GLOSSARY
STRAPRAIL Strap iron placed on wooden stringers and used as rail in the early days
STRAWBERRY PATCH The rear end of a caboose as seen at night STRING A number of cars coupled together SUPERIOR TRAIN A train having precedance over another train SWING SHACK The brakeman controlling the middle of a freight train SWITCH A mechanical apparatus built at the juncture of two or more tracks. It allows one track to be connected to another and may be operated manually or automatically TALLOWPOT Fireman TEA KETTLE Any locomotive that is old and leaky THROUGH OR LIMITED TRAIN A train designed to accomodate through traffic THOUSAND MILER The dark blue shirt favored by railroaders because it does not show dirt when worn for long periods TOAD Derailing device TOE PATH - Running board or walkway along track TRAIN An engine or more than one engine, coupled, with or without cars, displaying markers TRAIN LINE The pipe and hose connections running the full length of a train to supply air to the brake system. (Also called Brake Pipe) TRICK The tour of duty usually beginning each eight hours THROW A SWITCH To disconnect one track and connect another VARNISH Passenger cars or train WALK THE DOG To make extra fast speed with a freight train WABASH A sideswipe type collision caused by cars not being clear of adjacent track WASHOUT A violent emergency stop signal WAY TRAIN A local that stops at most stations between terminals to perform work or loading and unloading of traffic WHEEL To run at a very high speed WHITE FEATHER The plume of steam over safety valves that indicates high boiler pressure WHISTLING POST A signal post erected near stations, grade crossings, bridges, ect, requiring the engineer to blow the whistle WILD TRAIN An extra train, may also mean a runaway train WIND Air used in air brake system Wye "Y" trackes used to turning of locomotives and cars YARD A system of tracks and switches used to store and classify cars YARD GOAT Switching locomotive ZULU CAR Emmigrant car SNAKE Switchman REAL ESTATE Coal
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