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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