Accident investigation- when law enforcement looks into what caused the accident after a train stops. Emergency services will arrive and administer first aid if people are alive after being hit by a train. This investigation can take hours and delay traffic on the railroad.
Ballast- The stones on a railroad that help provide drainage.
Catenary- A series of live overhead electrical wires an electric train draws power from.
Commuter Cab Car- A specially converted coach with an engineer's cab on the end. It is used in push- pull service. It is the front of the train in one direction and the rear in the opposite direction.
Clearances- The amount of space on the sides of a train and above it.
Crossbuck- A sign on a post at a railroad crossing. It is an x shaped sign. It is not to be confused with the round warning sign placed before the crossing.
Distributed Power- Running a long train with a radio controlled and unoccupied locomotive in the middle. It is 2 trains in 1.
Double Stack- This is a special train car designed to carry stacked shipping containers.
Dual Mode Locomotive- A locomotive that can run on diesel- electric or direct electric power.
Emergency- The quick application of air brakes to stop a train in an emergency.
Equipment- Anything used in the operation of a railroad including rolling stock.
Fare Evasion- The practice of riding passenger trains without paying for it.
FTRA- Freight Train Riders of America. A violent gang that hops freight trains.
Grade Crossing- A point on a railroad where pedestrians, cars and trucks, other trains or people cross at the same level.
Hazardous Materials- These are anything aboard a train that can risk public safety and must be handled carefully. These include ammunition, explosives, corrosives, toxic gases, toxic waste, chemicals, gasoline, and nuclear waste.
Manifest- An itemized list of every item aboard a train and the cars they are in. It also tells where the cargo is headed.
MU Train- Multiple Unit Train. This is a type of train comprised of coaches equipped with traction motors. They draw power like an electric locomotive from catenary or a third rail.
Points- The rails that move on a track switch to help a train go to another track.
Railfanning- The hobby of taking pictures of trains or riding on them LEGALLY.
Railroad Police- Police in charge of safety and law enforcement on railroad property over an entire system. They have the power to arrest and detain you.
Right of Way- This means that a train has to be yielded to by stopping at a railroad crossing. It is also referred to the track itself.
Rolling Stock- Any equipment that runs on track. It includes maintenance trucks, equipment, locomotives and cars.
Scanner- A handheld device that picks up radio communications on a railroad. It is a Walkie Talkie but, it does not have the ability for you to talk.
Street Running- When railroad tracks run in the middle of a street.
Switch- A type of track section that allows a train to move to another track on a railroad.
The GAP- Not a clothing store. It is the space between the side of the car and the edge of the platform. It is a dangerous spot when boarding a train on an elevated platform.
Third Rail- This is a rail along the tracks that is live electrically and the second way an electric train picks up power.
Throw- The part of the track switch used to move the points of the switch.
Train Hopping- Illegally riding a freight train.
Train Strike- When a person or vehicle are hit by an oncoming train.
Trespasser- Anyone who is on railroad property not accessible to the public. Walking on tracks, going into buildings, or anywhere else on a railroad people are not allowed.
Vagrants- These are often hobos. They typically are train hoppers with violent criminal records, they are homeless and people you do not want to come into contact with.
Vestibule- The area at the end of the passenger car where you exit or board.