Cover
All Aboard!
Start With The Basics
Why The Track Is So Important
How Does The Power Supply Work?
Analog
and DCC Explained
Layout Options Explained
Locomotives And Rolling Stock
What Should You Start With?
How Do You Create A Good Layout
More On Layouts and LDE
How to Create Realistic Scenery
Explain Weathering Techniques
How To Repair Problems
BONUS SECTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Glossary of Important Terms
Model Railroad Yard Design Explained Step-By-Step
Model Train Layout Track Plans
Garden Railroads
Mastering An Airbrush Step-By-Step
More
Model Railroad Resources
| Glossary of Important Terms |
| Prototype Railroading Terms |
Accessory: An item intended to complement a model train set but generally not included with it, such as a switch, a building, or a trackside light. Some accessories, such as tunnels, billboards, and many buildings, are static…while other accessories such as coal loaders, gatemen, or control towers, have an operating feature.
Airbrush: A small paint sprayer that gives a controlled application of thinned paint. They are fun to use but require some skill to get the best effects. Airbrushes are fun to use but there is a bit of a learning process. You need to ensure that you fill the airbrush paint bottle about ¼ full to prevent any spraying through the air vent hole.
Articulated: Refers to a locomotive with a jointed frame that is flexible in at least one direction.
Backlash: The small amount of space between the teeth of the worm and the worm gear.
Benchwork: A frame or bench that is the foundation of a model railroad layout.
Block: An electrically insulated zone of track.
Body shell: Is the housing of a locomotive or car that covers the interior workings. This is sometimes called the "cab."
Cab control: A method of controlling model trains in which one power pack is used for each train so the power pack can be connected to one set of blocks and remain disconnected from all others. Only one engine or set of engines can be controlled in each block.
Can motor: Refers to a permanent magnet motor enclosed in a metal "can" (housing). A can motor is generally direct current (DC) - only.
Chassis: Is what the body shell sits on. It is the frame of a locomotive or car.
Chemically blackened: Manufacturers use these processes on wheels, trucks, and frames. This term relates to a metal part treated with chemicals to achieve a painted or blackened look.
Command control: Also known as Digital Command Control (DCC). A way of controlling trains by sending electronic messages through the rails. Each locomotive has a decoder (or receiver) that only responds to the messages specifically directed to it. Engines can be controlled independently anywhere on a layout.
Couplers: The knuckle-shaped device found at the ends of locomotives and cars to hook them together.
Crossover: Two turnouts (a.k.a. switches) and a connecting track that allow a train to be diverted to a parallel track.
Drivers: The large wheels on a steam locomotive connected by side rods.
Die-cast:
A manufacturing process in which molten material is poured into a metal
mold.
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EOT device: An end-of-train device (sometimes called a FRED, or flashing rear-end device) that has replaced cabooses. Along with a flashing light, many EOTs can transmit information on brake-line pressure and speed to the locomotive.
Flywheels: A solid-metal cylinder mounted in line with a model locomotive’s motor that smoothes out the motor’s rotating motion to the drive train.
Flextrack: Sometimes called flexi-track. Is flexible track sections usually available in 3-foot-long sections which can be bent as needed.
Frame: The base structure of a locomotive or car, without trucks, motors, etc.
Gauge: The distance between the inside of the heads of track rails.
Gondola: A long, flat, open car with short sides and ends for hauling items like iron, steel, and scrap.
Grade: Refers to the level of the ground upon which track is laid.
Ground throw: A machine that is used to move the point rails of a switch. It is built low to the ground as the name implies. An upright machine that does the same job is called a switch stand.
Hardshell: A scenery base made by dipping paper towels in plaster or using plaster-impregnated gauze and laying it over a light support structure like cardboard.
Helix: A rising curve which turns around an axis like a corkscrew. Used on multilevel model railroad layouts to allow trains to move from one level to another.
Hopper car: An open-top car for hauling items that don't need protection, such as coal and gravel. They unload through doors in funnel-like bins in bottom of car. Covered hoppers have roofs and carry grain and other items that need protection from weather.
Loading Gauge: Loading gauge designates the space required either side and above the track that needs to be clear, so that either the locomotive and its carriages can pass without hitting anything.
Locomotive: The heart of the train set.
Main line: This refers to the primary track that defines the railway and which connects the railway's most important destinations. It does not include spurs, branch lines, yards, sidings, or passing tracks.
Module: A section of a layout that is built to follow a standard pattern or dimension. It typically can be taken apart and transported easily.
MOW: Maintenance-of-way equipment. Used by a railroad to keep track and roadbed in good condition.
Operation: Running trains on a model railroad layout in a way that simulates real railroad activity.
Passing siding: A track that runs parallel to the main line and joins it at both ends. It is so that another train can pass in the opposite direction. It is usually long enough that an entire train can pull into it.
Point-to-point: The track does not form a continuous loop. It is a type of track plan whereby the train begins its journey at a dead end and ends it at another. There are no turning or reverse loops at the ends.
Points: This term can refer to an entire switch, or turnout, or to the actual rails that move within a switch to change the direction of the train, also called point rails.
Prototype railroad: An actual railroad (not a model).
Rail joiner: A small metal clip that joins two sections of rail.
Rerailer: The section of track that guides the wheels onto the rails.
Reefer: A refrigerator car.
Roadbed:
It is a foundation of built-up earth that is placed under tracks.
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Rolling stock: Passenger and freight cars.
Running board: Walkway along roof or along sides of tank cars.
Scale: The proportion of a model in relation to its real life counterpart.
Scratchbuilding:
Making a model from raw materials and parts, not using kits.
Here is an inexpensive technique to use when scratch building structures
out of balsa wood. Take a flat piece of thin balsa and then use a metal
dog comb with a straight edge to create a board effect on the wood. This
effect can look as good as any manufactured siding. The key is to use
a comb that is the scale width.
Standard gauge: Trains that run on tracks with rails spaced 4’8 ½” apart.
Styrene: Short for polystyrene, or polyfoam, or Styrofoam. It is a versatile material commonly used for modeling. Comes in sheets, blocks, and rods of many different thicknesses and sizes.
Tender: The car immediately following a steam locomotive that carries fuel for the firebox and water for the boiler.
Throttle: The speed control of the locomotive or a potentiometer that controls a voltage regulator.
Transformer: Is an electrical device for raising or lowering AC voltage, but in model train terms, and AC power pack for controlling train speed and direction.
Truck: The frame assembly under each end of a car or diesel locomotive that holds the wheel sets.
Turnout: Called a switch on a real railroad. A piece of track that allows a train to go from one track to another; that is, a switch on a real railroad.
Universal motor: An open-frame motor that has a wire-wound armature and a wire-wound field coil in series, allowing it to operate on AC or DC.
Weathering: Making shiny new models look more realistic by dirtying them up with chalk or paint.
Wheel set:
The wheel-axle assembly that fits into the truck.
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In addition to the glossary of model railroading terms, I've had requests to include a section on prototype railroading terminology (that's a mouth full!).
I've compiled a list of some common terms (with simple definitions). You might hear some of these terms mentioned from time to time, so if you're not already familiar with them, this will be a handy reference. The terms I've listed here are reasonably universal, but some may vary depending on where you live. Also note, that the list is by no means complete, as there are literally hundreds of different terms used on railroads around the world including several slang expressions.
Absolute
Block
A block which must not be occupied by more than one train.
Accelerometer
This device measures a trains rate of speed change.
Active
Dynamic Braking
Uses the traction motors as generators where the output is dissipated
in a massive resistor bank. The effect is to consume the trains momentum
in generating electricity.
Adhesion
The amount of pulling or retarding force a wheel is capable of exerting
on the rail without slipping or spinning. Adhesion can be affected by
the load on the wheel, rail condition, wheel condition and other factors
like oil, rust & weather.
Air
Flow Indicator
This instrument measures the air flow through the automatic brake valve
to the brake pipe.
Alertness
Device
This is a "deadman" type of safety device that activates a brake
application if the engineer fails to maintain the required frequency of
movement.
Angle
Cocks
These are valves on the air hoses controlling air flow between cars.
Alignment
Control Couplers
These specially equipped couplers minimize rail turnover, wheel climb,
and jack-knifing by limiting lateral movement and reduce lateral forces
on the track.
Articulated
Car
This is car that has two (or more) platforms that share a common truck.
The platforms are permanently connected to each other by an articulated
joint.
Automatic
Block Signal
An automatic block signal is one that is activated by track circuit or
in conjunction with interlocking or controlled point circuits. It automatically
indicates track condition and block occupancy.
Automatic
Block Signal System (ABS)
With this system the use of each block is governed by an automatic block
signal, cab signal, or both.
Automatic
Cab Signal System (ACS)
Cab signals and cab warning whistles operate automatically with this system.
Automatic
Train Stop (ATS)
As the name implies it is a device on an engine that activates a brake
application if the engineer fails to acknowledge a cab signal change.
"B"
End of A Car
It's usually the end where the hand brake is located.
Back-Haul
To transport a shipment back over part of a route from where it has already
been.
Bad
Order Tag
When a car inspector locates a defective car, he or she attaches a "bad
order" tag (usually on the door of the car). A "bad order"tag
means that the car must be repaired before it is allowed to move from
the terminal.
Ballast
Tamper
A machine for compacting ballast under the ties.
Belt
Line
Refers to railroad track that operates as a pickup, delivery and transfer
facility for industrial plants and truck lines. These are usually located
within or around a city.
Bleeder
This valve bleeds (releases) air from the auxiliary air tank reservoir
on a car.
Blended
Braking
Uses a mix of service braking and dynamic braking.
Block
A length of track with defined limits on which train movements are governed
by block signals, cab signals, or Form D's.
Blocking
Device
A lever, ring, plug, or other control method to restrict the operation
of a switch or signal. The abbreviation "BDA" means Blocking
Device Applied and "BDR" means Blocking Device Removed.
Blocking
of Cars
The assembling of cars in proper groups.
Block
Signal
This is a fixed signal which is displayed at the entrance of a block to
govern use of that block.
Block
System
A block (or series of consecutive blocks) within ABS, ACS, CTC, or interlocking
limits.
Blue
Signal
A blue signal warning that workers are on, under, or between equipment.
It can be a blue flag, blue light, or blue tag depending on whether it
is day or night.
Bolster
Stop
This device limits the lateral movement of a drawbar (when properly fitted).
Bolt-Lock
Switch
A hand-operated switch equipped with a pipe-connected locking device that
is designated to shunt the signal system before the switch points are
operated.
Brake
Cylinder
A cylinder containing a piston and piston rod. When compressed air is
admitted into the cylinder, it forces the piston outward, which applies
the brake. When the compressed air is exhausted, a release spring coiled
around the piston rod inside the cylinder returns the piston to its normal
position, which releases the brake.
Brake
Cylinder Release Valve
The valve that bleeds brake cylinder pressure then, if held open, will
also bleed auxiliary and emergency reservoir pressures.
Brake
Force
Refers to the ability of a train to stop. Brake force is usually based
on tons per brake ratio, with the effect of increasing braking power when
the tons per brake ration is reduced.
Brake
Pipe Gradient
This is the difference in brake pipe pressure between the locomotive and
the rear car of the train.
Normal
Gradient
The gradient level when the system is fully charged.
Inverse
Gradient
A temporary condition that exists when brake pipe pressure is higher at
the rear of the train than at the front end of the train. This can happen
at the beginning of a service brake application.
False
Gradient
Again, a temporary gradient when the system is less than fully charged.
Brake
Shaft
A shaft on which a chain is wound and by which the power of a hand brake
is applied to the wheels.
Brake
Shoe
Friction material shaped to fit the tread of the wheel when the brakes
are applied.
Bulletin
Order
A BO is used to notify railroad staff of changes in instructions, procedures,
or rules affecting the movement of trains.
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Cab
Signal
This signal indicates track occupancy or condition and is located in the
engine control compartment. The cab signal is used in conjunction with
interlocking signals, and with or in lieu of block signals.
Cab
Signal System
A CSS system permits cab signals and the cab warning whistle to operate.
Camp
Car
This is an on-track boarding/bunk car or vehicle used to house railroad
staff.
Computer
Controlled Brake
A computer based electro-pneumatic system (CCB) that controls air brakes
on locomotives and cars.
Control
Operator
Employee assigned to operate a CTC or interlocking control machine or
authorized to grant track permits.
Control
Station
The location or Dispatch Office where the Operator is on duty. The remote
control signal appliances or switchesare operated from here.
Controlled
Point
A station specified in the timetable where signals are remotely controlled
from the control station. Abbreviated as CP.
Controlled
Siding
A circuited siding where both ends are governed by signals under the control
of an Operator or Dispatcher. Abbreviated as CS.
Controlled
Signal
Controlled by a Dispatcher or Operator, this is a fixed signal, capable
of displaying a Stop indication.
Crossover
This is a combination of two switches connecting adjacent tracks. When
lined, the switch combination allows movements to cross from one track
to the other.
Crow's
Nest
A box-like cupola structure raised above the roof of a caboose for visibility
along the train while it is in motion.
Current
of Traffic
The assigned timetabled direction for movement on a main track.
Cycle
Braking
The process of applying, releasing, and reapplying train brakes to control
speed without completely recharging the train brake system.
Dead
Engine Device
Located near the locomotive control valve this device is used when a locomotive
unit is handled dead-in-train (see below). Abbreviated as DED.
Dead-in-Train
Hauling locomotive or locomotives in a train without the MU cable and
air hoses coupled (hauled like a car).
Demurrage
Tariff charges assessed for detaining freight cars beyond their specified
time limit.
Derail
This track safety device is designed to guide a car off the rails at a
selected spot. Its purpose is to protect against collisions or other accidents.
Dispatcher
The person in charge of all movements (and issuing Form D's) within a
designated region. Abbreviated as Dspr.
Disturbed
Track
A section of track with a temporary speed restriction due to track maintenance
or a defect.
Draft
Force
Pulling force (tension) on couplers and draft gear during a slack-stretched
condition.
Draft
Gear
This is a cushioning device that transmits draft or buff forces between
the coupler and the locomotive or car.
Draw
Bar Forces
The longitudinal forces at the couplers between locomotives or cars. These
forces can be draft or buff, depending on train operation.
Dual
Control Switch
A switch equipped for power or hand operation.
Dummy
Hose Coupling
A device designed to couple unused air hose for protection against damage
and to prevent foreign matter from entering the train line.
Effective
Securing Device
A device applied to secure a manually operated switch. It is vandal/tamper-proof
and designed to protect railroad workers.
Electrically
Locked Switch
A hand-operated switch with an electrically controlled device to restrict
the movement of the switch.
Emergency
Application
A reduction in brake pipe pressure at a rate sufficient to cause control
valves to move to the emergency position.
Engine
Servicing Track Area
Track(s) for servicing, repairing, inspecting, testing or even rebuilding
of engines.
Engineer
The crew member designated to operate a train. Abbreviated as Engr.
Extra
Board
A list of crew assigned to trains when an extra train is needed, or when
the regular crew has worked the maximum legal hours and needs rest time.
Fixed
Signal
A signal at a fixed location that affects the movement of a train.
Flagman
Usually, the brakeman assigned to duties at the rear end of the train.
Flares
Or Fuses
A warning signal to other trains. These glow (burn) for up to 15 minutes.
Foreman
The person in charge of a Roadway Crew. He or she is authorized to control
train traffic (designated by a Form D) through a section of trackage obstructed
or undergoing repair. Abbreviated as Frm.
Form
D or Movement Permit Form D
A form issued by the Dispatcher containing written authorizations, restrictions,
or instructions.
Form
D Control System
A block system (signaled or non-signaled) for the movement of trains outside
of yard limits as authorized by a Form D. Abbreviated as DCS.
Frog
The "X" shaped portion of a switch.
A Frog can also be a
tool used for rerailing car wheels.
Rerail Frog
A rerail-frog
is a kind of a metal ramp object used to help re-rail a car or engine
that has gone off the track but has not overturned or moved too far from
the track. The rerail frog is temporarily spiked, wedged or clamped next
to the track at the wheel that needs to be lifted back over the rail.
The car is pushed (or pulled) by the engine to get the wheel to ride up
over the ramp and back onto the track.
Rerail frogs can often be seen dangling from the sides a tender along with some chains or cables (usually on a branch line service).
Other tools like: wrenches, splice bolts, jacks and levers are usually kept in the caboose or stashed on the engine.
General
Order
A document used to detail Timetable or other changes. Abbreviated as GO.
Head
Man
Is a freight train brakeman who rides in the locomotive cab.
Home
Signal
A fixed signal controlling the entrance to an interlocking or controlled
point.
Hot
Box
Overheated wheel bearing or wheel journal which can cause the journal
packing to smoke and burn.
Hump
Yard
A switching yard on an incline where gravity is used to aid the shunting
of cars (after movements by the engine).
Independent
Application and Release Control
Controls independent brakes on multiple locomotives from a single control.
Interchange
A track on which cars are delivered or received from one railroad to another.
Interlocking
(Int)
A predetermined sequence of signals and signal appliances to ensure that
movements must succeed each other in the correct order. This is to prevent
signals being displayed simultaneously on conflicting routes.
Interlocking
Appliances
Are parts of any interlocking capable of movement like: switches, movable
point frogs, derails, locks, movable bridges etc.
Interlocking
Limits
The trackage between the opposing home signals of an interlocking.
Interlocking
Signals
The fixed signals of an interlocking.
Interlocking
Station
The location from where an interlocking is operated.
Junction
Where two or more railroad lines converge as designated by the Timetable.
Main
Track
A track where train movements are authorized by ABS, DCS, or interlocking
as designated by the Timetable.
Maintenance
of Way
A location where work is being carried out by Railroad Crews as designated
by Form D. Abbreviated as MOW or MW.
Marker
A highly visible red/amber light, reflector flag, or marking device on
the rear of a train.
Mile
Post
A white sign with black numbers to designate the distance from a location.
Abbreviated as MP.
Movable
Point Frog
A frog with a moving alignment allowing open flange-way for train movement.
Operator
The person controlling a designated section of track. He or she is accountable
to the Dispatcher for movement of trains. Abbreviated as Opr.
Overhead
Bridge
Any bridge which crosses above the trackage eg. a railroad bridge, road
bridge, or pedestrian bridge. Abbreviated as OH.
Pilot
An employee assigned to a train to guide the Engineer, Conductor, or Track
Car Driver in unfamiliar situations or territory.
Push-Pull
Train
A passenger train with a MU or control car at either end.
Retarder
Yard
A switching yard where an employee in a control tower controls the movement
of cars (after they are released from a locomotive).
Return
Movement
When an uncoupled engine, or leading portion of a train returns toward
the remaining stationary portion of the same train.
Reverse
Movement
A movement opposite to the direction previously authorized.
Rules-in-effect
The specific operating rule (or group of operating rules), as designated
in the Timetable, that govern the use of tracks.
Running
Track
A designated track for movements by signal indication or at a Restricted
Speed.
Schedule
Indicates the direction, number, frequency, and times for trains on a
designated timetable.
Semi-Automatic
Switch
A hand-operated switch that is designed to be trailed through in either
position.
Siding
A track used for meeting or passing other trains adjacent to a main track.
Slide
Fence
A fence placed along trackage to warn of rock slides. When the fence is
activated, it changes the aspect of the signals governing that block to
Stop.
Speed
Control
An engine safety braking device in case the engineer fails to reduce the
trains speed to the speed required by the cab signal indication.
Spotting
Cars
Switching freight cars to a specified location for loading and unloading.
Switch
Engine
A locomotive used for switching cars in yards and terminals.
Switch
List
A listing of cars to be sorted or moved.
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Tamper
A power-driven machine for compacting ballast under ties.
Tangent
Track
Straight track.
Tank
Car
A car with a tank for carrying liquids such as oil, acids, compressed
gases and granular solids.
Tank
Dome
This is the vertical cylinder attached to the top of a tank car. It allows
for the tank to be filled to full cubical capacity.
Tare
Weight
The weight of an empty railroad car. Also referred to as Light Weight
or Tare.
Temporary
Block Station
A station (manned) that is established by Bulletin Order or Form D to
control the movement of trains. Abbreviated as TBS.
Three-Step
Protection
A safety procedure used for the protection of workers going on, under,
or between cars.
(1) Apply the brake.
(2) Center the reverser.
(3) Put the generator field switch in the OFF or OPEN position.
Tons
of Operative Brake
Is calculated by dividing the gross trailing tonnage of a train (not including
the locomotives) by the total number of cars with operative brakes. Abbreviated
as TOB.
Track
Barricade
When access to the track is blocked by a sign or obstruction fastened
to a track.
Track
Car
Equipment, other than trains, operated on a track for inspection or maintenance.
Abbreviated as TC.
Train
Master
An executive officer who supervises train service operations at terminals,
in yard service, and on one or more divisions (or on part of a division).
Turn-Around
A train operated from a terminal to an intermediate station and returned
to that terminal in one work shift.
Under-grade
Bridge
Any point where the trackage crosses above any stream, railroad, road,
or pedestrian right of way. Abbreviated as UG.
Undesired
Emergency (Also known as "Dynamiter" or "Kicker".)
An undesired emergency application of the air brake system on a train.
Waybill
A document for handling and accounting for a shipment of freight.
Way
Car
A box car from which LCL (Less than carload lot) shipments are loaded
and unloaded at various towns.
Yard
A system of tracks used for the making up of trains and the storing of
cars.
Yard
Limits
The trackage between Yard Limit signs as designated in the Timetable.
Restricted Speeds apply within Yard Limits.
Coming up - Bonus Sections....
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