Rail Terminology Flashcards
Absolute Block
A block that must not be occupied by more than one train.
Authorized Business Purpose
A purpose directly related to the tasks that an employee is expected to perform during the current tour of duty, as specified by the railroad in writing.
Automatic Block Signal
A block signal that is activated either by track circuity or in conjunction with interlocking or controlled point circuits. This block signal automatically indicated track and condition and block occupancy.
Automatic Block Signal System (ABS)
A block signal system in which the use of each block is governed by an automatic block signal, cab signal, or both.
Automatic Train Stop (ATS)
A device on an engine which will cause a penalty application of the brakes if the engineer fails to acknowledge a cab signal change to to a more restrictive indication.
Avenue
(AVE)
Block
A length of track with defined limits on which train movements are governed by block signals, cab signals, or Form D.
Block Signal
A fixed signal displayed to trains at the entrance of a block to govern use of that block.
Blocking Device
A method of control that prohibits the operation of a switch or signal, restricts access to a section of track or is used to protect conditions specific to operating rule(s).
Blocking Device Applied
(BDA)
Blocking Device Removed
(BDR)
Blue Signal
A clearly distinguishable blue flag, blue light, or blue tag by day, or a blue light or blue tag by night. When displayed, it signifies that workers are on, under or between equipment.
Bolt-Lock Switch
A hand-operated switch equipped with a piped connected locking device that is designed to shunt the signal system before the switch points are operated.
Bulletin Order (BO)
A publication used to notify employees of change to rules, procedures or other instructions affecting the movement of trains., Bulletin Orders are issued periodically by the designated office,
Cab Signal
A signal that is located in the engine control compartment and which indicates track occupancy or condition. The cabin signal is used in conjunction with interlocking signals and with or in lieu of block signals.
Cab Signal System
(CSS)
Camp Car
Any on-track vehicle, except a wreck train, that is used to house railroad employees.
Cars
Railroad cars.
Car Shop Repair Track Area
One or more tracks within an area in which the testing, servicing, repairing, inspecting, or building of cars is under the exclusive control of mechanical deparment personnel.
Conductor
(Cndr)
Conductor and Engineer
(C&E)
Consist
As applied the term means:
-Train: The coupled cars forming a complete train.
- Engine or Locomotive: A single locomotive or coupled locomotives attached as part of the train.
- Lite Engine or Lite Locomotive: A single locomotive or coupled locomotive not attached to any piece of equipment.
Control Station
The Dispatcher’s office or the location where the Operator is on duty, from which remote control signal appliances or switches are operated.
Controlled Point (CP)
A station designated in the Timetable where signals are remotely controlled from he control station.
Controlled Siding (CS)
A circuited siding in which both ends are controller and governed by signals under the control of a Dispatcher or Operator.
Controlled Signal
A fixed signal, capable of displaying Stop indication, that is controlled by a Dispatcher or Operator.
Crossing at Grade
Two or more routes that intersect at the same level. Crossing at Grade may refer to a railroad or highway crossing at grade.
Crossover
A combination of two switches connecting two adjacent tracks. When lined, this switch combination allows movements to cross from one track to the other,.
Current of Traffic
The assigned direction of movement on a Rule 251 main track, as specified in the Timetable.
Data Radio
A radio used on PTC equipped trains and fixed sited to send and receive PTC data updates and information.
Derail
A track safety device designed to guide a car off the rails at a selected spot as a means of protection against collisions or other accidents.
Dispatcher
(Dspr)
Distant Signal
A fixed signal used to govern the approach of a train to a home signal.
Division
That portion of the railroad system assigned to the supervision of a Superintendent.
Division Notice (DN)
A publication issued periodically by the designated officer, which contains instructions or information which do not affect the movement of trains.
Dual Control Switch
A power-operated switch also equipped for hand operation.
Effective Locking Device
A switch padlock that is vandal and tamper resistant, and can be unlocked only by the class, group or craft of employees that applied it.
Effective Securing Device
A device applied to secure a manually operated switch or derail for the protection of Roadway Workers. The device must be vandal and tamper resistant, and designed to be applied, secured, uniquely tagged and removed only by the class, group or craft of employees for whom the protection is provided.
Electrically Locked Switch
A hand-operated switch equipped with an electrically controlled device that restricts the movements of the switch.
Electronic Device
An electronic or electrical device used to conduct oral, written, or visual
communication; place or receive a telephone call; send or read an electronic mail message or
text message; take or look at pictures; read a book or other written material; play a game;
navigate the Internet; navigate the physical world; play, view, or listen to a video; play, view, or
listen to a television broadcast; play or listen to a radio broadcast other than a radio broadcast
by a railroad; play or listen to music; execute a computational function; or, perform any other
function that is not necessary for the health or safety of the person and entails the risk of
distracting the employee or another employee from a safety-related task. This term does not
include:
1. Electronic control systems and informational displays in the locomotive cab or control
compartment of a train or track car, or on a remote control transmitter, used to operate a
train or track car or conduct a switching operation, including functions associated with
controlling switches.
2. Electronic control systems and informational displays used by Train Dispatchers in the
performance of assigned duties.
3. A digital watch that functions only as a timepiece.
4. Medical devices prescribed by a licensed practitioner intended for use in the diagnosis, cure,
mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease or other conditions.
5. Railroad-supplied radios.
Employee In Charge (EIC)
A qualified employee responsible for establishing protection for a roadway worker or roadway workgroup.
Engine (Eng)
A unit or combination of units propelled by any form of energy and operated from a single control, used in train or yard service. The word “engine” may also ne used to identify control cars.
Engine Servicing Track Area
One or more tracks withing an area in which the testing, servicing, repairing, inspecting, or rebuilding of engines is under the exclusive control of mechanical department personnel.
Engineer
(Engr)
Equipment
Railroad equipment.
Extra Train
A train not designated by a Timetable schedule.
Fixed Signal
A signal at a fixed location that affects the movement of a train.
Foreman (Frm)
Employee in charge of work.
Form D Control System (DCS)
A block system, signaled or non-signaled, in which the movement of trains outside of yard limits if authorized by Form D.
Fouling a Track
Being in such proximity to a track that an individual, tools or equipment could be struck by a moving train or other on-track equipment, or in any case is within four feet of the nearest rail.
Fouling Point
The point on a track beyond which equipment will foul an adjacent track. Fouling points will not safely accommodate a person riding the side of a car.
Foul Time
A methos of establishing working limits on controlled track when work will not disturb the track or catenary structure in a manner that would prevent movements at Normal Speed.
Freight
(Frt)
General Order (GO)
A publication used to summarize changes to the Timetable and other instruction manuals, General Orders contain revision pages and are issued periodically by the designated officer.
Hand-Operated Switch
Any type of switch when operated by manual manipulation. Push button or radio control operated switches are governed by the rules for hand operated switches if the switches are not equipped with a signal or switch position indicator light.
Home Signal
A fixed signal governing entrance to an interlocking or controlled point.
In Deadhead Status
Awaiting or in deadhead transport from one point to another as a result of a railroad-issued verbal or written directive.
Industrial Track (Ind)
A track other than a main track, running track, siding or yard track, upon which movements must be made at Restricted Speed.
Interlocking (Int)
An interconnection of signals and signal appliances such that their movements must succeed each other in a predetermined sequence, assuring that signals cannot be displayed simultaneously on conflicting routes. Interlocking rules are in effect in an interlocking.
Interlocking Appliances
The parts of an interlocking that are capable of movement-switches, derails, locks, movable point frogs, movable bridges, etc.
Interlocking Limits
The tracks between the opposing home signals of an interlocking.
Interlocking Signals
The fixed signals of an interlocking.
Interlocking Station
A location from which an interlocking is operated.
Junction (Jct)
A location designated by the Timetable where two or more railroad lines converge.
Main Track
A track designated by Timetable upon which train movements are authorized by ABS, DCS, or interlocking rules.
Maintenace of Way
(MW)
Marker
A reflector, flag, or highly visible marking device, in the red-orange-amber color range, affixed to the read of a train to indicate that the train is complete.
Mile Post
(MP)
Miles Per Hour
(MPH)
Movable Point Frog
A frog with a moving alignment, allowing open flangeway for train movement.
Movement Permit Form D
A form containing written authorization(s), restriction(s), or instruction(s), issued by the Dispatcher to specified individuals.
Non-Controlled Track
A track upon which movements are permitted by rule or by special instructions to move without receiving authorization from the dispatcher.
Number
(No.)
Occupied Camp Car Signal
A white circular sign with black letters, which must be supplemented by a white light at night. When displayed, it signifies that employees are in, around, or in the vicinity of camp cars.
Operator
(Opr)
Overhead Bridge
(OH Br)
Panel Blocking Device Applied
(PBDA)
Panel Blocking Device Removed
(PBDR)
Passenger
(Psgr)
Personal Electronic Device
An electronic device that was not provided to the employee by the railroad for an authorized business purpose.
Pilot
An employee assigned to a train or track car when the Engineer, Conductor, or Track Car Driver is not qualified on the physical characteristics or the operating rules of the territory to be traversed.
Positive Tran Control System (PTC)
An electronic train control system which enforces Normal Speed, Temporary Speed Restrictions, Stop Signals, or other conditions requiring a train stop.
Push-Pull Train
A passenger train with a Multiple Unit (MU) or control car on either end.
Qualified
A status achieved when the person has satisfactorily completed all training requirements, passed all required examinations and is expected to perform all required duties safely, efficiently and compliance with all applicable rules and restrictions.
Quiet Zone (QZ)
A portion of track within which is located one or more public highway grade crossing at which locomotive horns are not routinely sounded. Quiet Zones are identified in the Timetable or Bulletin Order.
Railroad-Supplied Electronic Device
An electronic device provided to an employee by the employing railroad for an authorized business purpose. A railroad supplied device will be considered a personal electronic device when it is being used by the employee for a purpose other than an authorized business purpose.
Return Movement
The movement of an uncoupled engine (or engines) or leading portion of train, directed back toward the remaining stationary portion of the same train.
Reverse Movement
A movement opposite the direction previously authorized.
Roadway Worker
Any employee of a railroad, or of a contractor to a railroad, whose duties include and who is engaged in the inspection, construction, maintenance or repair of railroad track, bridge, roadway, signal and communications systems, electric tractions systems, roadway facilities or roadway maintenance machinery on or near the track or with the potential of fouling a track, and employees responsible for their protection.
Rules-In-Effect
The specific operating rule or group of operating rules that govern the use of tracks, as designated by the Timetable.
Running Track
A non-controlled track designated in the timetable upon which movements may be made subject to prescribed signals and rules, or special instructions.
Schedule
The part of the Timetable that prescribed direction, number, frequency, and times for movement of designated trains.
Scheduled Train
A train designated by Timetable Schedule.
Semi-Automatic Switch
A hand-operated switch that is designed to be trailed through in either position. The switch points stay in the position last used.
Siding
A track adjacent to a main track and used for meeting or passing trains.
Signal
(Sig)
Signal Aspect
The signal appearance, which conveys an indication as viewed either (1) from the direction of an approaching train, or (2) on the cab signal display unit in the engine control department.
Signal Indication
The required action conveyed by the aspect of a signal.
Special Instruction
(SI)
Speed Control
A device on an engine which will cause a penalty application of the brakes if the engineer fails to reduce the train’s speed to the speed required by the cab signal indication.
Speeds
NORMAL SPEED: The maximum authorized speed.
LIMITED SPEED: For passenger trains, not exceeding 45 MPH; for freight trains, not exceeding 40 MPH.
MEDIUM SPEED: Not exceeding 30 MPH.
SLOW SPEED: Not exceeding 15 MPH.
RESTRICTED SPEED: A method of operation that permits stopping within half the range of vision, and includes specific provisions for controlling the movement, maintaining vigilance and maximum authorized speeds. Movements made at Restricted Speed are governed by Rule 80.
Spring Switch
A hand-operated switch that is designed to be trailed through in either position. The switch points automatically return to their original position after being trailed through.
Station
A place designated on the station paged of the Timetable by name.
Stop Release Function
An operation of the PTC System which allows equipment to be released from a positive stop.
Street
(St)
Switch (Sw)
A device consisting of necessary rails and connections designed to divert a movement from the track on which it is moving to another track.
Temporary Block Station (TBS)
A manned station that is established by Bulletin Order or Form D to control the movement of trains.
Timetable
A printed booklet that contains schedules and/or special instructions affecting the movement of trains.
Track
(Trk)
Track Barricade
A designated sign or obstruction fastened to a track that prevents access to the track.
Track Car (TC)
Equipment, other than trains, operated on a track for inspection or maintenace.
Train
An engine or more than one engine coupled, with or without cars, displaying marker.
Transponder
A device mounted between the rails that transmits location specific information to trains equipped with on board PTC apparatus.
Undergrade Bridge
(UG Br)
Yard
A system of tracks used for the making up of trains and storing of cars. Movements in a yard must be made at Restricted Speed.
Yard Limits
The main track are between Yard Limit signs as designated in the Timetable. Movements within Yard Limits are governed by Rule 93.
