GCOR - Glossary
www.trainweb.com/gcor/glossary.html
Return to Table of Contents
GLOSSARY
Abbreviations
Use only the following abbreviations:
ABS Automatic Block Signal System
ACS Automatic Cab Signal System
AMK Amtrak
ATC Automatic Train Control
ATS Automatic Train Stop
AUTH Authority
BRN Branch
BRT Block Register Territory
c Center
C&E Conductor and Engineer
COFC Container on Flat Car
CONDR Conductor
CP Control Point
CTC Centralized Traffic Control
DISPR Dispatcher
DIST District
DIV Division
DT Double Track
DTC Direct Traffic Control
E East
ENG Engine
ENGR Engineer
ESS East Siding Switch
EWD Eastward
FRT Freight
HER Head End Restriction
im Intermodal
JCT junction
MAX Maximum
MMT Multiple Main Track
MP Mile Post
MPH Miles Per Hour
MT Main Track
mw Maintenance of Way
N North
NO Number
NSS North Siding Switch
NWD Northward
OK Correct
OPR Operator
ORIG Originating
PSGR Passenger
RC Radio Channel
RECD Received
REG Region
s South
SDG Siding
sss South Siding Switch
SUB Subdivision
SUBDIV Subdivision
SUPT Superintendent
SW Switch
SWD Southward
TOFC Trailer on Flat Car
TRK Track
TRN Train
TWC Track Warrant Control
w West
wss West Siding Switch
wvm Westward
xo Crossover
YL Yard Limits
YM Yardmaster
Use the normal abbreviations for names of months.
ABS
See Automatic Block Signal System.
Absolute Block
A length of track that no train is permitted to enter
while the track is occupied by another train.
Absolute Signal
A block or interlocking signal without a number
plate, or designated by an "A" marker.
ACS
See Automatic Cab Signal System.
ATS
See Automatic Train Stop System.
Automatic Block Signal System (ABS)
A series of consecutive blocks governed by block
signals, cab signals, or both. The signals are activated
by a train or by certain conditions that affect the block
use.
Automatic Cab Signal System (ACS)
A system that allows cab signals and the cab warning
whistle to operate automatically.
Automatic Train Stop System (ATS)
A system activated by wayside inductors positioned
to apply the brakes automatically until the train stops.
Block
A length of track between consecutive block signals
or between a block signal and the end of block system
limits.
Block Register Territory (BRT)
A method of operation in non-signaled territory
where trains, men, and equipment are authorized to
occupy the main track in limits designated by the
timetable.
Block Signal
A fixed signal at the entrance of a block that governs
trains entering and using that block.
Block System
A block or series of consecutive blocks within ABS,
ACS, CTC, or interlocking limits.
BRT
See Block Register Territory.
Cab Signal
A signal in the engineer's compartment or cab that
indicates a condition affecting train movement. Cab
signals are used with interlocking or block signals or
without block signals.
Cars
Railroad cars.
Centralized Traffic Control (CTC)
A block system that uses block signal indications to
authorize train movements.
Conductor
Employee in charge of train or yard movement.
Control Operator
Employee assigned to operate a CTC or interlocking
control machine or authorized to grant track permits.
Control Point
The location of absolute signals controlled by a
control operator.
Controlled Siding
A siding within CTC or interlocking limits where a
signal indication authorizes the siding's use.
Controlled Signal
An absolute signal controlled by a control operator.
Crossings at Grade
Crossings that intersect at the same level.
Crossover
A track connection between two adjacent tracks.
CTC
See Centralized Traffic Control.
Current of Traffic
The movement of trains in one direction on a main
track, as specified by the rules.
Direct Traff ic Control (DTC)
A DTC block or a series of DTC blocks where the train
dispatcher authorizes track occupancy.
Distant Signal
A fixed signal outside a block system that govems the
approach to a block signal, interlocking signal, or
switch point indicator. A distant signal does not
indicate conditions that affect track use between the
distant signal and block or interlocking signals or
between the distant signal and switch point indicator.
A distant signal is identified by a "D."
Double Track
Two main tracks where the current of traffic on one
track is in a specified direction and in the opposite
direction on the other.
Dual Control Switch
A power-operated switch, moveable point frog, or
derail that can also be operated by hand.
DTC
See Direct Traffic Control.
DTC Block
A length of main track specified by name. DTC block
name and limits are identified by wayside signs
reading, "Begin (name) Block" and "End (name)
Block" and by mile post location in the timetable.
Electric Switch Lock
An electrically controlled lock that restricts the use of
a hand-operated switch or derail.
Engine
A unit propelled by any form of energy or more than
one of these units operated from a single control.
Engines are used in train or yard service. Rules that
apply to engines also apply to cab control cars.
Engineer
Also includes student engineers, firemen, and
hostlers.
Equipment
Railroad equipment.
Fixed Signal
A signal that is fixed to a location permanently and
that indicates a condition affecting train movement.
flagman
Any employee providing flag protection.
Foreman
Employee in charge of work.
Interlocking
Signal appliances that are interconnected so that each
of their movements follows the other in a proper
sequence. Interlockings may be operated manually or
automatically.
Interlocking Limits
The tracks between outer opposing absolute signals of
an interlocking.
Interlocking Signals
The fixed signals of an interlocking that govern trains
using interlocking limits.
Main Track
A track extending through yards and between
stations that must not be occupied without authority
or protection.
Men
Railroad employees.
Multiple Main Tracks
Two or more main tracks that are used according to
the timetable.
Pilot
An employee assigned to a train to assist an engineer
or conductor who is unfamiliar with the rules or the
portion of railroad the train will operate on,
Proceed Indication
Any block signal indication that allows a train to
proceed without stopping.
Reverse Movement
A movement opposite the authorized direcfion.
Siding
A track connected to the main track and used for
meeting or passing trains. Location of sidings are
shown in the timetable.
Signal Aspect
The appearance of a fixed or cab signal.
Signal Indication
The action required by the signal aspect.
Single Track
A main track where trains are operated in both
directions.
Special Instructions
Instructions contained in the timetable or other
publication.
Spring Switch
A switch with a spring mechanism that retums the
switch points to the original position after they are
trailed through.
Station
A place designated by name in the timetable station
column.
Switch Point Indicator
A light type indicator used during movement over
certain switches to show that switch points fit
properly.
Timetable
A publication with instructions On train, engine, or
equipment movement. It also contains other essential
information.
Track Bulletin
A notice of conditions affecting train movement. It
may also authorize movement against the current of
traffic where Rule 9.14 (Movement with the Current
of Traffic) is in effect.
Track Occupancy Indicator
An indicator that tells whether a length of track is
occupied or not.
Trackside Warning Detector
A device that indicates conditions such as overheated
journals, dragging equipment, excess dimensions,
shifted loads, high water, or slides.
Track Warrant Control (TWC)
A method to authorize train movements or protect
men or machines on a main track within specified
limits in a territory designated by the timetable.
Train
One or more engines coupled, with or without cars,
displaying a marker, and authorized to operate on a
main track. A term that when used in connection
with speed restrictions, flag protection, and the
observance of all signals and signal rules also applies
to engines.
Trainnmen
Conductors, assistant conductors, brakemen, yard
engine foremen, switchmen, and yard helpers.
TWC
See Track Warrant Control.
Variable Switch
A switch identified by a "V" or a bowl painted
yellow. When trailed through, the switch points
remain lined in the posifion they were forced.
Yard
A system of tracks, other than main tracks and
sidings, used for making up trains, storing cars, and
other purposes.
Yard Limits
A portion of main track designated by yard limit
signs and timetable special instructions or a track
bulletin.
Return to Table of Contents
