Lead Track       An extended track connecting either end of a yard with the main track.

Light Engine    An engine moving without caboose or cars attached.

Siding  An auxiliary track for meeting or passing trains. It is designated in special instructions.

Side Track        A track adjacent to the main track for purposes other than for meeting and passing trains.

Spotting             The placing of a Spur Track (Commonly Called Spur)          A stub track that diverges from main or other tracks which provides access to industrial or commercial areas. It usually dead ends within an industry area.car at the proper place for loading or for unloading.

Spot     To place a car in a designated position or specific location usually for loading or unloading, such as at a warehouse door.

Stub Track        A form of side track connected to a running track at one end only and usually protected at the end by some form of bumping post or other solid obstruction.

Switch List       A listing of cars to be sorted or moved.

Tower   Building of sufficient height erected along the right-of-way to permit maximum viewing. May house Yardmaster, Trainmaster or block operator.

Brakeman (AKA Trainman)    A train service employee responsible for the safe and efficient switching of railcars and assisting with train operations.

Branch Line     A rail line which serves one or more stations beyond the junction of the main line or another branch line. A feeder line which brings freight to main lines.

Main Track       A track extending through yards and between stations. It is other than an auxiliary track.

Main Line          That part of the railway, exclusive of switch tracks, branches, yards, and terminals.

Maintenance of Way Equipment       Equipment designed for working on tracks and railroad right-of-ways.

Make a Joint    To couple cars.

Making a Hitch              Coupling two cars together.

Slug      A locomotive unit equipped with an operating cab, but not equipped with a diesel engine. This type unit has MU capability and traction motors, which receives electrical power from a mother locomotive.

 

A Unit (AKA Lead Unit)             A locomotive unit equipped with a cab and operating controls.

Actual Placement       Physically placing a car for loading or unloading at a place designated by, or usually used by, the shipper or consignee.

 

Assigned Car  A rail car specifically designated for the use of a particular shipper, or, in the case of private cars, for the use of a particular railroad for a specific customer.

Assigned Siding            A side track owned by a transportation line and turned over to one or more industries or individuals for the loading and unloading of freight.

 

House Track    A track alongside or entering a freight house, used for cars delivering, receiving, or transferring freight.

 

such as two long blasts for starting forward, three short blasts for backing up, and a series of blasts for warning at a crossing.