Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
cialized hand tools—picks, shovels, and sledge hammers—made
by the Gandy Manufacturing Company more than 100 years ago.
gauge (or gage):
In the railroad context, this refers to the distance
between the rails, which has been standardized throughout
North America at 56½ inches. Any gauge less than that standard
is referred to as
narrow gauge
, although 36 inches is the most
common. Narrow-gauge track is usually found where the ter-
rain requires curves in the track that are too sharp for the longer,
standard-gauge railroad cars.
gondola car:
A railcar with low sides and an open top for carrying
anything that does not need protection from the weather. They're
called “gonnies” by train crews.
grade:
A change in elevation over a section of track. For example,
a 2-percent grade means that the track goes up or down a total of
2 feet over a distance of 100 feet.
grade crossing:
A place where a road or highway crosses the train
tracks at the same level (on the same grade).
green eye:
Railroad slang for a green or “clear” signal, meaning the
train may proceed at normal speed.
gross weight (GW):
The total allowable weight of a freight car plus
its contents. You'll see this term or abbreviation stenciled on the
side of most freight cars, along with the appropriate numbers.
handcar:
A small four-wheeled vehicle usually powered by a gaso-
line engine that carries workers and inspectors along the tracks.
Today these people more commonly ride in ordinary cars and
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