Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
continuous welded rail:
These are steel rails that are welded together
in quarter-mile-long sections. For passengers, welded rail means
a much smoother, quieter ride, although a few travelers still claim
to prefer the clickety-clack sound of rails that are bolted together.
(Not me!)
coupler:
The device at each end of every railcar used to hook cars
together. The standard coupler works automatically when cars
are shoved together, but for safety reasons, the uncoupling pro-
cess must be done manually. (Once cars are coupled together, a
yard worker does have to connect cables and hoses for electrical
power and brakes.)
crossbuck:
The traditional warning at railroad grade crossings,
with flashing red lights and the crossed signs forming a flattened
“X” shape, usually reading RAILROAD CROSSING.
crossover:
A track arrangement that permits a train to transfer
from one track to another (usually on parallel tracks).
cross tie:
The wood or concrete structure to which the rails are
fastened. These are called
sleepers
in other parts of the world.
cupola (pronounced CUE-po-luh):
The small observation dome on top
of a caboose.
cut:
The passageway carved through earth or rock through which
the train passes.
Cut of cars
refers to several railcars coupled
together, which are moved from one train to another as a unit.
derailment:
When the wheels of a car or locomotive come off the
rail. While derailments are usually accidental, they are sometimes
deliberately caused for safety reasons. Watch for a small, usually
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