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| Top of the vocabulary |
Abrasion – pl. abrazja, rozmywanie
Wearing or grinding away of material by water laden with sand, gravel, or stones.
Abutment – pl. korpus przyczółka, przyczółek
A substructure supporting the end of a single span or the extreme end of a multispan superstructure and, in general, retaining or supporting the approach embankment.
Abutment wing – pl. skrzydło przyczółka
text
Accidental load – pl. obciążenie wyjątkowe
Load which can occur accidentally, taken into account with specific coincidence factor.
Adherence – pl. przyczepność
text
Admissible stress – pl. naprężenie dopuszczalne
text
Aggradation – pl. agradacja
General and progressive raising of the streambed by deposition of sediment.
Aggregate – pl. kruszywo, granulat
Crushed stone
Alignment – pl. układ torów w planie
Railway track layout in plane.
Alloy– pl. stop metali
text
Alteration – pl. zmiana
A change in design
Anchor – pl. zakotwienie, kotwa
text
Anchor bolt – pl. śruba zakotwienia
A shaft-like piece of metal commonly threaded and fitted with a nut and washer at one end only, used to secure in a fixed position upon the substructure the bearings of a bridge, the base of a column, a pedestal, shoe, or other member of a structure.
Anchor plate – pl. płytka oporowa
text
Anchorage length – pl. długość zakotwienia
text
Anchorage plate – pl. płyta kotwiąca
text
Anchored bar – pl. pręt zakotwiony
text
Angle – pl. kąt, kątownik
text
Angle grinder – pl. szlifierka kątowa
text
Anisotropy – pl. anizotropia
A material property of different characteristics in all directions.
Anode – pl. anoda
text
Anti-freeze layer – pl. warstwa mrozochronna
text
Anti-shock protection – pl. osłona przeciwporażeniowa
text
Anti-shrinkage reinforcement – pl. zbrojenie przeciwskurczowe
text
Approach slab – pl. płyta przejściowa
A reinforced concrete slab placed on the approach embankment adjacent to and usually resting upon the abutment back wall; the function of the approach slab is to carry wheel loads on the approaches directly to the abutment, thereby diminishing the pavement settlement.
Approach zone – pl. strefa przejściowa
text
Apron – pl. izbica
A form of scour protection consisting of timber, concrete, riprap, paving or other construction placed adjacent to abutments and piers to prevent undermining.
Arch,arc – pl. łuk
text
Arch barrel – pl. sklepienie
A single arch member that extends the width of the structure.
Arch rib – pl. żebro łuku
The main support element used in open spandrel arch construction also known as arch ring.
Armor – pl. osłona
A secondary steel member installed to protect a vulnerable part of another member, e.g., steel angles placed over the edges of a joint.
Asphalt – pl. asfalt
Black surface material made from mineral hydrocarbons containing petroleum; the distinction between asphalt and bitumen is mainly chemical, in that asphalt is for solid surfacing and bitumen is a liquid suitable for coating aggregates.
Assembly – pl. montaż
Action of putting the elements together.
Assembly bar – pl. pręt montażowy
text
Assembly phase – pl. faza montażowa
text
Axial compression – pl. ściskanie osiowe
text
Axis – pl. oś konstrukcji
text
Axle – pl. oś taboru
text
Axle load – pl. obciążenie na oś
Loading by a single axle of a vehicle.
| Top of the vocabulary |
Bridge, ballast deck
A bridge with a solid floor provided with drains and covered with ballast, to provide normal and uniform support for track and conforming generally to standard construction used in the same tracks as constructed on roadbed.
Bridge seat
The top surface of an abutment or pier upon which the superstructure span is placed and supported. For an abutment it is the surface forming the support for the superstructure and from which the hackwall rises. For a pier it is the entire top surface.
Bridge tie
A sawed tie usually preframed and of the size and length required for track on a bridge. Usually hardwood.
| Top of the vocabulary |
Bridge tie
A sawed tie usually preframed and of the size and length required for track on a bridge. Usually hardwood.
| Top of the vocabulary |
Depth, ballast
The depth from the bottom of tie to top of subballast or subgrade. (The ballast between the ties (in the cribs) is a part of the ballast section but its depth is not a part of the specified ballast depth).
Derail
A track safety device to guide rolling stock off the rails at a selected spot as a means of protection against collisions or other accidents.
Derailment
Anytime the wheels of a car or engine are off the head of the rail.
Diamond
A special track work item that allows two railroad tracks to cross each other at grade. Point where two tracks cross without connection. Named after the shape of the track formation which occurs.
Double Slip Switch
Track formation where two tracks cross and are connected across the obtuse angles through interconnecting pointwork, combines the functions of a crossing and turnouts to allow any one of four routings. Expensive to build and maintain, used only where space is limited.
Double Track (DT)
Two main tracks, on one of which the current of traffic is in a specified direction, and on the other in the opposite direction.
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Electric Switch Lock
An electrically controlled lock device affixed to a hand operated switch or derail to control its use.
Electrified Territory
That portion of the railroad equipped for electric train operation by catenary system or by third rail and necessary substations, transmission and signal power lines located above or adjacent to the tracks.
End post
The piece of an insulating joint which separates the rail ends.
Engine Burn
Destruction of rail head metal caused by spinning locomotive wheels. Engine Burn fracture is a rail break caused by an engine burn.
Expansion shim (rail)
Spacer inserted between ends of abutting rails while track is being laid to provide allowance for expansion of steel when temperature changes.
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Facing Points
Points where a single track diverges into two, i.e. where the points face the oncoming train. The opposite is trailing points, where two tracks become one.
Fall (of grade)
The section of the track with decreasing altitude.
Fastener, tie-plate
A special tie-plate long enough to support the bases of a guard rail and the adjacent running rail and with a rail brace riveted to it for supporting the guard rail.
Fastenings
Elements fixing rails to sleepers. Many different types of fastenngs are used: K-type, Skl type or elastic types as Pandrol-Fastclip, Nabla, SB-3 or other.
Field side - gauge side
The field side of a rail is the face pointing away from the track or the outside face. The gauge side is the side of the rail which guides the wheel flange.
Fill (Filling)
Material, usually earth, used for the purpose of raising or changing the surface contour of an area, or for constructing an embankment.
Fishing space
Space between head and base of a rail occupied by a splice bar (angle bar, joint bar).
Fishplate
Length of iron, applied to either side of rail web, used to connect sections of rail together.
Flange
1. A projecting edge, rib or rim on any object such as the base of a rail on the top and bottom horizontal parts of a beam or girder.
2. On a car wheel, the inside rim which projects below the tread.
2. On a car wheel, the inside rim which projects below the tread.
Flangeway
Space between running rail and guard rail or timber in road crossing to provide clearance for passage of wheel flanges.
Flare opening
Horizontal distance between the gauge line of running rail and the side of the head of a guard rail or frog wing rail at the widest part of its flared end.
Floating Slab Track
A track system using a concrete base mounted on rubber pads to reduce vibration transmitted to adjacent property. A number of railways have tried it with some anecdotal evidence suggesting that the maintenance costs are high and that riding quality of trains suffers.
Flow of metal (rail)
Rolling out of steel on the crown of a rail toward sides of the head. More common on the low side of a curve located where less than established speed is used frequently.
Four Foot
Nickname for the gap between the running rails, the gauge. Comes from the standard gauge measurement of 4ft 8 1/2 ins (1435 mm).
Friction coefficient
The factor used to determine the maximum tractive effort which can be applied by a locomotive under a given rail condition before slip occurs. It is denoted by the Greek letter µ and may vary between 0.1 and 0.4 in UK conditions.
Frog
A device used where two running rails intersect, providing flangeways to permit wheels and wheel flanges on either rail to cross the other.
Frog angle
Angle formed by intersecting gauge lines of the rails, or by tangents to the gauge lines at their point of intersection when the frog is curved.
Frog number
One-half the cotangent of one-half the frog angle, or the number of units of centerline length in which the spread is one unit. The rate of spread of the gauge lines at the frog. The number of units of length for a spread of one unit.
Frog, point of
The actual point of frog, also called the 1/2 inch point of frog, is the point at which the spread between gauge lines is one-half inch, which is the standard width of all manufactured frog points except solid manganese steel frogs. In the latter, the metal point is five-eighths inch wide, but the 1/2 inch is marked on the casting. All measurements are made from the 1/2 inch point of frog. The theoretical point of frog, the point of intersection of the gauge lines, is at a distance ahead of the 1/2 inch point which in inches is equal to one-half the frog number. This dimension is needed in turnout layouts.
Frog rigid bolted
A frog built entirely of rolled rails, with fillers between rails, and rigidly held together with bolts.
Frog, self-guarded (flanged frog)
A frog with a guard member for guiding the flange of a wheel past the point of frog by engaging the tread rim of the wheel in a horizontal plane above the top of the running surface of the frog. This makes a guard rail unnecessary.
Frog, spring
A frog constructed so that one wing rail will spring open when activated by force of the wheel flange passing through it.
Frog, throat of
Point at which the converging wings of a frog are closest together.
Frozen joint
A joint so tight that the rails cannot move as temperature varies.
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Gap
A break in the continuity of a conductor rail at a set of points on a line equipped with 3rd rail traction. See conductor rail.
Gauge
The distance between rails measured in the clearance between heads 14 mm lower than the rail top.
| Gauge | metric distance | imperial distance |
| Broad gauge (Spain) | 1674 mm | 5'5 9/10th" |
| Broad gauge (Portugal) | 1665 mm | 5'5 11/20th" |
| Broad gauge (Ireland) | 1600 mm | 5'3" |
| Broad gauge (Finland) | 1524 mm | 5' exactly |
| Broad gauge (former USSR) | 1520 mm | 5' |
| Standard gauge | 1435 mm | 4'8 1/2" |
| Narrow gauge (Cape gauge) | 1067 mm | 3'6" |
| Narrow gauge (meter gauge) | 1000 mm | 3'3 37/100" |
Gauge Line
A line five-eighths inch (14 mm) below the running surface of a rail on the side of the head nearest the track center; the line from which measurements of gauge are made.
Gauge rod
A device for holding track to correct gauge, generally consisting of 11/4 inch rod with a forged jaw on one end and a malleable jaw on the other end, adjustable through a locknut. Sometimes consists of a rod made in two parts with a solid jaw on each, united by a turnbuckle. Also called a tie rod.
Gauge tool
A tool by which the gauge of track is determined. It is made of wood and steel, or all steel and sometimes has a guard rail gauge attached. It may be combined with a track level.
Gauging (of track)
Bringing two opposite rails into their correct relative positions as regards to their distance apart.
Grade
US term for sloping track. UK terms are gradient or "bank". "At grade" means level track.
Grade crossing
See Crossing, grade.
Gradient Post
A trackside post with two arms indicating the point where there is a change in track gradient.
Grade line (grade)
1. The line of a profile representing top-of-rail elevations of track.
2. A series of staked elevations transferring this line to the ground or roadbed.
2. A series of staked elevations transferring this line to the ground or roadbed.
Grade separation
A term applied to the use of a bridge structure and its approaches to divide or separate the crossing movement of vehicular, pedestrian or other traffic, by confining portions thereof to different elevations.
Grade rail
The rail first surfaced to track elevation; the line rail on tangents, the inner or low rail on curves.
Guard rail
1. A rail laid parallel to and inside a running rail to prevent wheels from being derailed or to hold wheels in proper alignment and keep wheels on the other rail from striking the points of switches or frogs in turnouts or crossings.
2. An additional pair of rails laid parallel to and between the running rails of bridges, bridge approaches, and at other critical locations, to keep derailed wheels on the ties and near the running rails.
2. An additional pair of rails laid parallel to and between the running rails of bridges, bridge approaches, and at other critical locations, to keep derailed wheels on the ties and near the running rails.
Guard rail clamp
A device consisting of a yoke and fastening devices engaging the running rail and guard rail. Not all guard rails have clamps.
Greaser
A section of curved track that has flange lubricators.
| Top of the vocabulary |
Head block (switch)
A pair of ties (or, in old types of turnouts, a single tie) used to support the switch-point operating mechanism and the switch stand.
Head rod
The switch rod nearest the point of a switch, usually placed between the two head block ties.
Heater, switch
A device for melting snow at switches by means of steam, an electric current, gas jets, or oil.
Heel block (switch)
A block which spans joints and fills the space between adjacent rails at the heel of a switch, joined with outside splice bars by continuous bolts to form a unit joint. Also serves as a foot guard.
Heel length
Disering freight at the house. Distance between the heel end and half-inch point of a frog, measured along gauge lines.
Heel of frog
The end of a frog farthest from the switch.
Heel of switch
The end of a switch rail farthest from the point of switch.
Heel spread (frog)
Distance between gauge lines at the heel end of a frog.
Heel spread (switch)
The distance between the gauge lines at the heel of the switch rails.
Highway-crossing protection
An arrangement of one or more highway-crossing signals, with or without gates, to protect highway traffic.
High Iron
The railroad's mainline, usually with more ballast and heavier rail, which made this track higher than yard track.
High Rail
Main track.
House Track
A track entering, or alongside a freight house. Cars are spotted here for loading or unloading.
Hump
A rail yard with a hill. Cars are cut off in motion at the top of the hump and gravity pulls the cars to the classification tracks.
Hunting
The sideways motion of a bogie at speed caused by irregularities in the track or wheels. Different designs "hunt" in different ways and under different conditions. Suspension design often affects ride as much as anything and the whole science of bogie design can be a bit of a black art. Hunting is also sometimes referred to as "boxing".
| Top of the vocabulary |
Initial Station
The first station on each subdivision from which a train is authorized to occupy the main track.
Insulating rail joint, Insulated Joint
A rail joint designed to stop the flow of electric current from rail to rail, as at the end of a track circuit, by means of nonconductors so placed as to separate rail ends and other metal parts.
Insulated switch
A switch in which the fixtures, principally the gauge plates and the switch rods connecting one rail to the other, are provided with insulation so that electric currents will not be shunted. Also, the turnout rail contains an insulating joint.
Interchange Point
A station where two or more railroads join. Traffic is passed from one road to another at interchange points. In the US it is referred to as a "transfer".
Interchange track
A track used for the transfer of cars from one railroad to another.
Impedance bond
An electrical apparatus at code change points in electric traction areas to separate signal and traction current.
Island Platform
A single station platform with a track on either side, which is more efficient in facilities provision than two side platforms. It does tend to increase the land take however, because of the need to widen the track centres on the approaches to the station.
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Jerkwater Town
A small town with few facilities, identified on the railroad by the existence of a water plug only.
Jew Bar
A device that holds a track in gauge. Used on sidings or industrial track.
Jack, track
A compound ratchet-lever jack which trips its load by a single operation, as distinguished from an automatic lowering jack which lets the load drop by successive stages. There are two kinds: single-acting, in which the load is raised on the down stroke of the lever; and double-acting, in which the load is raised on both up and down strokes. Track jacks now usually have 15 ton capacity.
Joint
The junction of two rails or of like materials in bridge members.
Joint bar
A steel angle bar or other shape used to fasten together the ends of rails in a track. They are used in pairs, and are designed to fit the space between head and flange (fishing space) closely. They are held in place by track bolts. Also, called angle bar, rail joint bar, and splice bar.
Joint-bar drilling
Provision of suitable holes at the ends of rail, switch, frog, or other track member to receive joint-bar bolts. In specifying joint-bar drilling, give the distance from rail end to center of the first hole, successive distance between centers of holes, vertical locations of holes, and their diameter.
Joint base plate
A special tie plate used under some types of rail joints.
Joint, compromise
A special rail joint, sometimes also called a step joint, for uniting rails of different sections; made so it brings gauge sides and joined rail heads into line so that continuous smooth surfaces are presented to treads and flanges of passing wheels.
Joint expander
A rail puller/expander operated by hand or by machine which increases or decreases the gap between adjoining rail ends.
Joint, insulated
A rail joint which arrests the flow of electric current from rail to rail, as at the end of a track circuit, by means of nonconductors separating rail ends and other metal parts.
Joint, pumping
A rail joint usually poorly supported so that mud is created by passage of wheels and pumped up through ballast.
Joints, supported and suspended
A supported rail joint has a tie directly under the rail joint. A suspended joint is one in which ends of the rail joint are carried by two consecutive ties.
Joint tie
A cross tie used under a rail joint.
| Top of the vocabulary |
Keeper, switch-stand
See Latch, switch-stand.
| Top of the vocabulary |
Ladder Track
A series of turnouts providing access to any of several parallel yard tracks.
Latch, switch-stand
A device for catching and holding the lever of a switch stand in position; also called a switch keeper. Two latches are used at each switch stand.
Lead
US term for a track giving access from a main line to a railway yard.
Lead, actual
The length between the actual point of switch and the half-inch point of frog, measured on the line of the straight track.
Lead, curved
The degree of curvature in a turnout between the heel of the switch and the toe of the frog, measured on the centerline of the turnout track.
Lead Rail
Rail between the frog and the switch.
Lead track
An extended track connecting either end of a yard with the main track.
Lens, switch lamp
A lens set in a switch lamp. A wide-angle lens, which spreads a light of low intensity over a wide area, is most commonly used with yard switches.
Level
The condition of a track in which the elevation of the rails is transversely equal. Also a tool used to determine that condition in surfacing track.
Line
The condition of track in regard to uniformity in direction over short distances on tangents, or uniformity in variation in direction over short distances on curves.
Line rail
The rail on which alignment is based; the east rail of tangent track running north and south, the north rail of tangent track running east and west, the outer rail on curves, or the outside rails in multiple track territory.
Lining track
Shifting the track laterally to conform to established alignment. Maintenance lining is ordinarily done during repairs; general lining is done to make the track conform throughout to predetermined alignment.
Lipped joint
The junction of two rails when the gauge sides are not in alignment.
Line Haul Road
A railroad that handles freight over a medium to long distance.
Live load
A dynamic load such as traffic load that is supplied to a structure suddenly or that is accompanied by vibration, oscillation or other physical condition affecting its intensity.
Live rail/Dead rail
A railroad track scale was usually unable to handle the weight of a locomotive, therefore it was necessary to provide a way for the locomotive to pass the scale without damaging it. The "live rail" was the track where the cars were weighed, the "dead rail" allowed the locomotive to pass over the scale without damage.
Loading Gauge
Maximum dimensions to which a vehicle can be built or loaded without risk of striking a lineside structure.
Lock washer
A spring washer.
Lubrication, Flange
One of the critical areas of wear on railways occurs at the point of contact between wheel flange and rail at curves. This wear reduces the flange profile and, if allowed to develop, can cause derailment. It also damages the inside edge of the rail head. The wear can be reduced by lubrication of the area. The lubricators may consist of flange-actuated track mounted lubricators at the entrance to curves or trains may be fitted with on-board flange lubrication. The Paris Metro, for example, used a train-mounted lubricator which was actuated by links on the bogie which detected the change in angle as it turned onto a curve and injected a small amount of oil onto the wheel. The risk with flange lubrication is over application. This will leave lubricant on the wheel tread or rail head and result in skidding during braking. One such celebrated occasion occurred on London's Victoria Line some years ago which resulted in 35% of the trains being unservicable due to flatted wheels damaged by skidding.
| Top of the vocabulary |
Main Track
A track extending through yards and between stations which must not be occupied without authority or protection where trains are operated by timetable or train order or both, or the use of which is governed by block signals.
Marker, snow flanger
Post or sign indicating the proximity of an obstruction which makes it necessary to raise snow flangers or close snowplow wings.
Mate
A structure somewhat similar to a frog point, placed opposite a tongue switch to guide wheels and carry them throughout the extent of the switch. It is frequently used in industrial tracks laid in paved streets.
Metro
The term used to denote an urban railway, often partly or wholly underground, carrying large numbers of passengers on trains at close headways. In the US synonymous with the term "subway". The word is a diminution of the Metropolitan Railway of London, the first urban underground railway in the world. It has since been adopted by many transport authorities to give a catchy name to their system, even if not strictly correct.
Middle ordinate
The distance measured from gauge line of rail on a curve to the middle of a string drawn taut and held to contact with gauge line of rail at its ends. The middle ordinate forms a convenient means of measuring detailed curvature and is used in the adjustment of curves and the investigation of accidents. It is also a factor in bending rails to a desired curvature.
Mile Post
A post or sign on pole each mile along the track that shows the distance from a predefined location such as a major rail terminal.
Multiple Main Tracks
Two or more main tracks, the use of which is designated in the timetable.
Mule
A movable, hand-carried derail that is placed on either rail.
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Nail, dating
A galvanized or copper nail with a large head in which the last two numerals of the year are stamped; used when a tie is laid or treated to indicate its service life.
Number, turnout
The number corresponding to the number of frog used in a turnout.
Nutlock
A spring washer.
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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
Generic term (as in "the overhead") referring to electric traction supply wires suspended over the track for current collection by trains. Also known as "overhead line", "OLE" (overhead line equipment), or catenary after the line suspension system. Current is collected by a pantograph on the roof of the train or locomotive.
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.
Overrun
Distance allowed beyond a normal stopping point in case a train fails to stop in the correct position. The distance is dependent upon speed and braking capacity of the train.
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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.
Parent track
A track from which a turnout is constructed. A main track is the parent track in regard to a passing track or spur, a ladder track is the parent track in regard to the yard tracks.
Passing track
A track auxiliary to the main track used for meeting or passing trains.
Permanent Way
Generic term for railway track, referring to the rails, sleepers (ties in US) and ballast. The term "permanent" arose to distinguish it from the temporary track laid during the construction of the railway.
Phase break
A location where overhead wires are arranged to provide an insulated section between different sources of electric power.
Platform, high
A passenger station platform at approximate car-floor height.
Platform, low
A passenger station platform at approximate top-of-rail height.
Platform Screen Doors
Doors placed along a platform edge to separate passengers from the exposed railway. Usually only used on metro systems (e.g. Singapore, Lille France, Lenningrad Russia, Kobe Japan) where they are designed to match the train doorways. Their use may be justified for safety reasons or where there are extremes of climate when they can assist with reducing energy wastage. They are however, expensive at over US$1.5 million a platform edge and they add another reliability and maintenance dimension. Also known as Platform Edge Doors (PEDs).
Points
Referred to in the US as a switch. The trackwork mechanism where a track divides into two. The rails are specially shaped to allow a smooth transition from the main track to the diverging track. Also often referred to as a turnout.
Point of switch
The end of the switch rail farthest from the frog. This is where the switch stand or operating mechanism moves the switch points to change switch position.
Point of switch, theoretical
The point where the gauge line of the switch rail, if produced would intersect the gauge line of the stock rail. Also called vertex.
Point Locks
Mechanical devices attached to points to ensure that they remain fixed for the passage of a train through them. In many countries, they are a legal requirement where passenger trains are operated. Points are also electrically locked by their control system and by track circuits occupied by a train passing through them (detection).
Post, bumping
A device at the end of a stub track to prevent rolling stock from going off the ends of the rails.
Pressure grouting
A method of pumping concrete into unstable soil to restore support.
Profile
A longitudinal section through a track that shows elevation and depression. Also, a drawing showing grade line of a railroad, usually obtained from levels taken on top of the rail.
| Top of the vocabulary |
Rail
A rolled steel shape designed to be laid end-to-end in two parallel lines on ties, to form a track for railroad rolling stock, travelling cranes, and the like.
Rail anchor
A device attached to a rail to keep it from moving longitudinally as a result of temperature change or under traffic. Also called anticreeper.
Rail bender
A tool or shop machine for bending rails to fit curves in tracks, turnouts, or turntable circles; to introduce bend in stock rails; and for a variety of allied operations. Two common types are the Samson and the Jim Crow, the latter sometimes modified by addition of a roller for continuous bending of rails.
Rail bond
A device used to transfer an electric circuit at a rail joint.
Rail brace
A metal casting made to fit against the side of a rail or guard rail and to be spiked to the tie on the outside of a track or the inside of a guard rail to prevent the rail from inclining backward with the thrust of wheels. Made in plain and adjustable types.
Rail brand
An identification mark, including manufacturer's name or initials, month and year the rail was rolled, weight per lineal yard, initials of section, number of the heat, portion of the ingot, and process of manufacture.
Rail creeping
Intermittent longitudinal sliding movement of rails in track under traffic or because of temperature changes. The effect of rail creeping is resisted by anticreepers or rail anchors.
Rail Head
The top of the rail on which the wheels roll.
Rail, high
The outer or elevated rail of a curved track.
Rail layer
A small crane, manually or power operated, to set new rail in place with the use of few men.
Rail, low
The inner rail of a curve which is maintained at grade while the opposite or outer rail is elevated.
Rail, relayer
Rail with some wear suitable for reuse in track. Relayer rail is divided into main track relayer rails, and yard and side-track relayer rails. It may be cropped then welded or used as shorter length rail.
Rail rest
A support for one or more emergency-repair rails consisting of two or more shelved upright posts or slabs of timber, iron or concrete.
Rail saw, portable
A tool or machine for sawing steel rails, commonly a hacksaw or a circular steel saw, set in a vertical frame.
Rail section
The pattern or dimensional details of rail, such as width of base, height of rail, thickness of web, width and thickness of head, angle of head, and angle of base. Each particular pattern is identified by a brand name or symbol such as ASCE, AREA, ARA, PRR and others in addition to its weight per yard.
Rail, ribbon
Continuous welded rail free of joints or with very few joints in long stretches.
Rail Web
The thin section of rail between the base and the head.
Reamer
A steel tool designed to true or enlarge holes in wood or steel, to facilitate passage of bolts or rivets.
Reflector
A lens device attached to switch stand, showing different colors to indicate position of switch. The colors arise from light reflected from the locomotive headlight.
Relay
An electrical device which contains motors or magnets which, when excited, cause circuits to open and/or close. This, in turn, allows switches to be thrown or signals to display desired indications.
Relayer rail
See "Rail, relayer."
Rerailer
A heavy metal casting which was designed to be placed near a derailed wheelset of a locomotive or car, for the purpose of guiding the wheelset back onto the rail. Steam locomotives and early diesels usually carried rerailers on hooks on the tender trucks or frame (steam locomotive) or on the frame of a diesel.
Retaining wall
A wall for sustaining the pressure of earth or filling deposited behind it, used at railroad fills or cuts. See also Wing Wall or Abutment.
Reverse curve
Two adjoining horizontal curves of opposite direction.
Ribbon Rail
Continuous welded rail, laid in 1/4 mile (around 400 m) lengths then welded end to end to make a continuous length.
Riprap
Brickbats, stones, blocks or concrete or other protective covering material of like nature deposited upon river and stream beds and banks, lake tidal or other shores to prevent erosion and scour by water flow, wave or other movement.
Rip Track
A small car repair facility, often a single track in a small yard. Name derived from "Repair, Inspect and Paint."
Rise (of grade)
The section of the track with increasing altitude.
Roadbed
The finished surface of roadway upon which track and ballast rest.
Roadbed shoulder
The portion of subgrade lying between the ballast-covered portion and the ditch in cuts, and the top of slope on embankments.
Roadway
The part of a railway prepared to receive track. During construction the roadway is often referred to as the grade.
Rod, operating
A rod attached to a switch, derail, or other device, for moving it from one position to another.
Ruling Grade
The particular point on the run at which the combination of grade and curve resistance makes the train pull hardest and , therefore, "rules" how heavy a load can be given to the locomotive.
Running Rails
The two rails of a railway track upon which the wheels of the train rest and which provide the guidance for the train.
Runoff (suface)
The grade through which the raised portion of a track is connected with the old grade. It generally includes the two rails and is made at a long easy slope for comfort and safety.
Runoff (curve)
The profile through which the super elevation of a curve is brought to the level of the tangent, or through which different elevations on a compound curve are connected.
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Sand Drag
A pile of sand placed at the end of a track to absorb the energy of a train overrunning the end of the track. Sometimes the same function is performed by a hydraulic buffer or other energy absorbing device.
Scale, track
A scale with a weighbridge supporting a section of running track, used to find weight of rolling stock.
Scrap rail
Rails of standard section not fit for use as relayer rail.
Screw spike
A cylindrical threaded steel spike with a special head, designed to be turned with a special wrench into holes bored in ties, to secure rails or to act as a tie plate holder in tie plates with holes intended for this use.
Section Isolators
Used on an electrified railway to divide the current supply system into separate areas or sections. Electrified railways are usually supplied from feeder stations (AC traction) or sub-stations (DC traction) located at intervals along the line. Section Isolators are placed in trackside rooms at the boundaries between the feeds from two adjacent feeder stations. They are often referred to as Track Section Cabins. In addition to the track sectioning cabins, catenary isolators will be provided at strategic locations (crossovers and junctions) to facilitate maintenance and to minimise the operational impact of any catenary incident. These isolators will be either manually operated or motorised depending upon their respective safety and operational importance.
Section tool house
A small building used for storing the section motor car or hand car, maintenance-of-way tools, and other equipment of a section gang.
Separator, adjustable
A metal block of two or more parts, acting as a filler between running rail and guard rail and providing a means of maintaining the proper width of flangeway.
Shake (timber)
A lengthwise separation of wood, following annular rings.
Sheave
A wheel having a groove or grooves in its face surface for the passage of cable. This term may be applied collectively to include both sheave and its housing block.
Shim, track
A bearing piece, usually wood or metal of various thickness, at least equal to the width and length of the tie plate, for temporary use between the tie plate and ties to raise (surface) the rail to a desired relative elevation. Usually, used to spot surface a track when the roadbed is frozen and the ties cannot be surfaced tamped; or for temporary use to bring the tops of adjoining rails of different height to a desired plane or elevation.
Shoulder
The portion of roadbed and ballast which is between the end of the ties and the toe of the ballast slope.
Side Track
A track auxiliary to the main track.
Siding
A track auxiliary to the main track for meeting or passing trains. The timetable will indicate stations at which sidings are located.
Side planning
Cuts made on sides of the head of the switch rail to form a taper from the full width of head to the point.
Single Track
A main track upon which trains are operated in both directions.
Skeletonized track
Track with ballast removed from the cribs between ties.
Slab Track
A form of railway track comprising a concrete base to which the chairs carrying the rails are secured. It eliminates the need for individual "sleepers".
Sleepers
In the US known as "ties", short for "crossties". The transverse members of trackwork, made of wood, concrete or sometimes steel, which are used to secure the rails at the correct gauge. Cast steel chairs fixed to the sleepers hold the rails in place by means of clips or keys.
Slippery Track
A highly greased track near the roundhouse or back shop where a newly rebuilt locomotive could be run in without going anywhere, and without calling an engine crew or pilot.
Slide fence
A warning device connected to signals which warn trains of rock or landslides when fence wire is broken by rock fall.
Snow fence
A structure erected to form artificial eddies on the windward side of a cut far enough to cause snow to deposit between fence and cut. A portable or permanent wood fence, a hedge, or stone fence is usually employed.
Snow melter
A contrivance designed to prevent accumulation of snow and ice in tracks; sometimes a blowtorch held close to the snow, or a steam, electric, oil, or gas heater attached to the rails through the switch leads at interlockings or railroad crossings; sometimes chemical poured or strewn along the tracks.
Snowshed
A roofed structure built over tracks to protect traffic against snow blockades. Restricted to locations where snow encroaches seriously and cannot be handled with plows, usually in side-hill cuts on mountain slopes where snowslides amounting to avalanches frequently bury the tracks.
Spike puller
A steel bar about 5 feet long with a claw end shaped for pulling spikes by leverage; also called a claw bar.
Spike puller extension
A tool with a claw end and two or three pairs of knobs on a straight bar. A spike puller is engaged with the knobs after the claw is slipped under the spike head. It is used to withdraw spikes from flangeways and other places in which a spike puller alone cannot operate.
Spiked switch
A switch with its points held in fixed position by a spike, usually to prevent a disconnected or damaged switch from being thrown through error, or to prevent trains from using a track that has been taken out of service.
Split Switch
A term referring to the condition that exists at a switch when one pair of wheels under a car follows a course different from all other wheels under the car, generally resulting in a derailment.
Spotboard
A sighting board placed above and across a track at an established height above top of rail elevation, to indicate a new surface and insure uniformity of surface.
Spring frog
See Frog, spring.
Spring Switch
A switch equipped with a spring mechanism to restore the switch points to original position after having been trailed through.
Spring washer
A washer designed to prevent a nut from loosening under vibration. Spring washers are of two types: helical and elliptical. Also called lock washer and nutlock.
Station
A place designated in the timetable station column by name.
Stock guard
A rail-high panel of material difficult for hoofed animals to traverse, used to continue a stock fence across a railroad.
Stock rail
A running rail against which a switch point operates.
Stock rail bend
The bend or set which must be given the stock rail at the vertex of a switch to allow it to follow the gauge line on the turnout. Usually, only one stock rail of a switch is bent. The opposite one is straight.
Stop, car
A device for stopping a car by engaging the wheels, as distinguished from a bumper, which engages the coupler of a car or the front bumper beam of a locomotive.
Stringlining
A method for determining the corrections to be made in the alignment of a curve, by measuring ordinates to the outer rail and without the use of surveying instruments.
Stub Track
A form of side track connected to a running track at one only and protected at the other end by a bumping post or other obstruction.
Subballast
A select granular material which is used to separate the roadbed, or subgrade, from the crushed rock ballast. Used to provide better drainage, prevent upheaval by frost and better distribute the load over the roadbed
Subgrade
Gravel, crushed rock or the like, usually inferior to the ballast used in the track, spread on the surface of the cut or fill prior to distributing ties and ballast. That portion of ballast over 18" inches below bottom of ties is usually classified as subballast, commonly known as subgrade material.
Substation
A location where power is received at high voltage and changed to required voltages and characteristics for distribution to the catenary system, third rail, and other electric apparatus. It may contain transformers, rotating machinery, circuit breakers, sectionalizing switches, rectifiers, etc.
Sun Kink
A section of rail that elongates and bends out of alignment due to heat expansion.
Superelevation
The height the outer rail is raised above the inner or grade rail, on curves, to resist the centrifugal force of moving trains. This should not be confused with cross level, on tangent (straight) track.
Surface (of track)
The condition of a track as to vertical evenness or smoothness over short distances.
Surface, running (tread)
The top surface of the railhead on which the wheel tread rides or runs.
Surfacing, out-of-face
Raising the entire track to a new grade.
Switch
A pair of movable track rails, with their fastenings and operating rods, providing a connection over which to move rolling stock from one track to another. Also called split switch.
Switch fixtures
The connecting and bearing parts for the rails of a split switch.
Switch guard
A structure, usually of manganese steel, secured outside the running rail at the point of switch, with suitable flares to engage with the tread rim of wheels and guide them past the switch point without blow or undue wear.
Switch heater
A device for melting snow with heat generated by an electric current, or by gas or oil; used for movable parts of switches, etc.
Switch lock
A fastener, usually a spring padlock, used to secure the switch or derail stand in place and thus maintain correct position of these members.
Switch plate
A special metal tie plate for use on switch ties, each plate being long enough to extend not only under the stock rail and its supporting braces, but also under the switch rail in open position. Switch plates are furnished in sets to correspond with switch length. There are two plates to each tie; however, at point of switch, the two may be replaced by a gauge plate which carries both switch rails.
Switch, actual point of
See Point of Switch.
Switch, theoretical point of
See Point of Switch.
Switch Point Indicator
A light type indicator used in connection with facing point movement over certain switches to indicate switch points fit properly.
Switch-point lug
The lug attached to a switch point, to which the front rod is connected.
Switch rail (point rail)
The tapered rail of a split switch.
Switch rod, adjustable
A switch rod with an attachment for altering its length to keep the switch rails in their proper positions. Adjustment is usually effected through staggering holes in the clips which connect switch rod and switch rail.
Switch, staggered-point
A switch in which one point is placed in advance of the other, as in a turnout from inside a curve.
Switch stand
A device by which a switch is thrown, locked, and its position indicated. It consists essentially of a base, spindle, lever, and connecting rod, together with target, and can be equipped with a lamp or banner. Unless described as "low" or "center throw", its target spindle extends 2 feet or more above top-of-rail elevation.
Switch stand, center throw
A switch stand with a spindle higher than 1 foot but less than 2 feet. This type is commonly used in yards, less frequently on main track because targets are not as readily visible to engineman as are high switch stands.
Switch target
A visual day signal fixed on the spindle of a switch stand, or the circular flaring collar fitted around the switch-lamp lens, and painted a distinctive color to indicate the position of the switch.
Switch, throw of
The distance, measured along the center line of the rod nearest the point connecting the two switch rails, through which switch points are moved sidewise to bring either point against the stock rail; standardized at 43/4 inches.
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Tamper, air
An air-driven tool for compacting ballast under ties. Commonly used in sets of 4, 8, or 12 tools in connection with a portable air compressor.
Tamper, electric
An electrically driven tool used for compacting ballast under ties. Commonly used in sets of 4, 8, or 12 tools in connection with a portable generator set. (Electric tampers are of three general classes: vibratory, magnetic impulse, and mechanical impulse.)
Tamper, mechanical
A power-driven machine for compacting ballast under ties.
Tamping
The process by which ballast is packed around the sleepers of a track to ensure the correct position for the location, speed and curvature. Can be done manually or mechanically by special "tamping machines", usually independently powered track vehicles.
Tangent Track
Straight track.
Team Track
A track on which rail cars are placed for the use of the public in loading or unloading freight.
Terminating line haul road
The last railroad over which any shipment travels.
Terminating Station
The last station on each subdivision to which a train is authorized to occupy the main track.
Thimble
The cylindrical pieces of an insulating joint which surround portions of the bolts.
Throat of frog
The point at which the converging wings of a frog are closest together just ahead of frog point.
Throw of switch
See Switch, throw of.
Throw rod
The rod attached to the head rod of a switch, connecting the switch to a switch stand or other operating device.
Third Rail (System)
1. Traction current collection system which uses an additional rail to transmit the electrical supply and which is collected by shoes attached to the train. See: conductor rail.
2. An electric conductor located alongside the running rail from which power is collected by means of a sliding contact shoe attached to the truck of electric equipment.
2. An electric conductor located alongside the running rail from which power is collected by means of a sliding contact shoe attached to the truck of electric equipment.
A transverse support to which rails are fastened to keep them in line, gauge and grade. Usually wooden or concrete.
Tie plate
A metal plate at least 6 inches wide and long enough to provide a safe bearing area on the tie, with a shoulder to restrain outward movement of the rail.
Tie, plate, canted
A tie plate tapered in thickness usually on a slope of 1 in 20, for the purpose of inclining the rail toward the center of track for easier maintenance of gauge, more uniform wear of head, and central loading of rail.
Tie plate, twin
A tie plate in two parts which mate to form a combined width equal to that of the stand tie plate, for use back of the heel of switch to the point where standard tie plates may be applied without their ends infringing.
Tie plug
A wooden pin driven in to fill an unused spike hole in a tie, to exclude moisture, prevent decay, and provide solid wood for redriving the spike. Usually supplied in the form of sticks containing several plugs; frequently of treated wood.
Tie rod
See Gauge rod.
Tie spacing
The distances between tie centers in track or turnout.
Tie tamper
See Ballast tamper.
Tie tongs
A tool designed to engage a tie with a lever grip; with handles by which ties can be carried or drawn into or out of the track renewals.
Toepath (Towpath)
Towpath originated with canal barges and referred to the path alongside the canal used by the horses that pulled the boats, hence towpath. It was later used to describe the path alongside the first railroad tracks, because before steam locomotives were developed for the purpose, the original power was furnished by horses that pulled the cars. The horses could not walk between the rails because of the ties, therefore they walked on a path alongside the rails, the towpath. In later years, some railroad workers, unfamiliar with the history of the walkway, began referring to it as a toepath. Both versions are equally acceptable now.
Torpedo
An explosive cap fastened to the top of the rail and exploded by the pressure of a rolling wheel to give an audible indication of conditions on the track ahead.
Toe end of frog
The end of a frog nearest the switch.
Toe spread
The distance between gauge lines at the toe end of the frog.
Tolerance
An allowance made for a small variation from dimensions specified.
Track brace
An auxiliary fastening designed to function as a rail brace and a gauge rod.
Track, body
Each of the parallel tracks of a yard, on which cars are switched or stored.
Track fastenings, auxiliary
The term commonly applied to spring washers, tie plates, rail braces, anticreepers and gauge rods.
Track Gauge
The distance between the inner faces of the rail heads of a railway track, commonly referred to as "the gauge", see: gauge.
Track, house
A track alongside of or entering a freight house; used for cars receiving or delivr operated by electric, gasoline or air power.
Track, ladder
A track connecting successively the body tracks of a yard.
Track-laying machine
A machine designed to minimize the manual labor of placing rails, fastenings, ties and other materials.
Track level
A board with a spirit level attached, to level the rails of a track usually equipped with a series of steps to set superelevation on the outside rail of curves.
Track liner
A device designed to minimize manual labor in lining track. It consists generally of a base resting securely on the roadbed to act as a fulcrum for some form of lever arm.
Track, repair or rip
One of the body tracks in a car repair yard or shed, on which repairs are made to rolling stock.
Track shim
A hardwood or fiber plate, generally as wide as the bearing of a standard tie plate but of a varying thickness; used to restore the running surface of track heaved by frost or otherwise distorted.
Track, storage
One of the body tracks in a storage yard, or a track used for storage purposes.
Track, spur
A track connected with the parent track at one end only.
Trailing point
A switch in which points face away from the normal direction of traffic. A trailing point move would pass over the frog and then the switch points.
Transpose rail
Changing rail from one side to the other on curves because of headwear from tangent to full curvature or just reversed.
Transition spiral
An easement curve.
Trestle
A bridge structure consisting of beam, girder or truss spans supported upon bents. The bents may be of the piled or of the frame type. When of framed timbers, metal or reinforced concrete they may involve two or more tiers in their construction. Trestle structures are designated as "wooden", "frame", or "framed", "metal", "concrete", "wooden pile", "concrete pile", etc., depending upon or corresponding to the material and characteristics of their principal members.
Triangle
Additional track laid at a major junction to allow trains to be turned by running the three sides of the triangle rather than reversing in a wye. Found outside major terminal stations where fixed passenger sets need to be turned to equalize flange wear.
Turnout
Trackwork where a single track splits to become two tracks and equipped with moving rails to change the route. Also referred to as points in the UK and a switch in the US. See also: points.
Turnout Number
The ratio of the length of the tangent track to an equal unit of space between the tangent track and a point on the branch track.
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Up Line
In UK terminology, the track normally used by trains proceeding towards the main terminus. The line used by trains proceeding away from the terminus is normally called the Down Line. The terminology is believed to originate from the early railways in the north east of England which connected mines to coastal ports. Trains ran "down" to the coast or "up" to the mine.
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Variable Switch
A switch, designated by letter "V" or bowl painted yellow, when trailed through the switch points remain lined in the position to which forced.
Vertical curve
A special type of curve used to connect two different grades in the track.
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Wide Flange Beam (Carnegie Beam)
A steel rolled member having an H-shape with its flanges wider and its web thinner than an I-beam.
Wing Wall
An extension wall of an abutment wall which retains adjacent earth and/or deflects or guides a stream into pipes, culverts, and the waterway of a bridge.
Wye
A track shaped like the letter "Y", but with a connector between the two arms of the "Y". A wye is used to reverse the direction of trains or cars. A train pulls completely through one leg of wye, the switch is thrown and reverses the direction, allowing the movement across the semi-loop track of the wye, and the train is then headed in the opposite direction.
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Yard
A system of tracks, other than main tracks and sidings, used for making up trains, storing of cars and for other purposes.
Yard Limits
A portion of main track designated by yard limit signs and by timetable, train order Form T or track bulletin, which trains and engines may use as prescribed by Rule 93.
Yard Track (Y.T.)
A track within a yard used to receive cars for classification for rerouting.
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Data ostatniej aktualizacji: 22.02.2011 r.