Railroad Terms

8/2/2019 Railroad Terms

1/23

Glossary o f t e rm s used in t h ese pages English-SpanishSpanish-English

Spanish, like English, is not a single homogeneous language. Different words can be used

in different places to express the identical concept. The same word can have verydifferent meanings in different countries. For instance, the word hacienda in Argentina

(in the context of railways) means livestock; however, its usual meaning in Mexico issomething like stately home. Technical terms may be specific to individual railways.

Where the word is specific, but not necessarily uniquely, to a country or railway there is

an abbreviation indicating the source of the word.

Eng l i sh / Span ish COUPLINGSautomatic coupling = el enganche automtico (RFIRT) (knuckle implied)buckeye or MCB coupler = el acoplador (tipo) puobuffer = el paragolpe = el tope (Uru.)chopper coupling = el acoplador (tipo) hacha

coupling = el acoplecoupling hook = el gancho (between buffers on buffer beam)knuckle coupling = el acoplador (tipo) puo = el ganche mandbula = la mandbula(Uru.)

link and pin coupling = el acoplador (tipo) anillo y perno = el enganche a cadena (Arg.)rotating coupling = el acoplador giratorio (for tippler wagons)screw coupling = el tornillo (Uru.) (between buffers on buffer beam) = el enganche arosca (Arg.)

three link coupling = la cadena a eslabnLINES & ROUTESadditional line = la va auxiliadora (RFIRT) (a line which is not a running line) = la va

auxiliar (RFIRT)block section = seccin de bloqueoconstruction = la construccin (this may be used to describe both the process ofconstructing and the thing which has been constructed)

construction works = las obrascrossover = la interconexin (invented for these pages)crossing place = el apartadero (RFIRT) (On this railway where there are two runninglines: the main line is bi- directional; the secondary running line may be bi-directional)

curve = la curvadescent = la bajadadistance (in kilometres) = el kilometraje

down line = la va descendente, (defined as direction of decreasing mileage)gradient = la pendientelevel crossing = el paso a nivelmain line = la va primera (Arg + RFIRT) = la va principal (Arg +RFIRT) (the linewhich joins the stations and passes through them; the running of the trains on it is

governed by rules and signals)

network (of routes) = la red, eg. la Red Norte (Chile)permanent way = la va permanente
http://english/Spanish#English/Spanishhttp://spanish/English#Spanish/Englishhttp://spanish/English#Spanish/Englishhttp://english/Spanish#English/Spanish


2/23

radius = el radiorailway = el ferrocarril = la va frrearunning line = la va de trfico (RFIRT)second (running) line = la va segunda (RFIRT) (at stations and crossing places)section = el tramo (Chile)

shunting yard = patio = playa de maniobras (Arg.)siding = el desvo (an additional line used for shunting or the parking of vehicles,exceptionally it may be used for the crossing of trains; it may be of such a length that itwould be considered a branch line - the airfield siding at Puerto Madryn was 4km long

and there was one in the north of Argentina no less than 101 km long!)

single track = la va sencillasubsidiary line = la va auxiliadora (RFIRT)third (running) line (not siding) = la va tercera (at stations and crossing places)triangle, or wye = tranguloup line = la va ascendente, (defined as direction of increasing mileage)wye, or triangle = tranguloLOCOMOTIVE DEPOTengine shed = el depsito = el galpn de mquinas = la casa de mquinas (Chile)round house = la casa redonda = la remesashed = el galpnturntable = la giratoria = la mesa giratoria = la placa giratoria = la plataforma giratoria =el puente giratorio = la tournamesa (Chile)

water crane = la punta de agua = la toma de agua = la gra de aguawater stand = el agua (Cent. Am.) (feminine gender)water tank = el agua (Cent. Am.) (feminine gender) = el tanque de aguaworkshops = los talleres (Arg.) = la maestranza (Chile)

LOCOMOTIVES

assisting engine = la locomotora auxiliadora (RFIRT) (whether located between the trainengine and the train or at the rear pushing) = la locomotora auxilio (RFIRT)

boiler pressure = la presin de caldera (200 psi = 14.1 kg/mm2)brake, air = el freno Westinghouse (Arg.) = el freno al aire comprimidobrake shoe = la zapata de frenobrake, vacuum = el freno al vacobunker = el paol (for coal or wood; usually in a ship) = el tanque de combustible (fueloil) = el tender (sometimes, by extension from separate tender)

cab = la casillacarrying wheel = la rueda portador (not bogie wheel)cattle guard = el miriaque (Arg + Chile) (literally crinoline!)

chassis = la vigacoal = el carboncoupled wheel = la rueda acopladacow catcher = el miriaque (Arg + Chile)cylinders = los cilindrosdiesel fuel = el aceite diesel (Cent. Am.)driving wheel = la rueda acoplada = la rueda propulsoraengine = la locomotora = la mquina


3/23

exploratory engine = la locomotora exploradora (RFIRT) a light engine sent out into anoccupied section to look for a train, or a rake of wagons, whose whereabouts is unknown)

firebox = el fogn = la caja de fuegofootplate = el estribohead light (strobe) = la baliza

headlamp = el reflectorhorsepower = caballo vaporlight engine = la locomotora sola (may be more than one engine coupled together andmay include one, or more, brake vans attached)

locomotive jack = el gato de locomotora (RFIRT) (probably a traversing screw jack ofperhaps 15 tons capacity)

mainframe = el bastidor = la vigapilot (USA) = el miriaque (Arg + Chile) (literally crinoline!)putting steam loco into reverse to brake the train = el contravaporrunning plate = el estribosafety valve = la vlvula de securidad (invented for these pages)

sand box = el arenero = el cajn de arenasmoke box = la caja de humo / humos = el humerosnow plough = la reja quitanievessteam release valve = el robinetesuperheater = recalentador (literally 're-heater')superheating = sobrecalefaccin (Arg.)tractive effort/force = fuerza de traccintrain engine = la locomotora titular (RFIRT) (located at the very front of the train, infront of any assisting engine)

traversing jack = el gato para mover al lado = el gato traslador (invented for thesepages)

wheel arrangement = la esquema de ruedas = el rodado = el rodajewhistle = el pitoworks' number = el nmero de fbrica

MISCELLANEOUSEnginemens' union (ASLEF equivalent) = la Fraternidad (Arg)assets = los bienes (RFIRT)in bulk (loose, not in containers) = a granelcolliery arch = la viga castillo (RFIRT)colony = la colonia (Arg., eg. Colonia Sarmiento; settlement in unoccupied territoryestablished by, or with consent of, the government)

company = la empresa, la compaa

concession (eg. to operate a railway) = la concesinconcrete = el hormigndam = el diquedecree (of government) = el decreto (Arg.)design = el planodistrict, (suburb, neighbourhood (USA)) = el barrioelectric battery = la batera (RFIRT) = la pila (Arg)engineering work = la obra de arte (e.g. bridge)


4/23

event = la novedad (RFIRT)fare = el pasajefirst aid box = el botiqunmine gallery or tunnel = la galeragas producer = el hizagas

incident = la novedad (RFIRT)livestock = el ganado (Arg.) = la hacienda (Arg.)law = la leylorry = el caminmasonry = la mamposteramineral = el mineralMinistry of Public Works = Ministerio de Obras Publicas (Arg.)occurrence = la novedad (RFIRT)outcrop (of rock or ore) = el afloramientopackaging = el embalajepadlock = el canado

petrol = la bencina (Chile) = la nafta (Arg.)plan (ie map) = el planoroad motor coach service = la lnea automotora Pullman (FC Central del Chubut, Arg.)mine shaft = el pique, or if inclined = la chimenea inclinedastores = los materialestap = la canillathird party = el terceroticket (for pasenger) = el boleto (Arg.)ton/tonne (weight) = tonelada; long ton = tonelada inglesa, short ton = tonelada de losEEUU.mine tunnel or gallery = la galeraventilation shaft or tunnel for mine = el chifln

wool = la lanaworks tram = la zorra (tramway)wrought iron = el hierro forjado

OPERATION (OF TRAINS)bad visibility = la mala visibilidad (RFIRT) (defined as visibility of less than 200metres)

ballast train = el tren de trabajobanked (train) = la doble traccinbreakdown train = el tren de auxiliodelay = el retrasodiagrammed service = el servicio diagramado (RFIRT) (that is, one operating to the

timetable contained within the current working timetable)double headed = la doble traccinfly shunting = la maniobra volante (RFIRT) (that is, when a locomotive pulling a rake ofwagons is uncoupled from them while in motion and passes through facing points in adifferent direction to that of the following wagons)

interchange (of passengers at a junction) = la combinacinmist = la neblina (defined as visibility of less than 200 metres)rough shunt = la maniobra brusca


5/23

running-over = el arrollamiento (of livestock or person)shunting = las maniobrasspeed restriction = la precaucin (Arg + RFIRT)train control office = el Movimiento (more fully: la Oficina de Movimiento Seccional) =oficina de control de trenes

passenger train conveying vehicles for several different destinations or branch lines= el tren combinacin

hurricaneforce winds = el viento huracanado (Arg., of great importance to trainoperation in Patagonia!)

walking pace = a paso de hombre

OPERATION (COMMERCIAL / STAFF)

bale (of wool) = el bultobill of lading = la carta de portecharge (for conveying freight) = el fleteexpenses = los gastosfreightage = el flete

improvised service = el servicio programado (RFIRT) (that is, one operating to suit theexigencies of traffic through lack of a current working time table)

income = el producidojourney = el viajelivestock = la hacienda (Arg)locum = el reemplazante (RFIRT) (person undertaking those duties at the particular time)on duty = de turno (RFIRT) = en servicio (RFIRT) (when working a shift system)packet = la encomiendaparcel = la encomiendaship or vessel = el buqueshipping line = la compaia naviera

shipping service = la va martimashunter = el cambistatimetable = el horario (RFIRT) (that part of the working time table which specifies theclass, direction, number and running of the trains)

tonne (or ton according to context) = la toneladaway bill = la foja de ruta (RFIRT)weighing machine = la bsculaworking timetable = el itinerario de trenes (RFIRT) (a printed document which containsthe timetable, together with information concerning the running and dealing with trains) POINTS/SWITCHES(point) blade = la aguja

catch point = la trampaclearance post or point = la estaca del cambio (RFIRT) (indicating the point beyondwhich vehicles on two converging lines will foul each other) = la estaca de libranza

(RFIRT)

crossing nose, vee or frog = la encrucijadafacing points = el cambio de punta (RFIRT)hand points = el cambio a mano (RFIRT)point lock at in-section siding operated by train staff = la cerradura de gaveta


6/23

points with a facing point lock = las agujas de securidadpoints without a facing point lock = las agujas simplesposition indicator for points = el indicador de cambiosprung points = el cambio a resorte (this does not necessarily involve the use of springs,but more usually by a hand lever weighted to self park in one position only, unlike the

usual arrangement where it will self park in either position)trailing points = el cambio de taln (RFIRT)

RAILWAY OR ROUTE TITLESEFEA = Empresa Ferrocarriles del Estado Argentina = Argentine State RailwaysCompany, ie the official name for the nationalised railway network after 1948. Later the

less official term 'Ferrocarriles Argentinos' was popularly used.FCAF = Ferrocarril Austral Fueguino = lit. Southern Fueguinian Railway, ie. the modern50cm tourist line at Ushuaia.

FCCC = Ferrocarril Central del Chubut. NB In Spanish this should really be abbreviated'FCCCh' as 'Ch' counts as a separate single letter in Spanish. However the railway

management always used the English abbreviation FCCC. Nota bene : La gerencia del

'FCCCH' usaba la abreviatura FCCC en sus escritos y para identificacin sobre losvagones y locomotoras. La voz galesa o inglesa tiene la cuarta letra del abecedario como

la 'd' no la 'ch' como castellano en aquel tiempo.

FCE = Ferrocarril del Estado, Argentina, y Chile tambin. = State Railways, in bothArgentina and Chile.

FCGR = Ferrocarril General Roca, ie. the title given in 1948 to the division of the EFEAincorporating the former FC Sud and the former FCE lines to Bariloche, Esquel and

Coronel Sosa.

FCP = Ferrocarril Patagnico = Patagonian Railway(s), ie the two isolated broad gaugelines and the ex FCCC from 1948 until their takeover by the FC General Roca a few

years later.

FCPV = Ferrocarril de Pennsula Valds = Peninsula Valdes railway, ie. the salt line toPto. Piramides.FCS = Ferrocarril Sud = Southern Railway, or more formally in English the BuenosAires Great Southern Railway Company.

RCR-CS = Ramal Comodoro Rivadavia a Colonia Sarmiento = term used here for theComodoro Rivadavia - Sarmiento broad gauge line.

RFIEP = Ramal Ferro Industrial Eva Pern = Eva Peron Industrial Railway Line.Theoriginal name for the Rio Turbio coal line until President Peron's fall from office in the

mid 1950s. El nombre original del RFIRT (abajo).

RFIRT = Ramal Ferro Industrial Ro Turbio = Rio Turbio Industrial Railway Line.RIJ-E = Ramal de Ingeniero Jacobacci a Esquel

RPD-CLH = Ramal Puerto Deseado a Colonia Las HerasRSA-SCB = Ramal Viedma a San Antonio Oeste y San Carlos de BarilocheROLLING STOCK (PARTS OF VEHICLES)archbar truck or diamond frame bogie = el boguie de forma diamanteaxlebox = la caja de lubricacin = la caja para punta de eje = la caja de ejesberth (bed in sleeping coach) = la litera = la cama (Arg.)birdcage roof= el techo jauln (invented for the purposes of these pages)bogie/truck = el boguie (it is also often spelt 'bogie')


7/23

braked axle = el eje frenadobrake hose = la manga de frenobrake rigging = la timonera de freno (excludes brake shoes)buffer beam = el montaje acopladorbuffer front face = el platillo

clerestory roof= el techo con claraboyadiamond frame bogie or archbar truck = el boguie de forma diamanteend balcony of coach? = la platinafall plate? = la platinamonitor roof= el techo catedral (invented for the purposes of these pages)roller bearing = el rodamientesleeping compartment = el compartimiento or el camarotespare part = el repuestotail lamp of train = la seal de colatruck/bogie = el boguie (it is also often spelt 'bogie')washing compartment = el lavatorio

WC compartment = la letrinawheel = la ruedawheel flange? = la ceja = la pestaawheel tread = la huella

ROLLING STOCK (VEHICLES)baggage car = el furgn de equipajesbox car (USA) or covered van= vagn cubiertobox van = el furgnbrake van = el furgn = el furgn (RFIRT - sole meaning) = el furgn de cola (FCPatagnico) = el furgn de freno

container = el contenedor

final vehicle = el colero (RFIRT) (of block train; painted distinctively, red and whitevertical bands and carrying the appropriate end-of-train signals)flat wagon = el carro plano (Chile) = vagn plataforma (Arg.)flat wagon for containers = la chata contenedor (modern containers)flat wagon with no or very low sides = la plataformaguard's compartment = el furgn (in a passenger coach)high-sided open wagon = vagn cajnhopper wagon = la tolvainspection saloon = el coche reservado (locomotive hauled)livestock wagon = el vagn-jaula = el vagn hacienda (Arg.)loading gauge = el glibo (RFIRT) (dimensions thereof)

low-sided open wagon = vagn medio-cajnluggage compartment = compartimiento para equipajes = also 'el furgn' in Arg. whenno special furgn vehicle is in the train

mine tub = el vagon (Mex.) (no accent)motor trolley = la zorra (RFIRT) (usually; which can readily be removed from the trackby its own crew)officers' saloon = el coche reservado (locomotive hauled)parcels van = furgn de equipajes; but in Arg. vagn de equipajes = higher quality


8/23

parcels van with vacuum brake, passenger bogies/trucks and steam heating pipe.

railcar = el bus carril (Chile) = el ferrobus (Bol.) = el coche motor (Arg.)railcar, small = el auto de varake (of wagons) = el corteroad-rail vehicle = el satelite (RFIRT)

rolling stock = el material rodanteself propelled insection vehicle = el auto de va (like a Wyckham or Fairmont trolley)sleeping car = el coche dormitoriotipper wagon = el vagn volcadortrack bicycle = el velocpedovan = el cubierto (RFIRT) = el furgnwagon = el carro (Mex) = el vagn (Arg)

SIGNALSNote that terms marked * all relate to traditional British signalling practice.

advanced (starting) signal* = la seal de avanzadaback light of signal = la contraluz

block section* = la seccin blockburner, of oil or acetylene lamp = el mecherocalling-on signal* = la seal de llamadacane = la caa (for attaching wires of portable telephone to overhead wires of line sidetelephone)

colour light signal = la seal luminosadetonator = el pertardodistant signal* = la seal de distanciadwarf signal* = la seal enanaengine horn (sound) = la bocinaengine whistle (sound) = el silbato

fixed signal* = la seal fijafixed distant in off position = el disco chico (RFIRT) (= literally 'small disc'; small discplaced below a disco de aproximacin signal to indicate that the train need not stop at the

entrance points to a stations as required by the disco de aproximacin signal)

fixed distant in on position = el disco de aproximacin (RFIRT) (= literally 'approachdisc'; fixed signal indicating that the train must stop at the entrance points to the station

unless otherwise given a signal at that location)

fixed stop signal = el cuadro absoluto (RFIRT) (= literally 'absolute square'; located atentrance to station (home = grande) or at exit from siding (starting = chico)

flag (for signalling) = la banderitafog signal = el pertardo

fog signalman = el petarderoground frame = el marco de palancashand bell = la campanillahand lamp = el farol = el farol de manohome signal* = la seal de entradainstruction board = el tablero(locomotive) bell = la campana(man's) arm = el brazo


9/23

signal lever collar (to remind signalman not to clear signal as it is protecting a train = elcuello de hierro

el mechero = burner, of oil lampmovable signal = la seal movible(mouth) whistle = el pito

pole = el palo (numbered from 1 each kilometre and used to make mileage location moreprecise)repeater signal* = el repetidorsemaphore signal = el semforoshunt to siding signal* = la seal de entrada a desvoshunting signal* = la seal de maniobra(signal) arm* = el brazosignal box/cabin/tower = el cabn (Arg) = la cabina (Arg) = la caseta = la casilla (deseales) (alternative nomenclatures; the particular form used will depend on the particularpre-nationalization railway on which it is / was located)

signal lamp = el farol de seal

signal lever = la palancasignalman = el sealerosignal post = el mstilstaff, ie. for single line working = el bastnstarting signal* =la seal de salidatail lamp of train = la seal de colaLine clear = va libre, on RFIRT elevated to 'Va Libre' system of permissive blockworking

wrong road working signal* = la seal que autoriza a correr por va contraria

STAFF/PERSONNELblacksmith = el herrero

brakeman = el guardafrenoconductor = el prctico (literally the ship's pilot; ie. the person who knows the road andadvises the engine driver who doesn't)

conductor = el conductor (RFIRT) (the person who is in charge of the running of a train,he is generally the same person as the engine driver)

conductor (USA) = el conductor (Cent. Am.)crew = la dotacincrossing keeper = el guardabarreraemployee = el agenteengine driver = el maquinistaengineer (USA) = el maquinista

engineer (professional) = el ingenieroforeman = el capatazguard = el guardatrn (RFIRT) (who controls the braking of an train not fitted withcontinuous brakes) = el guarda

handsignalman = el cambista (RFIRT)labourer = el penlengthman = el pen (de va)locomotive fireman = el fogonero = el foguista


10/23

PW ganger = el capataz de cuadrillaPW squad = la cuadrilla de vaPW sub-ganger = el segundo capataz de cuadrillarailwayman = el ferroviarioshunter = el agujero? = el cambista (Arg.) = el garrotero (Mex.)? = el palanquero (Chile)

squad = la dotacinstation assistant = el auxiliar (de estacin) (RFIRT) (performs duties something like astation master, but rotates amongst the station staff three monthly where there are morethan one appointed to a particular station)

station master = el jefe de estacinsteamraiser in a loco shed = el vaporista (Arg.)stoker = el fogonero = el foguistasuperintendent = el superintendente, eg. Superintendente Seccional Traficotelegraph linesman = el guardahilowagon examiner = el revisador de vehculos

STATIONS

end loading ramp = la rampa de puntahalt = el apeadero = la paradanotice board = el tableropen for livestock = el corralshed = el galponside loading ramp = la rampa de costadosign board = el tablerostation in advance = la estacin de adelante (RFIRT)station in the rear = la estacin de atrs (RFIRT)(station) name board = el nomenclado(station) platform = la plataforma (more old fashioned term), = el anden (more modern

term)ticket office = la boletera (Arg)unstaffed station = el apeaderounstaffed station dealing with passengers = la paradaunstaffed station = el embarcadero (station with restricted facilities, but more than ahalt)

wagon tippler = el equipo vuelca vagones (RFIRT)waiting room = la sala de espera

TRACK (see also POINTS/SWITCHES)60 cm gauge = la va decauville75 cm gauge = la trocha econmica (Patagonia) = la va angosta (Cent. Am.)

broad gauge = la trocha anchabuffer stop = la marmitacant = el peraltecatch point = el detentorcheckrail, eg. at points/switch or through/over bridge = el contracarrilchock = la calzada (RFIRT)clamp (for points) = la grampadual gauge = la bitrocha = la va mixta (Cent. Am.)


11/23

fishplate = la eclisa = la junta para riel = la planchuelagauge = la trochagradient = la pendientelevel crossing barrier = la barreraflange lubricator = el lubricador de pestaas (NB pestaa usual means eyelash!)

metre gauge = la trocha metrica = la trocha angosta (Arg.)narrow gauge = la trocha angostaposition indicator for points = el indicador de cambiorail joint = la junta de rielesscotch block = la calzada (RFIRT)standard gauge = la va ancha (Cent. Am.)superelevation = el peraltetrack jack = el gato de va (RFIRT) (probably a ratchet jack of perhaps 5 tons capacity)wheel stop = la calzada (RFIRT)

Span ish / Eng l i sh

la accin = share. ie in a companyel aceite diesel (Cent Am) = diesel fuelel acoplador giratorio = rotating coupling (invented for these pages)el acoplador (tipo) hacha = chopper coupling (invented for these pages)el acoplador (tipo) puo = knuckle coupling, buck eye coupling (invented for thepurposes of these pages)

el acoplador (tipo) anillo y perno = link and pin coupling (invented for the purposes ofthese pages)

el acople = alternative nomenclature for acopladorel afloramiento = outcrop of rock or ore

el agente = agent, employee, policemanel agua (Cent. Am.) = water stand or water tank, presumably abbreviated from el tanquede agua, el punte de agua or el tome de agua

el aguja = (point) blade (feminine gender)las agujas de securidad = points with a facing point locklas agujas simples = points without a facing point lockel aire comprimido = compressed airla alcantarilla = culvertel almacn = store (as in workshops); grocer's shopel andn = station platform (modern term)el apartadero (RFIRT) = crossing place; with two running lines: the main line is bi-

directional; the secondary running line may be bi-directionalel apeadero = halt, unstaffed stationla arena = sandel arenero = sandboxel arrollamiento = running-over (of livestock or person)el arroyo = small stream

el aserradero = sawmillel auto de va = small railcar, self propelled insection vehicle (like a Wyckham or


12/23

Fairmont trolley)

el auxiliar (de estacin) (RFIRT) = station assistant; performs duties something like astation master, but rotates amongst the station staff three monthly where there are more

than one appointed to a particular station

la bajada = slope, gradient

el balasto = (railway) ballastla baliza = (strobe) head lightla banderita = flagla barrera = level crossing barrierel barrio = district, suburb, neighbourhood (USA)la bscula = weighing machine, weighbridgeel bastidor = mainframeel bastn = train staffla batera (RFIRT) = electric battery (in Arg. more usually la pila)el bebedero = cattle drinking trough at stationla bencina (Chile) = petrol

la bitrocha (Arg) = mixed gaugelos bienes (RFIRT) = assets

la bodega (Chile) = storage shedla bocina = engine hornel boguie = bogie/truckel boguie de forma diamante = diamond frame bogie/archbar truckla boletera (Arg) = ticket officeel boleto (Arg) = ticketel borde alto (Arg) = high sided wagonel botiqun = first aid boxel brazo = (signal) arm, (man's) arm

el brete = cattle loading rampel bulto = bale (eg. of wool)el buque = vessel or shipel bus carril (Chile) = railcar

el cabn (Arg.) = signal box

la cabina (Arg.) = alternative nomenclature for cabn; the particular form used willdepend on the particular pre-nationalization railway on which it is/was located

la cadena a eslabn = three link couplingla caja de humos = smoke boxla caja de lubricacin = axleboxla caja de ejes = axlebox

la caja para punta de eje = axleboxel (vagn) cajn (Chile and Arg.) = high sided wagonel cajn de arena = sand boxla caldera = boilerla calzada (RFIRT) = wheel stop, chockla cama = bedel camarero = sleeping car attendantel cambio a mano (RFIRT) = hand points


13/23

el cambio a resorte = sprung points; this does not necessarily involve the use of springs,but more usually by a hand lever weighted to self park in one position only, unlike the

usual arrangement where it will self park in either position

el cambio de punta (RFIRT) = facing pointsel cambio de taln (RFIRT) = trailing points

el cambista (Arg) = shunterel cambista (RFIRT) = handsignalman

el camin = lorry/road truckla campana = bellla campanilla = hand bellla canilla = tapel candado = padlockla caa = cane (for attaching wires of portable telephone to line side telephone overheadwires)

el caadn = gorge or canyonel capataz = forman

el capataz de cuadrilla = PW gangerel carro (Mex.) = wagonel carro frutero = banana wagon (Cent. Am.)

el carro plano (Chile) = flat wagonla carta de porte = bill of ladingla casa de mquinas (Chile) = engine shed

la casa redonda = round housela caseta = signal box; see note at cabinala casilla = locomotive cab (Arg.)la casilla (de seales) = signal box; see note at cabinala ceja = (wheel) flange

el cemento = cementla cerradura de gaveta = point lock at in-section siding operated by train staffel cilindro = cylinderla ciudad = town, cityla clase unica = classless passenger accomodationel coche = coachel coche dormitorio = sleeping carriageel coche motor = motor coach or railcarel coche reservado = officers' saloon, inspection saloon (locomotive hauled)el colero (RFIRT) = final vehicle of block train; painted distinctively (red and whitevertical bands) and carrying the appropriate end-of-train signals

lacolonia

= colony (Arg., eg. Colonia Sarmiento; settlement in unoccupied territoryestablished by, or with consent of, the government)

la combinacin = interchange (of passengers at a junction)la compaa = companyla compaia naviera = shipping company, shipping lineel compartimiento = compartmentla concesin = concession (eg. to operate a railway)el conductor (RFIRT) = conductor; the person who is in charge of the running of a train,


14/23

he is generally the same person as the engine driver

la construccin = construction (this may be used to describe both the process ofconstructing and the thing which has been constructed)

el contenedor = containerel contracarril = checkrail, eg. over/through bridge or at points/switch

la contraluz = back light (of signal)el contravapor = putting steam engine into reverse to act as brake

el corral = pen for livestockel corte = rake (of wagons)la cremallera = rack (railway), or occasionally a rope worked inclinela cruce de trenes = process of two trains passing on a single track railwayla cuadrilla de va = PW squadel cuadro absoluto (RFIRT) = literally absolute square; fixed stop signal located atentrance to station (grande) or at exit from siding (chico); corresponding roughly in UKpractice to fixed home and starting signals respectively

el (vagn) cubierto (Arg.) = covered wagon or van

el cuello de hierro = signal lever collar (to remind signalman not to clear signal as it isprotecting a train.la curva = curvecv = caballo vapor = horsepower

la chacra = a land holding or division; in Chubut it is used to describe the Welsh farmsof 100 hectares each.

la chata contenador = flat wagon for containers (modern containers)el chifln = mine ventilation shaft or driftla chimenea inclineda = sloping mine shaft for ventilation or haulage

decauville = system of light, temporary lines, cf 'Jubilee track', used in construction of

public works, from the French Decauville company.el decreto = decree ie. of governmentel depsito = engine sheden depsito = in storage (out of use)el desvo = siding; an additional line used for shunting or the parking of vehicles,exceptionally it may be used for the crossing of trains; it may be of such a l ength that it

would be considered a branch line - the airport siding at Puerto Madryn was 4km long

and I've read of one in the north of no less than 101 km long!

el desvo de cruce = passing/crossing loopel detentor = catch pointel dique = dam, reservoir

el disco chico (RFIRT) = literally 'small disc'; small disc placed below a disco deaproximacin signal to indicate that the train need not stop at the entrance points to a

stations as required by the disco de aproximacin signal; corresponding roughly in UKpractice to a fixed distant signal in the off position

el disco de aproximacin (RFIRT) = literally 'approach disc'; fixed signal indicating thatthe train must stop at the entrance points to the station unless otherwise given a signal atthat location; corresponding roughly in UK practice to a fixed distant signal in the on

position


15/23

la doble traccin = double headed or banked

los dormitorios = bedrooms (sleeping coach)la dotacin = complement, crew, squadla draga = dredger, eg. for goldel dueo = the proprietor

el durmiente, de acero, de quebracho = steel / quebracho sleeper/crosstie

la eclisa = fishplateel edificio = buildingEFEA = Empresa Ferrocarriles del Estado Argentina = Argentine State RailwaysCompany, ie the official name for the nationalised railway network after 1948. Later the

less official term 'Ferrocarriles Argentinos' was popularly used.

el eje = axleel eje acoplado = coupled axleel eje frenado = braked axleel embalaje = packagingel embalse = reservoir

el embarcadero = unstaffed station, station with restricted facilities, but more than a halt;offers limited passenger and goods service

la empresa = undertaking, companyla encomienda = parcel, packetla encrucijada = crossing nose or vee; frog in US or modelling usageel enganche automtico (RFIRT) = automatic coupling (knuckle)el enganche a cadena (Arg.) = link and pin couplingel enganche a rosca (Arg.) = screw couplingel equipaje = luggagela esquema de ruedas = wheel arrangementel equipo vuelca vagones (RFIRT) = wagon tippler

la especificacin = specificationsla estaca del cambio (RFIRT) = clearance post; indicating the point beyond whichvehicles on two converging lines will foul each other

el estaca de libranza (RFIRT) = alternative nomenclature for estaca del cambiola estacin de adelante (RFIRT) = station in advancela estacin de atrs (RFIRT) = station in the rear

la estancia = large stock rearing farm, cf Australian sheep stationla estadstica = statisticsel estanque = tankel estribo = running plate, footplatela explotacin = operation, working, only rarely exploitationel fabricante = maker, eg. Sharp Stewart, Henschel etc.el farol, el farol de mano = hand lampel farol de seal = light (of signal)FCAF = Ferrocarril Austral Fueguino = lit. Southern Fueguinian Railway, ie. the modern50cm tourist line at Ushuaia.

FCCC = Ferrocarril Central del Chubut. NB In Spanish this should really be abbreviated'FCCCh' as 'Ch' counts as a separate single letter in Spanish. However the railway

management always used the English abbreviation FCCC. Nota bene : La gerencia del


16/23

'FCCCH' usaba la abreviatura FCCC en sus escritos y para identificacin sobre los

vagones y locomotoras. La voz galesa o inglesa tiene la cuarta letra del abecedario comola d no la "ch" como castellano en aquel tiempo.

FCE = Ferrocarril del Estado, Argentina, y Chile tambin. = State Railways, in bothArgentina and Chile.

FCGR = Ferrocarril General Roca, ie. the title given in 1948 to the division of the EFEAincorporating the former FC Sud and the former FCE lines to Bariloche, Esquel andCoronel Sosa.

FCP = Ferrocarril Patagnico = Patagonian Railway(s), ie the two isolated broad gaugelines and the ex FCCC from 1948 until their takeover by the FC General Roca a few

years later.

FCPV = Ferrocarril de Pennsula Valds = Peninsula Valdes railway, ie. the salt line toPto. Piramides.

FCS = Ferrocarril Sud = Southern Railway, or more formally in English the BuenosAires Great Southern Railway Company.

el ferrobus (Bol) = railcar

el ferrocarril = railwayel ferroviario = railwaymanel fogn = fire boxel fogonero = locomotive firemanel foguista = alternative nomenclature for fogonerola foja de ruta = way billla Fraternidad (Arg.) = ASLEF in UK (roughly), ie locomen's unionel flete = freightage, charge for conveying freight

el freno al aire comprimido = air brakeel freno al vaco = vacuum brakeel freno Westinghouse (Arg.) = air brake

el frigorfico = meat freezing plantla fuerza = force/power, eg. fuerza motriz = motive force or powerla fuerza de traccin = tractive effortel furgn = van or box van or brake van, or sometimes a luggage compartment inpassenger coach or guard's compartment in a passenger coach especially when a special

vehicle for that purpose is not present

el furgn (RFIRT) = brake van (sole meaning)el furgn de cola (FC Patagnico) = brake vanel furgn de equipajes = baggage car (USA), or luggage van/parcels van?el furgn de freno = brake vanel furgn postal = postal vanla galera = mine tunnel or galleryel glibo (RFIRT) = loading gauge (dimensions thereof)el galpn = shedel galpn de esquila = sheep shearing shed on estanciael galpn de mquinas = engine shedel ganado (Arg) = livestocklos gastos = expensesa granel = in bulk, loose (not in containers)


17/23

el ganche mandbula = knuckle coupling, ie. buckeye/MCB coupling

el gancho = coupling hook (between buffers on buffer beam)el garrotero (Mex.) = shunter?los gastos (de explotacin) = operating expenses excluding financial charges (producido -gastos = net operating revenue)

el gato para mover al lado = traversing jack (invented for these pages)el gato traslador = traversing jack (invented for these pages)el gato de va (RFIRT) = track jack; probably a ratchet jack of perhaps 5 tons capacityel gato de locomotora (RFIRT) = locomotive jack; probably a traversing screw jack ofperhaps 15 tons capacity

gentileza + name = courtesy of + namela giratoria = turntablela grampa = clamp (for points)la grasera = meat rendering plant, eg. to extract greasela gra = cranela gra de agua = water crane

el guarda = guardel guardabarrera = crossing keeperel guardahilo = telegraph linesmanel guardatrn (RFIRT) = guard; who controls the braking of an train not fitted withcontinuous brakes

el guardafreno = brakeman

el guinche a vapor, o a mano = steam / hand winch (or sometimes crane) la hacienda (Arg) = livestock (in Mex. = stately home!)el herrero = blacksmithel hierro forjado = wrought iron

el hizagas = gas producerel horario (RFIRT) = time table; that part of the working time table which specifies theclass, direction, number and running of the trains

el hormign = concretela huella = (wheel) treadel humero = smokebox

el indicador de cambio = position indicator for pointsel ingeniero = professional engineer (not engine driver as in USA)el ingenio = a sugar mill; or processing plant for cropsla interconexin = crossover (invented for the purposes of these pages)el itinerario de trenes (RFIRT) = working timetable; a printed document which contains

the timetable, together with information concerning the running and management oftrains

la inversin = investment

eljefe de estacin = station masterlajunta para riel = fishplatelajunta de rieles = rail joint


18/23

lajunta sin eclisa = early form of rail joint on the FC Central Argentine without

fishplatesel kilometraje = distance in kilometres

la lana = woolel lavatorio = washing compartment

la letrina = WC compartmentla ley = lawla lnea automotora Pullman = road motor coach service (Arg.)

la locomotora auxiliadora (RFIRT) = assisting engine; whether located between thetrain engine and the train or at the rear pushing

la locomotora auxilio (RFIRT) = alternative nomenclature for locomotora auxiliadorala locomotora de patio (Chile) = shunting enginela locomotora exploradora (RFIRT) = exploratory engine; a light engine sent out into anoccupied section to look for a train, or a rake of wagons, whose whereabouts is unknown

la locomotora sola = light engine (may be more than one engine coupled together andmay include one, or more, brake vans attached)

la locomotora titular (RFIRT) = train engine; located at the very front of the train infront of any assisting engine

el lubricador de pestaas = flange lubricator (NB for interest, pestaa usually meanseyelash!)llega = arrivesla maestranza (Chile) = locomotive workshopla mala visibilidad (RFIRT) = bad visibility; defined as visibility of less than 200 metresla mandbula (Uru.) = knuckle couplinglas maniobras = shunting

la manga de freno = brake hose

la mampostera = masonryla maniobra brusca = rough shuntla maniobra volante (RFIRT) = fly shunting; that is, when a locomotive pulling a rakeof wagons is uncoupled from them while in motion and passes through facing points in a

different direction to that of the following wagons

la mquina = alternative nomenclature for locomotorael maquinista = engine driverel marco de palancas = ground frame (ie. signal levers in frame but not in a signal box)la marmita = buffer stop

el mstil = signal postlos materiales = materials (not cloth), stores

el material rodante = rolling stockel vagn medio-cajn = low-sided open wagonla mesa giratoria = turntablela meseta = flat-topped plateau (lit: table).la milla = mile = 1.608km.la mina (de carbon) = (coal) mineel mineral = mineralel Ministerio de Obras Publicas = Ministry of Public Works (Arg.)


19/23

el miriaque (Arg + Chile) = cow catcher (UK), pilot (USA)

el mixto = mixed train (ie conveys both passenger and goods stockel montaje acoplador = buffer beamel 'Movimiento' = train control office (Arg.) (more fully: la Oficina de MovimientoSeccional)

el muelle = pier, wharf

la nafta (Arg.) = petrolla neblina = mist (defined as visibility of less than 200 m)el nomenclador = (station) name board

la novedad (RFIRT) = incident, event, occurrenceel nmero de fbrica = works or builder's number

la obra de arte = engineering work; e.g. bridgelas obras = (construction) works

la palanca = signal leverel palanquero (Chile) = shunter

el palo = (telegraph) pole, numbered from 1 each kilometre and used to make mileagelocation more precisela pampa = area of flat land (from Quechua, the language of the Incas)el paol = bunker for coal or wood (usually in ship)

la parada = halt; unstaffed station dealing with passengersel paragolpe = bufferla pasada de trenes = one train overtaking anotherel pasaje = fareel pasajero = passengerel paso a nivel = level crossinga paso de hombre = walking pace

el patio de maniobras (Chile) = shunting yard, sometimes abbreviated to el patio.la pendiente = slope, bank or gradientel pen = labourer, PW worker, surfaceman, lengthman, agricultural workerel petardero = fog signalmanla playa = beach; also open space eg playa de estacionamiento = car park, playa demaniobras = shunting yardla platina = end balcony of coach?? fall plate??el peralte = cant, superelevationel pertardo = detonator, fog signalel peso adherente = adhesive weightel peso propio = unladen weight

la pestaa = wheel flange?el pique = mine shaftel piso = deck/storey, eg. de dos pisos, de un piso = double/single deck, eg. in livestockwagons

el pito = mouth whistle, or loco whistle (Arg.)la placa giratoria = turntableel plano = plan, designla plataforma = station platform (more old fashioned term) or flat wagon with no or very


20/23

low sides

la plataforma giratoria = turntablela planchuela = fishplateel platillo = face of bufferla playa de maniobras (Chile and Arg) = shunting yard

la poblacin = village, populationel prctico = conductor (ie. person who knows the road and advises the engine driverwho doesn't)

la precaucin (Arg + RFIRT) = speed restrictionla presin de caldera = boiler pressure [200 psi = 14.1 kg/mm2]el producido (= los productos de explotacin = el producto de explotacin) = grossoperating revenue (as distinct from net)

el pueblo = villageel puente = bridgeel puente giratorio = turntableel puerto = port

Pullman, see la lnea automotora Pullman = road motor coach service (Arg.)la punta de agua = water crane

el quebracho = extremely tough hardwood growing in the north of Argentina, sometimesknown as ironwood; used for sleepers/cross-tiesel radio = radiusel ramal = branch linela rampa de costado = side loading rampla rampa de punta = end loading rampel recalentador = superheaterla red = network eg. of railway routes, eg. la Red Norte de Chileel reemplazante (RFIRT) = locum; person undertaking those duties at the particular time

el reflector = headlampla reja quitanieves = snow plough

la remesa = roundhouseel repetidor = repeater signalel repuesto = spare partla residencia = living quartersel retraso = delayel revisador de vehculos = wagon examinerRFIEP = Ramal Ferro Industrial Eva Pern = Eva Peron Industrial Railway Line.Theoriginal name for the Rio Turbio coal line until President Peron's fall from office in the

mid 1950s.

RFIRT = Ramal Ferro Industrial Ro Turbio = Rio Turbio Industrial Railway Line.el riel, de hierro, de acero, = iron/steel railel robinete = steam release valveel rodado = wheel arrangementel rodaje = wheel arrangementla rueda = wheella rueda acoplada = coupled wheel, driving wheel la rueda portador = carrying wheel(not bogie wheel)


21/23

la rueda propulsora = driving wheel

el rodamiente = roller bearingla sala de espera = waiting roomsale = departsla salina = salt flat

el satelite (RFIRT) = road-rail vehclela seccin block = la seccin de bloqueo = block sectionel segundo capataz de cuadrilla = PW sub-gangerel semforo = (semaphore) signalla seal de avanzada (Arg*) = advanced (starting) signalla seal de cola (Arg*) = tail lamp of trainla seal de distancia (Arg*) = distant signalla seal enana (Arg*) = dwarf signalla seal de entrada (Arg*) = home signalla seal de entrada a desvo (Arg*) = shunt to siding signal

el sealero = signalman

la seal fija (Arg*) = fixed signalla seal luminosa (Arg*) = colour light signalla seal de llamada (Arg*) = calling-on signalla seal de maniobra (Arg*) = shunting signalla seal movible (Arg*) = movable signalla seal de salida (Arg*) = starting signalla seal que autoriza a correr por va contraria (Arg*) = wrong road working signal*Note these terms all relate to traditional British signalling practice.

en servicio (RFIRT) = on duty (when working a shift system)el servicio diagramado (RFIRT) = diagrammed service; that is, one operating to the timetable contained within the current working time table

el servicio programado (RFIRT) = programmed service; that is, one operating to suit theexigencies of traffic through lack of a current working time table

el silbato = engine whistlela sobrecalefaccin = superheating (Arg.)SA = sociedad annima, ie. a limited company. See also Compaa Limitada, above.la supercalefaccin = superheatingel superintendente = superintendent, eg. Superintendente Seccional Traficoel tablero = notice board or sign board

el taller = workshoplos talleres (Arg.) = locomotive workshops (series of shops with different functions, egbrass foundry, tin smith, painting, etc)

el tanque = tankel tanque de combustible = fuel oil bunkerel techo catedral (invented for these pages) = used to mean clerestory (monitor) roofel techo jauln (invented for these pages) = used to mean a birdcage roofel tnder = tender, or sometimes the bunker on a tank locoel tercero = third partyel terrapln = embankment or cutting. (lit. ground plane).la timonera de freno = brake rigging (excludes brake shoes)


22/23

la tolva = hopper wagon

la toma de agua = water cranela tonelada = tonne, ton (depending on context).el tope (Uru.) = bufferla tornemesa (Chile) = turntable

el tornillo (Uru.) = screw couplingel tramo (Chile) = section of line, branch linela trampa = catch pointel tren de auxilio = breakdown trainel tren combinacin = train with portions which will be detached en route to servebranch lines

el tren de trabajo = ballast trainel trangulo = triangle, or wye (for turning engines)

la trocha = track gaugela trocha ancha, = broad gauge (Arg.)la trocha angosta = narrow gauge

la trocha econmica (Patagonia) = 75 cm gaugela trocha mtrica = metre gaugelos trucks = trucks ie. wagons (Arg. archaic)los tubos = tubes (of engine boiler)de turno (RFIRT) = on duty (when working a shift system)

el vagn (Arg.) = wagonel vagon (Mex.) (no accent) = four wheeled mine tubel vagn de encomiendas = In Arg. a better quality parcels and luggage van withvacuum brake, passenger bogies/trucks and steam heating pipe. The less good ones

without these features were 'furgones de encomiendas'

el vagn-jaula = livestock wagon

el vagn volcador = tipper wagonel valle = valleyla vlvula de securidad = safety valve (invented for these pages)el vapor = steamer, steamshipel vaporista = a loco shed worker charged with raising steam on locos before the arrivalof the crews (Arg.)

el vehculo = vehicleel velocpedo = track bicyclela va ancha = standard gauge (Cent. Am.)la va angosta = narrow gauge (Cent. Am.)la va ascendente = up line (defined as direction of increasing mileage)

la va auxiliadora (RFIRT) = additional / subsidiary line; a line which is not a runningline

la va auxiliar (RFIRT) = alternative nomenclature for va auxiliadora; or station trackother than a passing loop (Arg.)

la va descendente = down line (defined as direction of decreasing mileage)la va de trfico (RFIRT) = running linela va frrea = railwayla Va Libre (RFIRT) = system of permissive block working


23/23

la va martima = shipping service

la va mixta (Cent. Am.) = dual gaugela va permanente = track, or as in UK thepermanent wayla va primera (Arg. + RFIRT) = main line; the line which joins the stations and passesthrough them; the running of the trains on it is governed by rules and signals

la va principal (Arg +RFIRT) = alternative nomenclature for va primerala va segunda (RFIRT) = second (running) line at stations and crossing placesla va sencilla = single trackla va tercera = third (running) line (not siding) at stations and crossing placesel viaje = journeyel viento (huracanado) = winds (of hurricane force) (which do cause serious problems fortrain operation in Patagonia)

la viga = mainframe, chassisla viga castillo (RFIRT) = colliery archla villa = townel wagn (Arg., but outdated) = wagonel yacimiento = mineral deposit, mine, quarry; el yacimiento de turba = peat deposit orbog.la zapata de freno = brake shoela zorra (RFIRT) = motor (usually) trolley; which can readily be removed from the trackby its own crew

la zorra (tramway) = works tram

30-12-04

Date post:	05-Apr-2018
Category:	Documents
Upload:	francisco-abraham-baeza
View:	219 times
Download:	0 times

Railroad Terms

Documents