RAILROAD TERMS AND SLANG - All Aboard: The Complete North American Train Travel Guide - page 335

handled, where passenger trains originate, and where many other
railroad activities are carried out.
third rail: An additional rail, installed parallel to and within a foot
or two of the regular track, through which electric power is sup-
plied to the locomotive. The electricity is collected through a
metal “shoe” that slides along the third rail.
throttle: The knob or handle in the locomotive cab that is used
to increase or decrease the amount of fuel or electricity going
to the engine and having a corresponding effect on the train's
speed.
timetable: A published schedule detailing the movements of trains,
both passenger and freight.
track: The entire structure seated on the roadbed and on which
trains operate, including the rails, cross ties, and various fasten-
ings that hold it all together.
traction motor: Electricity, either taken from an overhead wire or
generated by an onboard diesel motor, goes to the traction motors
that power one pair of the locomotive's wheels. There are several
traction motors in every locomotive.
traffic control system. See positive train control .
train: One or more locomotives pulling one or more cars.
trainman: This term was used for an onboard railroad employee
who assisted the conductor. Today, on passenger trains, these
people are more appropriately called assistant conductors .