Railroad Terminology, Slang, and Definitions

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A  [Top]
AAR
Association of American Railroads - The central coordinating and research agency of the North American rail industry. It deals with matters of common concern to member roads; operations, hardware standardization, regulatory matters research, safety, forecasts, finance, etc. It is dedicated to the standardization of processes and progress of the rail transportation industry.
AB Valve
The operating device used on freight cars for charging, applying, and releasing the brakes. Also called a triple valve
ABD Valve
An improvement of the AB Valve that features a quick release.
ABDW Valve
An improvement of the ABD Valve. Modifies the Emergency Portion and provides for accelerated buildup of brake cylinder pressure during quick service applications.
Absolute Block
A length of track in which no train or engine is permitted to enter while it is occupied by another train or engine.
ABS
automatic block signal. This is a system for controlling trains. The track is divided into a series of blocks which are controlled by block signals activated by the presence of a train.
Absolute Permissive Block (APB)
A designated section of track or tracks within which the movement of trains will be governed by block signals, whose indications supersede the superiority of trains. The block signals may be controlled manually or automatically.
Absolute Signal
A block or interlocking signal designated by an "A" market or the absence of a number plate.
Add, to
Couple car(s) to a train
Adhesion Coefficient
The ratio of tangential and normal force that exist between the wheel and the rail during motion.
A - End
the end of a railway car that does not have the brake handle. Opposite of B-end
AEI Tag
An electronic transponder located on the side of rail cars that identifies them to trackside readers.
Age
Seniority, length of service
Air Brake System
All of the devices and parts included in making an air brake for controlling the speed and stopping a locomotive or train. It is made up of the operating devices, the pipes, fittings and foundation brake gear.
Air Monkey
air brake repairman
Air Test
The act of operating the brake valve to determine that the air brake system was operating correctly and could stop the train if necessary.
All black, well stacked, goin' down the track 'clickity clack'.
the train looked good on the visual roll-by inspection.
Alley
A clear track in a switching yard.
Ambulance
A caboose
Anchor them
Set hand brakes on still cars; the opposite is release anchors
Angel's  Seat
Seat in cupola of a caboose.
Angle Bar
One of the two bars used to couple two rails together to form continuous track.
Angle Cock
An appliance used for the purpose of opening or closing brake pipe on ends of cars, rear ends of tenders, and front ends of switch engines so equipped. Provision is made for supporting hose at proper angle.
Anti Climber
ridge on the front of a locomotive so that in case of a collision with another vehicle, it doesn't ride up into the locomotive cab
APE
All Purpose Employee -- an employee that is a promoted engineer that can also be forced to work as a conductor or trainman.
Application
Consists of all of the operations from the time the brake pipe reduction is started until the brake is released.
Approach Signal
A signal that governs the approach to another signal.
Armed
When a 2-way EOT is in communication with the HOT allowing it to dump the train from the rear.
Armstrong
Old-style equipment operated by muscular effort
Articulated [Mallet]
A Mallet locomotive. A simple articulated is a mallet which had a large enough boiler to supply all four cylinders with high pressure steam direct from the boiler. A compound mallet is a mallet which had a boiler too small to supply high pressure steam to all four cylinders at once, and used steam twice, once to the rear high pressure cylinders and the "partially used" steam would then supply the front cylinders. The best known example of a compound mallet is the N&W Y6b mallet, which "shifted" to compound operation at higher speed. Some well known simple articulated's are the UP BIG Boy, the UP Challenger, the N&W Class A, the B&O EM-1 type, and the SP AC class.
ARU
American Railway Union, Crushed during the Pullman strike in 1894
Ash cat
Locomotive fireman
A - Unit
a normal locomotive that has a control stand (different than a B-unit). Normally only used to differentiate a locomotive from a B-unit where they may share a similar body or engine. F7 locomotives were made in both A-unit and B-unit styles, for example.
Automatic Block Signal System (ABS)
A series of consecutive blocks governed by block signals, cab signals or both, actuated by a train, engine or by certain conditions affecting the use of a block.
Automatic Cab Signal System (ACS)
A system which provides for the automatic operation of the cab signals and cab warning whistle.
Automatic Stop Arm
Mechanical arm located on the wayside, in conjunction with a wayside signal, which causes an emergency brake application when a train passes the signal at danger and the arm is in tripping position.
Automatic Train Stop System (ATS)
A system actuated by wayside inductors, so arranged that its operation will automatically result in the application of the brakes until the train has been brought to a stop.
Auto Rack
car carrier, usually multi-level, often enclosed
Auxiliary
work train consisting of heavy crane, dining car, crew accomodation, equipment storage cars, cars of track panels etc that is deployed to clean up wrecks.
Auxiliary Reservoir
A reservoir located on each rail car that stores air supplied by the locomotive.

C  [Top]
Cabbage Car
... "Amtrak took some of their old F40's and removed the engine. That left a big empty space so they added a "garage door" on each side so they could haul baggage. These are used on the opposite end of the train from the engine. Going one way the locomotive leads the train.  Going the other way the F40 is in the lead, providing a cab with controls, but the train never has to be turned, It's just push-pull.  Anyway, these units are a "cab" and a "baggage" unit. Hence they are often called "cab-bage" cars. Amtrak has some official name for them, but I don't even remember it."  The official Amtrak name is either an APCU, short for Auxiliary Power Control Unit, or a NPCU, short for Non Powered Control Unit.
Cab Apron
The hinged metal plate attached to the rear end cab floor of a steam locomotive, which rested on the front of the tender and formed a transition piece between the engine and tender for crew safety. Also called a deck plate.
Cab Forward
A steam locomotive with the engineers cab placed ahead of the boiler instead of behind it.
Caboose Hop
Early term for a train composed only of an engine and caboose
Called on the Carpet
To be disciplined
Caller
One whose duty is to summon train or engine crews or announce trains
Calliope
Steam locomotive
Camel back
Slang: an older rerailing device, also called a rerailing "frog". Used in pairs, one on each side to lift the wheel flanges of a derailed car and allow them to slide back onto the rail.
Camp Car
A term commonly applied to a car used as a place of lodging for workmen.
Can
Tank Car
Canned
Taken out of service, fired
Cantilever
A vertical structure with a top projecting horizontal structure used to support a signal mast.
Captain
Conductor; often called skipper. This title dates from Civil War days when some railroads were run by the Army and the conductor was in many cases a captain
Car toad
Car inspector or car repairer-from the early custom of tapping the wheels to detect flaws. ( toad because he squats while inspecting) also car tink, and car tonk
Carbody
Another name for the hood-type diesel locomotive. Examples: F40PH, FP45, E and F units.
Card
Credentials showing Brotherhood or Union membership
Centipede Tender
A high capacity tender applied to some large steam locomotives, and having seven axles, with the front two axles contained in a track casting and capable of swiveling. Major users of centipede tenders include New York Central and Union Pacific railroads (USA).
Cab Signal
A signal located in engineer's compartment or cab, indicating a condition affecting the movement of a train or engine and used in conjunction with interlocking signals and in conjunction with or in lieu of block signals.
Cabin Car or Hack
A non revenue car formally used on the rear of trains (caboose)
Caboose
End of train non revenue car
Caboose Valve
A rotary valve type of device providing means for making a controlled rate of brake pipe reduction for making a service or emergency application from the caboose.
Canned
Discharged or dismissed from service.
Cantrail
From the 1889 Century Dictionary of the English Language: A timber running along the tops of the upright pieces in the sides of the body of a railway-carriage and supporting the roof and the roof sticks. Called in the United States a plate.
Car Knocker
It was common for car inspectors to tap parts with a hammer. The resulting tone of sound gave clues to the condition of those parts. Ergo, Car Knocker.
Carman
Formal name for a craft employee that inspects and repairs railway cars.
Car Toad, Car Tonk
Car inspector who checked the condition of freight and passenger cars and conducted the air brake tests
Casey Jones
Any locomotive engineer, especially a fast one. Name derived from John Luther (Casey) Jones
Cat's Claw
Spike puller
Cat Whisker
A temporary bond wire connecting two rails together to maintain electricity.  Usually made from a very thin piece of wire and cut into the head of the rail.  (See Bond Wire)
Catwalk
Plank walk on top of boxcars; sometimes called the deck
Caught by the Monkey
Crew working 16 hours
CCR
Central Control Room, a facility from which rail system operation will be monitored and controlled.
Centralized Traffic Control (CTC)
A remotely controlled block signal system under which train movements are authorized by block signals whose indicators supersede the superiority of trains.
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.
Channel
A specified frequency for communication between train and dispatcher or 2 trains. The channel numbers (07 thru 97) are shorthand methods of designating assigned radio frequencies for transmission. For example, channel 96 means to transmit on an assigned radio frequency of 161.550 mHz.
Chariot
Caboose, or general manager's car
Checker
A company spy, particularly one checking up on loss of materials or of the receipts of an agent or conductor.
Cherry picker
Switchman, so called because of red lights on switch stands. Also any railroad man who is always figuring on the best jobs and sidestepping undesirable ones (based on the old allusion, "Life is a bowl of cherries")
Chicken Head
(or chicken neck, aka a pecker head) A chicken head in the railroad signal world is a certain type of connection used for signal wires that terminate on the tracks (track wires).  A chicken head is a short piece of stranded wire about 5 inches in length that is either welded or drilled onto the web of the rail at one end.   At the other end of the wire is a sleeve for crimping the track wire from the signal bungalow to the chicken head which is now connected to the rail.  When a construction crew uses these, the signal maintainer eliminates them and welds the track wire directly to the rail.  Over time the sleeve in the chicken head will become resistant and give the maintainer problems.  One signal maintainer suggested that it is "...better to eliminate them on my terms in the middle of the day instead of the middle of the night".  Rumor has it that they got their name because the older type that is drilled into the rail looks like a chicken head before being installed.
Cinder cruncher
Switchman or flagman
Cinder Dick
Railroad detective (slang) Railroad policeman
Cinder snapper
Passenger who rides open platforms on observation car
Cinder skipper
Yard clerk
Circus
Railroad
Citizen
Any person other than a railroad employee.  ( [Top] )
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.
CLC
Complete Locomotive Control, retrofitted adhesion system manufactured by Woodward Governor Company.
Clearance card
Authority to use main line
Clear Block
A block not occupied. Sometimes used to denote a clear signal indication.
Coal Heaver
Fireman, stoker
COFC
Container on flat car. Referred to in intermodal traffic.
Coffee
Rest period enjoyed by baggagemen while awaiting arrival of the next train
Coffepot
Old steam locomotive, small
Color Light Signal
A fixed signal in which the indications are given by the color of a light only.
Color-Position Light Signal
A fixed signal in which the indications are given by color and position of two or more lights.
Company Bible
Book of rules
Company Notch
Denotes reverse lever in lower quadrant using lots of steam to pull a heavy, i.e. revenue train making money for the company.
Conductor
Brakeman, with or without brains, displaying pencils.
Consist
(as a noun, pronounced CON-sist) The make-up of a freight train by types of cars and their contents.
Control Cab
a vehicle that may look like a locomotive (and may be constructed out of an older locomotive) which does not have a prime mover, but does have a control stand. This is used to control other locomotives that may be MUed to it. The advantage is that for the crew, operating from the control cab is much quieter than in a locomotive that has a prime mover operating.
Control Stand
the set of levers and buttons (includes throttle and brake controls) from where a locomotive is controlled
Controlled Point
A location designated by number where signals and /or switches of a CTC system are controlled by a control operator.
Controlled Siding
A siding within CTC or interlocking limits, the authorization for use of which is governed by signal indication or control operator.
Controlled Signal
An absolute signal, the aspect of which, is controlled by a control operator.
Coon It, to
To walk across the tops of freight cars.
Cornfield meet
Head-on collision or one that is narrowly averted
COT&S
Clean, Oil, Test & Stencil. Applies to air brake rework.
Covered Wagon
A nickname that is generally attached to EMD E and F units.
Cow Cage
Stock car
Creeper
A rail anchor of spring steel that is driven onto the base of the rail and bears against the tie which is prevented from moving by the resistance of the stone ballast. The name comes from the function of the anchor which is a "rail anti-creep device."
Croaker
Company doctor
Crossing
A length of track that carries one track across another.
Crossover
A track connection between two adjacent tracks.
Crowbar Hotels
Jail
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
A wooden, two truck or bobber trucked, caboose. Also called a way car, hack or, in the days of living in them, a bean shack
Cupola
A small cabin on the roof of a caboose to afford a means of lookout for the train crew.
Current of Traffic
The movement of trains on a main track, in one direction, specified by the rules.
Cut
Several cars attached to an engine or coupled together by themselves. Also 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
Cut, to
Separate car(s) from a train
Cut Lever
The hand operated lever applied to all cars and locomotives, which was used to lift the coupler pin and release the knuckle in order to couple or uncouple cars and locomotives.
CWR
continuous welded rail. Very long section of rail welded in a single long piece. Conventional jointed rail is usually in sections 39 feet long or shorter.
Cycle Braking
A rapid sequence of automatic brake applications and releases. This does not allow enough time for the reservoirs on the cars to recharge and exhausts the air pressure available to apply the brakes.
Cylinder Cocks
Drain valves, operated from engine cab, to allow condensation to drain from cylinders when locomotive had been idle for a period of time.

Engine Wiper
A person in the roundhouse who cleaned the engines when they came into the yard. His salary ranged from $1.10 to $1.25 per day. It was a very dirty, messy job, but through perseverance; hard work and determination he rises to a fireman, then the enviable position of engineer.
EOT
End Of Train unit (see also Caboose). An EOT transmits brake pipe pressure to the lead unit (head end locomotive), while a two way EOT is also capable of receiving a transmission from the lead unit to open the brake pipe and put the train into emergency stop (clarified by Bob Murphy).
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 authorized by timetable schedule. It may be designated: Extra or Work Extra
Extra
For any extra train except work extra, the movement of which is authorized in a specified direction.
Extra, Work
For any extra train authorized by Form H train order, the movement of which may be in either direction within specified limits.
Eye
Trackside signal

J  [Top]
Jailhouse Spuds
Waffled potatoes
Jerkwater Town
A small town with few facilities, identified on the railroad by the existence of a water plug only.
Jerry Gang
A section crew
Jew Bar
A device that holds a track in gauge. Used on sidings or industrial track.
Jewel
Journal brass
Jit
Commuter's train
Jitney
Four-wheel electric truck that carries baggage around inside a terminal. Also unregulated private automobile that carried passengers on public highways for 5-cent fare in direct competition with trolley cars
Johnson Bar
Valve gear adjustment lever.
Join the Birdies, to
To jump from a locomotive cab before a collision.
Joint Facilities
Any facilities owned by two or more railroads.
Journal Box
Metal box around axle bearing for holding a lubricant saturated pad next to the wheel bearing.
Jumper
British: a passenger leaping from a moving train on the blind side to avoid paying.
Jungle
Hobo camp
Junk File
A worn out locomotive

N  [Top]
NEC
North-Eastern Corridor -- the Amtrak route with intensive passenger traffic that connects Washington, DC, Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston
New Boot
A new hire or new employee  ( [Top] )
19 & 31 train orders
These types of orders were transmitted to train crews. They covered vast area of conditions such as fixing meeting points, speed restrictions.
Night Owl
A late passenger train
No Bill
A worker who refuses to join the union, particularly train or enginemen.
NORAC
Northeast Operating Rules Advisory Committee: the operating rules the many USA Northeast Freight and Passenger Railroads operate under.
Nose Bag
A lunch bucket or bag
Number Dummies
Clerks who worked as yard checkers

O  [Top]
OCS
occupancy control system. This is a system of track control involving permission to proceed from one location to another.
Ohm
The unit of electrical resistance.
Ohms Law
The fundamental law of flow of electricity in a circuit. The rate of flow in amperes is equal to the electric pressure in volts divided by the resistance in ohms.
Old Hand
Experienced railroader. Also called old head.
Old Head
One who has been around long enough to become familiar with his work or who "has his head cut in" - knows how to do his job well. Lots of Seniority ( [Top] )
Old Man
Superintendent or general manager.
On the Ground
On the ties, as a derailed train
On the high iron, let the big dogs walk
the caboose is over the switch and on the mainline so open the throttle all the way on the locomotives.
OP
Telegraph operator
OPTO
One Person Train Operation - the motorman (engineer) performs all the functions of a conductor and an engineer on a passenger train.
ORC
Old Reliable Conductors -- The union that represented conductors during the mid to late 19th century.
Originating Line Haul Road
The railroad where any freight shipment starts.
Originating Station
The first station on each subdivision from which a train is authorized to occupy the main track.
OTM
Other Track Material -- materials other than ties and rails, generally refers to spikes, tie plates and rail anchors
Overhead Line Haul Road
Any railroad or railroads between the originating line haul road and the terminating line haul road. Also known as a bridge line haul road.
Overlap
Where two block signals control the same stretch of track
Overlap Sign
A sign marking the limit of control of a block signal.
Out of Station (O. S.)
Report the telegrapher would give the dispatcher on the Rock Island and presumably other railroads when the train would be past their station.

P  [Top]
Paddle
Semaphore signal
Paired Track
When two railroads own single track lines, they may reach an agreement whereby one railroads track services both roads in one direction, while the other railroads track services both roads in the other direction.
Palace of Justice
Railroad business Car
Panel
British for the Centralized Control Tower.
Paperweight
Railroad clerk, office worker. Also called pencil pusher
Parlor Boy
A flagman
Partial Service Application
Reducing the brake pipe pressure at a service rate but not enough to cause the reservoir and cylinder pressure to equalize.
Pearl Diver
A dishwasher
Pecker Head
(See Chicken head)
Peeps
(short for "people") Passengers
Peg
British: a signal post.
Pencil pusher
Clerk
Pie Book
Meal ticket
Pig
A TOFC or COFC type car.
Piggyback
TOFC or trailer on a flat car. Originally used when truck trailers were loaded onto flat cars for shipment by rail.
Pig Train
intermodal train, originally piggyback
Piglet
A locomotive engineer trainee.
Pilot
An employee assigned to a train when the engineer or conductor is not acquainted with the rules or portion of a railroad over which the train is to be moved.
Pin
1. A piece of metal used to lock the coupler to keep cars coupled together. Also a term meaning to push in the slack when uncoupling cars.
2. A brakeman. Third Pin -- the third brakeman required in Indiana on all trains more than 69 cars in length. Head Pin (PinHead) -- a brakeman that rides the head end or locomotive.
Pins and Knuckles
P/K, train inspection.
Pink
Rush telegram
Plant
Slang for interlocking.
Plug
Illegal device to continuously bail independent brake pressure. Could be simply a coin or a more elaborate device wedged above the independent brake valve. (verb, to plug it) To place the brake handle in emergency.  Also a slow passenger train.
Pocatello Yardmaster
Derisive term for boomers, all of whom presumably claimed to have held, at some time, the tough job of night yardmaster at Pocatello, Idaho
Pocket
Portion of track within a terminal on which a train may stand for a period of time
Poling Pocket
indentation or cup on a rail car or locomotive in which to insert the pole. The pole was about 12 feet long made of hard wood with a steel cap on each end. With the pole inserted between the poling pockets of a locomotive and a car on an adjacent track, the locomotive could push the car. This was dangerous to the crew as the pole was difficult to place and often broke. Poling is rarely if ever used today.
Pomptrolli
South-African: a hand-operated pump-action inspection cart.
Pony Truck
The casting and wheel set or wheel sets which make up the leading wheels of most steam locomotives, intended to guide locomotives through curves and switches, and used to properly distribute the weight of the locomotive.
Position Light Signal
A fixed signal in which the indications are given by the position of two or more lights.
Possum Belly
Tool box under caboose
Power
A name used to mention the engine units on a train.
Prime Mover
A V-type diesel with 8 to 20 cylinders rated at about 125 hp per cylinder if normally aspirated or 250 hp per cylinder if Turbo charged.
Private Car/Business Car
Coaches owned by private individuals/railroad (for use of corporate officials or supervisors). Cars were positioned at end of trains and train crew were to remain off these cars except in performance of duties. Crew was also to see that occupants of these cars were not disturbed at all costs.
PUD
Pick up and delivery service
Pull the Pin
To leave the service, retire
Pumping Signal
Any fixed signal including Absolute and Intermediate block signals, who's indications change rapidly from one indication to another and then back again due to track circuit or signal circuit failure. An engineer encountering such a signal will be governed by the most restrictive indication the signal can display.
Pusher
A helper added at the rear of a train.
Pussyfoot
Railroad detective, police, or security personnel, often found in plain clothes in rail yards or piggy-back lifts where high-dollar freight is being moved.  ( [Top] )
Put it on the ground
Derail
Putt-Putt
Circa 1940s, a Speeder, on the Boston and Maine RR, was commonly called a PUTT-PUTT, so-called because of the exhaust noise the MOW vehicle made
especially while idling.
Put on the Nosebag
Eat a meal
Puzzle Switch
Another name for a slip or double slip switch.