Railroad Operations and Maintenance
Expert-defined terms from the Certificate in High Speed Rail Design and Construction course at London School of Planning and Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Railroad Operations and Maintenance Glossary #
Railroad Operations and Maintenance Glossary
Alignment #
Alignment
The path that a railway track follows, including curves, grades, and straight se… #
The path that a railway track follows, including curves, grades, and straight sections.
Ballast #
Ballast
A layer of coarse stone or gravel that supports and stabilizes railroad tracks,… #
A layer of coarse stone or gravel that supports and stabilizes railroad tracks, allowing for proper drainage and distributing the weight of the trains.
Block Signal #
Block Signal
A type of signal that indicates whether a section of track is clear or occupied… #
A type of signal that indicates whether a section of track is clear or occupied by another train, helping to prevent collisions.
Bolted Rail Joint #
Bolted Rail Joint
A connection between two sections of rail that is secured with bolts, ensuring s… #
A connection between two sections of rail that is secured with bolts, ensuring stability and continuity of the track.
Buffer Stop #
Buffer Stop
A device at the end of a track that absorbs the impact of a train to prevent it… #
A device at the end of a track that absorbs the impact of a train to prevent it from running off the end.
Cant #
Cant
The banking or tilting of a track on curves to counteract the centrifugal force… #
The banking or tilting of a track on curves to counteract the centrifugal force and provide a more comfortable ride for passengers.
Continuous Welded Rail #
Continuous Welded Rail
Rail sections that are welded together to form a continuous track, reducing main… #
Rail sections that are welded together to form a continuous track, reducing maintenance needs and providing a smoother ride.
Crossing Gate #
Crossing Gate
A barrier that lowers to block traffic from crossing the railroad tracks when a… #
A barrier that lowers to block traffic from crossing the railroad tracks when a train is approaching.
Crossing Signal #
Crossing Signal
A warning device that activates when a train is approaching a road crossing, ale… #
A warning device that activates when a train is approaching a road crossing, alerting drivers and pedestrians to stop.
Curve Easement #
Curve Easement
A gradual transition from straight track to curved track, allowing trains to cha… #
A gradual transition from straight track to curved track, allowing trains to change direction smoothly.
Dispatching #
Dispatching
The process of controlling train movements and ensuring efficient operations by… #
The process of controlling train movements and ensuring efficient operations by coordinating schedules, routes, and track usage.
Double Tracking #
Double Tracking
The process of adding a second track parallel to an existing track to increase c… #
The process of adding a second track parallel to an existing track to increase capacity and allow for more frequent train movements.
Dynamic Track Stabilizer #
Dynamic Track Stabilizer
A machine that adjusts the alignment and stability of railroad tracks by applyin… #
A machine that adjusts the alignment and stability of railroad tracks by applying pressure to the ballast under the rails.
Electrification #
Electrification
The process of installing overhead wires or third rails to power trains, reducin… #
The process of installing overhead wires or third rails to power trains, reducing emissions and increasing efficiency.
Emergency Brake #
Emergency Brake
A mechanism that stops a train in the event of an emergency, such as a signal fa… #
A mechanism that stops a train in the event of an emergency, such as a signal failure or obstacle on the tracks.
Fouling Point #
Fouling Point
The point on a track where a train is considered to be occupying the space and m… #
The point on a track where a train is considered to be occupying the space and must not be crossed by other trains.
Grade Crossing #
Grade Crossing
A point where a railroad track intersects with a road, requiring caution and adh… #
A point where a railroad track intersects with a road, requiring caution and adherence to signals for safe crossing.
High #
Speed Rail
Rail systems designed for trains to travel at speeds exceeding conventional rail… #
Rail systems designed for trains to travel at speeds exceeding conventional rail services, typically over 155 mph (250 km/h).
Infrastructure Maintenance #
Infrastructure Maintenance
The ongoing upkeep of railroad tracks, signals, bridges, and other structures to… #
The ongoing upkeep of railroad tracks, signals, bridges, and other structures to ensure safe and efficient operations.
Interlocking Tower #
Interlocking Tower
A building from which railroad switches and signals are controlled to manage tra… #
A building from which railroad switches and signals are controlled to manage train movements at junctions or crossovers.
Junction #
Junction
A point where two or more railroad tracks converge or diverge, requiring coordin… #
A point where two or more railroad tracks converge or diverge, requiring coordination to ensure smooth transitions.
Kilometer Post #
Kilometer Post
A marker along the track that indicates the distance from a specific point, typi… #
A marker along the track that indicates the distance from a specific point, typically used for reference and maintenance purposes.
Lateral Alignment #
Lateral Alignment
The horizontal position of a track in relation to its surroundings, ensuring pro… #
The horizontal position of a track in relation to its surroundings, ensuring proper positioning and stability.
Maintenance of Way #
Maintenance of Way
The department responsible for maintaining and repairing railroad tracks, signal… #
The department responsible for maintaining and repairing railroad tracks, signals, and related infrastructure.
Network Rail #
Network Rail
The organization responsible for managing the rail infrastructure in the United… #
The organization responsible for managing the rail infrastructure in the United Kingdom, including tracks, signals, and stations.
Occupancy Detection #
Occupancy Detection
The process of determining whether a section of track is occupied by a train or… #
The process of determining whether a section of track is occupied by a train or other obstruction, crucial for safe operations.
Positive Train Control #
Positive Train Control
A system that automatically stops or slows trains to prevent collisions, overspe… #
A system that automatically stops or slows trains to prevent collisions, overspeeding, and other dangerous situations.
Rail Grinding #
Rail Grinding
The process of smoothing and shaping railroad tracks to reduce wear and tear on… #
The process of smoothing and shaping railroad tracks to reduce wear and tear on train wheels and improve ride quality.
Right #
of-Way
The legal right for a railroad to use a specific corridor of land for tracks, si… #
The legal right for a railroad to use a specific corridor of land for tracks, signals, and other infrastructure.
Speed Restriction #
Speed Restriction
A limit on how fast trains can travel in a specific section of track, often due… #
A limit on how fast trains can travel in a specific section of track, often due to maintenance work or safety concerns.
Switch Stand #
Switch Stand
A manual device used to change the direction of a train by diverting it onto a d… #
A manual device used to change the direction of a train by diverting it onto a different track at a switch or junction.
Track Circuit #
Track Circuit
A section of track equipped with electrical circuits that detect the presence of… #
A section of track equipped with electrical circuits that detect the presence of trains and control signals accordingly.
Track Geometry Car #
Track Geometry Car
A specialized vehicle equipped with sensors and cameras to measure and assess th… #
A specialized vehicle equipped with sensors and cameras to measure and assess the condition of railroad tracks.
Train Control System #
Train Control System
A network of signals, switches, and communication systems that regulate train mo… #
A network of signals, switches, and communication systems that regulate train movements and ensure safe operations.
Ultrasonic Testing #
Ultrasonic Testing
A method of inspecting rail tracks for defects using high #
frequency sound waves to detect hidden flaws.
Vertical Alignment #
Vertical Alignment
The vertical profile of a track, including grades and curves, to ensure proper d… #
The vertical profile of a track, including grades and curves, to ensure proper drainage and alignment with bridges and tunnels.
Wheel Flange #
Wheel Flange
The lip on a train wheel that keeps it on the track and provides stability durin… #
The lip on a train wheel that keeps it on the track and provides stability during turns and stops.
X #
Ing
Shorthand for a railroad crossing, where tracks intersect with a road or path, r… #
Shorthand for a railroad crossing, where tracks intersect with a road or path, requiring caution and adherence to signals.