Land Transportation - Railroad Signals and Maintenance

Here you will learn some English words related to railroad signals and maintenance such as "balise", "whistle post", and "rail grinder."

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Land Transportation

a system of signals and signs used to control train movements and ensure safety on the tracks

Ex: Engineers rely on railroad signaling to know when to stop or go .

to signal with a swinging motion, resembling the motion of a flag

Ex: During the parade , the drum major wigwagged the baton in time with the music .
balise [noun]

a small object placed beside a road or railway to mark a specific point or give information

Ex: The hikers followed the path marked by a blue balise to stay on the right trail .
torpedo [noun]

an explosive device placed on railroad tracks, activated by passing trains to warn engineers of potential dangers ahead

Ex: Torpedoes are critical safety devices on railways .

a sign along a railway track that tells the train driver to blow the whistle

Ex: The old whistle post was faded , so it was hard for the train driver to see it .

a sign or light beside a railway track that tells the train driver when to stop, go, or slow down

Ex: A yellow railway signal warns the driver to slow down and be cautious .

a visual signaling device that uses a moving arm to show train drivers if they should stop or proceed

Ex: Railway semaphore signals are commonly seen alongside tracks , helping to control train traffic .

a type of warning light mounted on the front of trains in North America, designed to rotate or oscillate to alert vehicles and pedestrians at crossings

Ex: The engineer turned on the Mars light to signal that the train was coming .

a unique code on railway cars that identifies the owner or the operator of the car

Ex: Workers used the reporting mark to log the arrival of the cargo at the station .

a safety system on railways that detects the presence of a train on a section of track

Ex: Track circuits are essential for preventing collisions on busy railway lines .

the sections of tracks without advanced signaling systems, relying instead on manual or basic signaling for train operation and safety

Ex: Engineers undergo specialized training to navigate through dark territory where visibility and communication are critical for safe operations .

a method of managing train movements through direct communication between the train dispatcher and train crews

Ex:
treadle [noun]

a mechanical device activated by the weight or movement of a train's wheels, typically used to trigger signals or track switches

Ex: Railroad engineers rely on treadles to automate certain signaling processes , ensuring efficient traffic management .
token [noun]

a physical object used to authorize a train's movement along a specific track section

Ex:

a device used to identify flaws or issues in machinery, typically on railways

Ex: During routine inspections , the defect detector identified a minor issue with the locomotive 's engine .

a heavy-duty device used for compacting and leveling surfaces, typically in construction or railway maintenance

Ex: The tamping machine operated smoothly , exerting enough pressure to compact the asphalt evenly across the road surface .
handcar [noun]

a small, manually operated vehicle used on railway tracks, powered by pumping handles to move it along

Ex: The railroad workers quickly got on the handcar to check the rails for damage after the storm .
sandite [noun]

a substance applied to train tracks to improve traction, helps prevent slippery conditions caused by fallen leaves and other debris

Ex:

a condition on train tracks caused by wet leaves or other debris, making it challenging for trains to maintain traction

Ex: Slippery rail can lead to delays and schedule changes as trains must proceed cautiously .
spreader [noun]

a specialized machine that spreads and shapes ballast on the tracks to ensure stability and proper drainage

Ex: Regular maintenance of the spreader is crucial to prevent disruptions in train services .

a specialized machine designed to clear snow from railways by using a rotating blade

Ex: Operating a rotary snowplow requires skilled personnel who understand its mechanical intricacies and safety protocols .

a machine used to maintain and improve the condition of train tracks by grinding them to ensure smooth and safe operations

Ex: Maintenance crews use rail grinders periodically to enhance the overall stability and efficiency of railway transportation .
draisine [noun]

a small vehicle that is manually operated and used on railway tracks for maintenance or inspection purposes

Ex: A draisine allows maintenance crews to travel along the tracks quickly and safely .
rerailer [noun]

a device used to guide and align railway rolling stock back onto the tracks after a derailment or during maintenance

Ex: Each rerailer is designed to fit specific types of rolling stock , ensuring compatibility and effectiveness during emergencies .