular train.

train stop

A train protection device that automatically stops a train if it attempts to pass a signal when the signal aspect and operating rules prohibit such movement, or (in some applications) if it attempts to pass at an…

train ticket

A ticket issued by a train operator, which allows the purchaser to travel by train, usually between the stations marked on the ticket.

train time

The time when a scheduled passenger train departs or arrives according to the timetable.

transfer table

A traverse table

trap points

A set of facing points at the end of a crossing loop or side track parallel to a mainline which will direct a train into a sand drag if the signal on that line is passed at danger, thus preventing the train running…

trip working

The operation of short-distance freight trains, e.g. between goods yards.

tube train

A smaller-profile underground train which operates through the tube tunnels under London, which have a small cross section.

twin-track

Synonym of double-track.

union station

A railroad station shared by more than one railroad company, usually to spread the costs and ease the logistics of serving a particular town by rail.

user-worked

Of a level crossing, one where a railway crosses a right of way such as a road on private land, a footpath or a bridleway. Any gates or barriers provided often need to be operated manually, with some crossings…

walk-through

Of passenger carriages in a train, having no doors in gangway connections between the carriages, often in combination with longitudinal seating, creating a "see-through" effect through the train.

warm storage

The storage of a train taken out of service temporarily, which is kept powered and maintained.

warm store

To place in warm storage, electric trains in particular.

well car

an open low-sided freight car with a lowered body.

wheel flat

A flat spot on a railway wheel caused when a wheel, or both wheels on the same axle, in a moving train stop rotating.

wheel shop

A workshop where wheels of locomotives and other railway vehicles are maintained.

work train

A train run for the purpose of maintenance and repair of railway track.