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Sounds of the Railroad Library Photos, Desktops, Screensavers and Wallpapers Rail Links Calendar Rail Books Glossary of Railroad Terms and Vocabulary 2008 Railroading in California Calendar PREVIEW

Glossary of Railroad Terms A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z T Tallow To put a steam locomotive into short-term preservation, storing it in serviceable condition. Tallow Pot Fireman Tangent Track Straight track. Tare Weight The weight of an empty car. Team Track A track on which rail cars are placed for the use of the public in loading or unloading freight. Tender Special car that carries water and fuel (oil or coal) for a steam locomotive. Also someone who looks after a certain facility, as in switch tender. 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. TIBS Train information and braking system. Cabooses were replaced on most railways in North America with an electronic monitoring and control system. On the rear of each train is a small box, which may have flashing light or only a reflector. This box is connected to the air hose of the last car and monitors the air pressure, and notes if the car is moving or not. It communicates this information by radio to a receiver box in the cab of the locomotive at the head of the train. Some can be commanded by the head end to dump air at the rear, thus putting on the brakes. Essential components of TIBS are: SBU, CLU, and IDU, or their equivalents (exact terminology varies among railways). See also EOT, FRED. Timetable The authority for the movement of regular trains subject to the rules. It may contain classified schedules and includes special instructions. TOFC Trailer on a flat car. Refers to intermodal shipments. Tons per Operative Brake Gross trailing tonnage of the train divided by the total number of cars having operative brakes. (not including locomotives) Track Bulletin A notice containing information as to track conditions or other conditions, necessary for the safe operation of trains or engines. Track Circuit An electrical circuit of which the rails of the track form a part. The track circuit is the basis of signaling systems. Track Gauge The distance between the inner faces of the track heads. Nominally, 4' 8.5". Track Head The top of the track on which the wheels roll. Track panels Short, pre-assembled sections of track complete with rails and ties, very much like model railway sectional track, used for temporary track repairs or shoofly. Track Permit A form used to authorize occupancy of main track where designated by special instructions. Track Side Warning Detector Wayside detectors which are provided at various locations as shown in the timetable which detect such conditions as overheated journals, dragging equipment, excess dimensions, shifted loads, high water and slides. Track Warrant Control (TWC) A method of authorizing movements of trains or engines or protecting men or machines on a main track within specified limits in territory designated by special instructions or general order. Track Web The thin section of track between the base and the head. Trackage Rights An agreement between two railroads according to which, one railroad buys the right to run its trains on the tracks of the other, and usually pays a toll for the privilege. That toll is called a "wheelage" charge. Traction motor Electrical motor on a diesel locomotive. The prime mover drives a generator which produces electrical power to drive the traction motors. There is usually one traction motor on each axle. Tractive Force The amount of force at the driving wheel rims to start and move tonnage up various grades. Train An engine or more than one engine coupled, with or without cars, displaying a marker and authorized to operate on a main track. Train Brake The combined brakes on locomotive and cars that provides the means of controlling the speed and stopping of the entire train. Train Line See Brake Pipe Train of Superior Right A train that was given precedence when train orders were still used. Train Order A message that was used designating the meeting point between two trains. Train Register A book or form used at designated stations for registering time of arrival and departure of trains, and such other information as may be prescribed. Triple Valve An operating valve for charging the reservoir, applying the brake, and releasing the brake. Truck Hunting Rapid oscillation of an empty car truck at high speeds where the flanges tend to ride up on the head of the rail. 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.