Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
fireman:
Except for special excursion trains powered by restored
steam locomotives, firemen are—alas—part of an earlier time. In
the days of steam, firemen were primarily responsible for keeping
the firebox adequately fed with wood or coal. The second person
in the locomotive cab is sometimes still referred to as the fireman,
but on Amtrak trains, both are
engineers
. The freight railroads
are now using either
assistant
engineers
or
coengineers
.
first class:
This term isn't used much in North America anymore,
but it has always meant sleeping-car accommodations. Both
Amtrak (on its Acela trains) and VIA Rail offer variations of
upgraded coach class that are referred to as first class.
flag stop:
A station or location, usually (but not always) included
in the timetable, at which the train will stop only in response to
a signal.
flange:
The one-inch ridge on the inner rim of every railcar wheel
that keeps the car on the track.
flatcar:
A railroad freight car without top or sides used for haul-
ing machinery or other bulky items that can be exposed to the
weather.
flat spot:
As the term implies, this is a spot on a wheel that has
somehow been flattened, usually from the wheel that locks and
slides along the rail. It's very uncommon on passenger equip-
ment, but if there's such a spot on your car, you'll probably be
able to hear and feel it (one more reason for securing space near
the center of a car). This is not just a matter of comfort, however.
Freight cars with flat spots on some of the wheels mean more fuel
will be used and, if left unattended for too long, can turn into
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