Glossary

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This page gives definitions to terms and abbreviations which are regularly used on the Scot-Rail internet group.

All passenger stations on the GB National Rail network have an official 3-letter code. Some of the commonly used destinations are shown in this list "(station code)", others can be found on the <NRES website>.

Links to other more comprehensive lists of terms, acronyms and codes can be found at the bottom of this page.

Requests for additions to this glossary can be sent to the wiki editors.

 
Numbers
 
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
10A Carnforth MPD, home of WCRC (steam era shed code)
25kV AC 25,000 volts, alternating current. The nominal voltage of the overhead electrification system.
5MT class of Mixed Traffic steam locomotive, built by LMS (Black 5) or BR
 
A
 
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
A2B Airdrie to Bathgate reopening project
A4 class of steam locomotive built by LNER, (more…)
AAR Association of American Railroads
ABD Aberdeen (station code)
Absolute Block traditional form of signalling between signal boxes, with bells and block instruments
ABZ Aberdeen (airport code!)
AFAIK As far as I know
AFM Automatic Finishing Machine. A large OTM which does Ballast Regulation, and Dynamic Track Stabilising.
AFT Assist Failed Train. The AFT cock fitted to certain locomotives, enables them to take air-supply from the brake pipe. This is a requirement when 'Dead on Rear' of a single-piped freight train.
AHBC Automatic Half Barrier level crossing
AIUI As I understand it
Alphaline a brand name once used for regional express trains in Wales and western England
ALR All Lines Rover, a ticket valid on the whole of the National Rail network.
AOCL Automatic Open level crossing (Locally monitored, by the train drivers)
ATOC Association of Train Operating Companies
Avantix portable ticket issuing machines.
AWS Automatic Warning System. Magnets on the track approaching signals to alert train drivers. <more on wikipedia>
Axle counter method of train detection as alternative to Track Circuit
 
B
 
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
B1 class of steam locomotive built by LNER
Banner Repeater a type of signal, black bar on a white disc, which is provided where the driver's view of a stop signal may be obscured.
Barbie unofficial name for First Group's livery of blue with white and magenta stripes
Barriers vehicles attached to either end of rolling stock being moved to and from Works, often due to incompatible couplings.
Bart DBS loco 92017 'Bart the Engine' in Stobart livery
BB Balfour Beatty Rail
Bedzz overnight Sleeper trains, Caledonian Sleepers
BICBW But I could be wrong
Bins train conveying containers of refuse from Powderhall
Black 5 Class of Steam locomotive built by LMS, (more…)
Blue star Multiple working system fitted to many 1960s built diesel locos.
Blue Trains Class 303 EMUs (blue when new, but for their last 15 years they were mostly orange).
Bluebirds Nickname for GBRf operated class 66 locos.
BONESSRPS TOPS location code for the Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway. Used as a timing point it refers to the Exchange siding at Manuel.
Booth's a scrap metal company in Rotherham.
BR Babcock Rail (Formerly First Engineering Limited)
BR British Railways (1948-1997)
BRCW Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon. Builders of class 26, 27, 33 locos and class 104 DMUs.
Brush Engineering company based in Loughborough, owners of Barclay Works at Kilmarnock
BSO Brake Standard class open carriage
BT Bo'ness SRPS (depot code)
BTA Bogie wagon for carrying pipes
BTP British Transport Police
BTW By the way
Buckeye Knuckle coupling. Usually refers to the type used on coaching stock
BUO Brake Unclassified Open, the type of Mk2 carriage with seating used on the Caledonian Sleepers
Burma Road alternative name for the 'Up Through Terminus' line which dives under the main lines near Shields Junction, Glasgow.
BWK Berwick-upon-Tweed (station code)
 
C
 
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
C4 Overhaul of wheels, bogies, brakes and couplings. Carriages and Multiple Units.
C5 Main Works repairs, outside the usual overhaul sequence.
C6 Overhaul of carriage body, including doors and interior repairs. May include a repaint.
C6X C6 overhaul with extra work, perhaps interior enhancements.
Caledonian Express a proposed limited stop service on the Glasgow Central - Shotts - Edinburgh route.
Caley Caledonian Railway (1847-1923)
CAN Cancelled
Cans nickname for class 86 electric locomotives
Caped cancelled, from the telegraph code word CAPE
CAR Carlisle (station code)
Catch Points points installed on a running line to derail vehicles running away on a steep gradient. Now obsolete. See also Trap points.
CCE Chief Civil Engineer (BR era)
CDL Central Door Locking. Fitted to slam-door carriages.
CDR Cheap Day Return. Now known as Off-Peak Day Return.
CDU Cab Display Unit, for use with RETB signalling.
Cess shallow drainage ditch beside the running lines
CET Controlled Emission Toilet (train fitted with retention tanks)
Chain a distance of 22 yards, 80 chains to a mile.
Charter Trains that are run on behalf of private parties, eg football or enthusiast specials.
Chopper nickname for class 20 locos
The Circuit the Edinburgh - Dundee loco hauled workings in the 1980s
CIS Customer Information System (on a station)
City Union Non-passenger line across Glasgow
CK Corkerhill (depot code)
Clamplock hydraulic point operating equipment, identifiable by the small yellow boxes on the outside of either stock rail.
Coalfish 2-axle low-sided wagon for ballast/spoil, code MHA
Conductor Person carrying out the duties of a guard on a passenger train.
Control Operations Control Office
CPO Compulsory Purchase Order (of a property)
Crompton nickname for class 33 locos
CSD Carriage Servicing Depot
CSR Cab Secure Radio, Driver - Signaller system used on DOO passenger trains.
CWR Continuous Welded Rail
 
D
 
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
DB Deutche Bahn, German national railway company, <more on wikipedia>
DBS DB Schenker Rail UK (formerly EWS), freight train operator.
DBSO Driving Brake Second Open. A type of Mk2 carriage, now used in test trains.
DEE Dundee (station code)
Delner A type of automatic coupling used on EMUs. (manufacturer's name)
Deltic Class 55 diesel locomotive
Departmental Train conveying material for infrastructure maintenance.
Desiro A range of EMU and DMU trains built by Siemens, including the class 185.
DfT Department for Transport (in England)
DGL Down Goods Loop
Diagram A sequence of planned train workings
Distant Signal a signal (not a stop signal) capable of displaying a cautionary aspect, usually on the approach to a stop signal.
DIT Dead in train, a locomotive not powered
DKS Door Key Switch. For use with train door controls.
DMU Diesel Multiple Unit, a train with a diesel engine under the floor.
DOO Driver Only Operation (trains not requiring a guard).
DOR Dead on rear, a locomotive not powered
DPL Down Passenger Loop
Dr Yellow nickname for the NMT test train
Drag An electric train being hauled by a diesel loco
Dred nickname for DRS class 66 locos.
DRS Direct Rail Services, freight train operator.
DRS Down Refuge Siding
DSM Duty Station Manager or Driver Standards Manager
DTM Driver Team Manager
Duff nickname for class 47 locos. Often offends followers of this class.
DVT Driving Van Trailer, see MK3 DVT Push-Pull
Dyson nickname for class 92 electric locomotives.
 
E
 
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
E&G Edinburgh and Glasgow line (via Falkirk)
E+C Engine and Carriage. Steam loco and support coach
EARL Edinburgh Airport Rail Link project, a plan to tunnel under the airport. Cancelled in 2007.
eb Eastbound
EC Craigentinny Maintenance Depot, Edinburgh (depot code)
EC East Coast, Train operator, (from Dec 2009)
ECML East Coast Main Line, Edinburgh to the south via Berwick Upon Tweed
ECS Empty Coaching Stock
ED Eastfield (depot code)
EDB Edinburgh Waverley (station code)
Eddie DRS loco 66411 'Eddie the Engine' in Stobart livery
EDI Edinburgh
EE English Electric. Builders of locos including Class 20, 37, 40, 50 and 55.
EFA Edinburgh - Fife - Aberdeen (timetable recast for December 2008)
EGIP Edinburgh to Glasgow Improvements Package
ELR East Lancashire Railway. Base for several preserved locomotives.
EMU Electric Multiple Unit, a train with electric traction equipment under the floor.
eNRT electronic National Rail Timetable
Enterprise Wagonload freight service conveying a mix of commodities.
EPS Enhanced Permissible Speed. Higher than normal line speed, for trains fitted with TASS.
ERTMS European Railway Traffic Managment System <more on wikipedia>
ETA Expected Time of Arrival
ETD Electric Traction Depot
ETH Electric Train Heating (power supply for coaching stock)
ETHEL Electric Train Heating Ex Locomotive. Former class 25s used as mobile generators.
EW Edinburgh Waverley
EWD Every Weekday. A train running Monday to Saturday.
EWS English Welsh and Scottish Railways, freight train operator. Now called DB Schenker.
Exam Scheduled rolling stock maintenance
 
F
 
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Feather a junction indicator on a colour light signal. A row of white lights lit when a slower speed diverging route is set.
FEL First Engineering Limited (now Babcock Rail)
FFG Freight Facilities Grant
FGW First Great Western, train operator in southern England.
FHH Freightliner Heavy Haul. Also FLHH.
FLT Freightliner Terminal (intermodal)
FM online Freight Master online <http://freightmaster.net/>
FO First class Open carriage
Footex charter train for football supporters. Originally a telegraph code word.
Fort Bill Fort William
Four-foot area between the two running rails of any one railway track.
FPL Facing Point Lock. Required for passenger movements over a diverging set of points.
Fred nickname for Freightliner class 66 locos.
Froth to get over excited about a particular train/working
FSR First ScotRail
FTN Fixed Telecoms Network
FTPE First Transpennine Express
FTW Fort William (station code)
Fugly nickname for Freightliner's class 70 locomotives
FW Fort William
FWIW For what its worth
 
G
 
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
GARL Glasgow Airport Rail Link project
Gauge usually refers to Loading gauge, the maximum height and width of a rail vehicle, with respect to the infrastructure.
GB&K Glasgow Barrhead and Kilmarnock line
GC Grand Central, open access operator on ECML in England
Gemini Computer system for managing passenger rolling stock. (more...)
Gen information on a current or future train working
GENIUS Computer system for managing passenger rolling stock. (more...)
GF Ground Frame, set of points on a running line, not directly controlled by signal box.
Gimp GNU Image Manipulation Program. <http://www.gimp.org/>
GLASRENVC Glasgow Works, Railcare at Springburn
GLC Glasgow Central (station code)
GLQ Glasgow Queen Street (station code)
GM General Motors, builders of class 66, and engines in class 57 and 67 locos.
GM Grangemouth (old depot code)
GNER Great North Eastern Railway (1996-2007)
Goyle nickname for class 31 locomotive
GPLS Ground Position Light Signal, used for shunting, and permissive working.
Grid nickname for class 56 locomotives
Gronk nickname for class 08 shunting locomotives
GSM-R Global System for Mobile communications - Railway. A replacement for existing radio systems. <more on Wikipedia>
GSP Ground Switch Panel, like a GF, but with buttons instead of levers.
GSW Glasgow and South Western, usually refers to Kilmarnock - Dumfries - Carlisle route
GW Shields ETD, Glasgow (depot code)
 
H
 
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
HA Haymarket (depot code)
HAA 2-axle coal hopper wagon traditionally used on MGR trains. Similar types include HCA, HMA.
HABD Hot Axle Box Detector
Headcode 4-character train reporting number. See Headcodes explained
Headcode box panel on the front of 1960s built locomotives. Later modified to show two white dots.
HHA Bogied coal hopper wagon used by Freightliner Heavy Haul
HLOS High Level Output Specification - set by the government
HML Highland Main Line. Perth - Inverness
HMRI Her Majesty's Railway Inspectorate
HNRC Harry Needle Railroad Company. Private locomotive owner, based at Barrow Hill. <more on wikipedia>
Home Signal the first signal on the approach to a Signal box, at the end of an Absolute Block section.
Hoover nickname for Class 50 locomotives
HPSA High Performance Switch Actuator. The electric point machine in a HPSS installation.
HPSS High Performance Switch System, introduced to Scotland in 2005. Identifiable by large yellow equipment covers between the rails in sets of points.
HQA Auto ballaster, bogied wagon (some are coded JJA)
HST High Speed Train, with class 43 diesel power cars at each end.
HTA Bogied coal hopper wagon used by EWS/DBS.
HTH Hope this helps
HTML Hyper Text Mark-up Language. Formatting tags in web pages.
Hull Trains previous operator of the four class 170 units with buffet counters
HW series electric point machines manufactured by Alstom
HXA Bogied coal hopper wagon used by Freightliner Heavy Haul
 
I
 
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
IBS Intermediate Block Section (between signal boxes with AB system)
IC225 class 91 and Mk4 carriages
ICA bogied tank wagon, often with dipped centre.
ICEC InterCity East Coast
IECC Integrated Electronic Control Centre. A large signalling centre with computer workstations.
IEP Intercity Express Programme. DfT specification for a new Intercity train.
IIRC If I remember correctly
IKA Megafret, twin-unit low-floor intermodal flats from Swiss leasing company AAE
IMHO In my humble/honest opinion
IMX In my experience
INV Inverness (station code)
IRJ Insulated Rail Joint, at the end of a track circuit. Some time called IBJ (block joint).
IS Inverness (depot code)
ISTR I seem to recall
IZA 2-axle vans, permanently coupled in pairs.
 
J
 
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
James DRS 66414 or DBS 66048 'James the Engine' in Stobart livery
Juniper name for class 334 EMUs, and other EMUs built by Alstom
 
K
 
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
K1 class of LNER steam locomotive.
K4 class of LNER steam locomotive
Kettle steam locomotive. (more..)
KGX London Kings Cross (station code)
Kirow rail mounted crane used for track renewal work. (Manufacturer's name)
KM Kingmoor, Carlisle
KX London Kings Cross
 
L
 
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Large Logo BR loco livery of the 1980s, with yellow cabsides and a large BR symbol.
LC Level Crossing, of road and rail.
LDB Live Departure Board. On the National Rail website
LE Light Engine, locomotive(s) with no train.
Lego nickname for class 70 locomotives
LHCS Locomotive Hauled Coaching Stock
LKX London Kings Cross
LMD Light Maintenance Depot.
LMS London Midland and Scottish Railway (1923-1947)
LNER London and North Eastern Railway (1923-1947)
LWRT Long Welded Rail Train
 
M
 
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
MEA 2-axle open wagons, mostly used for coal
Megafret IKA wagons, twin-unit low-floor intermodal flats from Swiss leasing company AAE
MENTOR Mobile Electrical Network Testing, Observation and Recording. A test train carriage.
MGR Merry-Go-Round, a coal train which loads and discharges whilst moving at slow speed.
MIA Manchester Airport (station code)
Mk1 Carriages built 1952-1964, still in use on some excursion trains.
Mk2 Carriages built 1964-1974, later examples have air-conditioning
Mk3 Carriages built 1975-1985. Loco hauled and in HSTs. 23m long with ribbed roofs.
Mk4 Carriages built 1989-91, used in IC225 sets with class 91 locos.
ML Motherwell (depot code)
MLG Mallaig (station code)
MoD Ministry of Defence
Modal Intermodal freight, containers, swapbodies, which can be transferred between train, lorry and ship.
MOM Mobile Operations Manager (Network Rail staff)
MP Mile Post
MPD Motive Power Depot
MPV Multi-Purpose Vehicle. A 2-vehicle track maintenance unit, with exchangeable modules.
MRA bogie side-tipping ballast wagon
MSP Miniature Snow ploughs
MSP Member of Scottish Parliament
MTU Make of diesel engines, now fitted to HSTs
MTY empty (wagons)
Mud Oil drilling fluid brought from Harwich to Aberdeen in TUA wagons.
Multiple Unit Trains that can (in most cases) be coupled together to form longer trains. Known as Railcars in other countries.
 
N
 
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
NatEx National Express, sometime refers to a version of ScotRail Livery
nb Northbound
NBL North British Locomotive. Glasgow based manufacturer, went bust in 1962. <more on Wikipedia>
NBR North British Railway (1844-1922)
NBW North Berwick (station code)
NCL Newcastle (station code)
NMT New Measurement Train, Network Rail's all-yellow HST.
No. 9 steam locomotive 60009 'Union of South Africa'
NR Network Rail (the less ambiguous 'NWR' is preferred)
NRCoC National Rail Conditions of Carriage
NRES National Rail Enquiries Service <website>
NRN National Radio Network. Cab-to-Shore radio telephone system introduced in the 1980s
NSE Network SouthEast, part of BR in Southern England (1986-1994)
NTC New Track Construction Machine, places sleepers and fixes the running rails on a prepared track bed.
NWR Network Rail
NX National Express
NXEC National Express East Coast, (Nov 2007 - Dec 2009)
NY Network Yard, old BR designation for a freight yard, e.g. Mossend N.Y.
 
O
 
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
OB# Overbridge (over the railway)
Off when a signal shows a proceed aspect.
OLE Overhead Line Equipment (Electrification). Sometimes written as OHL or OHLE
OP Original Poster, the person who started discussion thread
ORR Office of Rail Regulation
Osprey bogied flat wagon for carrying track panels, code YKA, a modified version of a Salmon.
OT Off topic (Not about Scotland's Railways)
OT Land somewhere south of Berwick or Carlisle.
OTM On Track Machine, for track maintenance.
OTMR On Train Monitoring Recorder. The railway equivalent of aviation's 'black box' data recorder.
Overlap A length of track beyond a stop signal which must be clear before a train can approach it.
 
P
 
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
P2 a map based computer system, providing train running information to station staff.(more...)
Pacer Class 142 DMU, official name when new
Pathing time time added to a train schedule, so that it does not conflict with another train.
Pax Passengers
PC Power car, HST class 43 loco
PCA 2-axle 'Presflow' wagon, carries powdered products: cement, alumina
PCR Paisley Corridor Renewals (resignalling project)
PCV Propelling Control Vehicle. A parcels van with a cab at one end.
Ped nickname for class 31 locomotives
Pendolino Official name for class 390 tilting trains.
Permissive Working allowing a train into an already occupied section.
PGS Paisley Gilmour Street
PICOP Person In Charge Of Possession
Pilotman A person appointed to conduct trains over a line used in both directions, during equipment failure.
Pined Terminated short of destination, from telegraph code word PINE
PIS Passenger Information System (on a train)
PNB Physical Needs Break (for train crew)
PO Polmadie (old depot code)
POB Private Owner's Brake, the support coach for a steam loco.
POE Point Operating Equipment, "Actuation, Locking & Detection"
PON Periodical Operating Notice, a bi-monthly document with updates to Sectional Appendix and other instructions.
Possession When the running lines are blocked for maintenance work.
PPE Personal Protective Equipment, including high visibility orange clothing.
PPM Public Performance Measure. Combined figure for punctuality and cancellations.
PRDC Princess Royal Distribution Centre. Royal Mail Terminal at Willesden, north London.
PS Power Station, e.g. Longannet P.S., Cockenzie P.S.
PSB Power Signal Box (term used south of the border, e.g. Carlisle PSB )
PSG Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh
PSI Points Set Indicator, used on RETB signalled lines.
PSR Permanent Speed Restriction
PTH Perth (station code)
Push-Pull A train formation where a locomotive at the rear can be controlled by the driver at the front.
Pway Permanent Way. Rails, sleepers and ballast.
 
Q
 
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Q Path a train which runs as required.
Quail railway track diagrams, published by <http://www.trackmaps.co.uk/>
 
R
 
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
R&C Rutherglen and Coatbridge line
RA Route Availability, a measure of axle-load.
RAIB Rail Accident Investigation Branch
RAW unprocessed digital photo file. <more on Wikipedia>
RCH Railway Clearing House. A pre-nationalisation body for setting inter-operating standards between railways.
RCH jumper A two-pin lighting control wire, fitted to all loco-hauled coaches, and also used for TDM multiple-working.
RDT Rail Delivery Train, drops long welded rails at a worksite.
REB Relocatable Equipment Building. (Signalling)
Res Rail Express Systems. BR business which ran parcels and mail trains (1991-1997).
RETB Radio Electronic Token Block, a signalling system for single lines.
RfD Railfreight Distribution (1988-1997). BR business which latterly ran trains to the Channel Tunnel.
RGS Railway Group Standards
RHTT Rail Head Treatment Trains, clearing leaves off the track in Autumn.
RLO Lounge car on the Caledonian Sleepers.
RMT National Union of Rail, Maritime & Transport Workers
RMT Royal Mail Terminal
ROGS Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems (Safety) Regulations
Ronnie nickname for class 57 locomotives
ROSCO Rolling stock leasing company.
ROTP Rules of the Plan. Document with Timetable planning rules.
ROTR Rules of the Route. Document which specifies when Track Maintenance can take place
RR Run-round. The transfer of a locomotive from one end of its train to the other.
RRV Road-Rail Vehicle
RS The Royal Scotsman
RSSB Rail Safety and Standards Board
RT Railtrack (1994-2002), predecessor to Network Rail.
RT Right Time
RTC Railway Technical Centre, Derby. Home to Serco Test trains.
Rule Book a document containing all the rules and regulations necessary for the safe running of the railway.
RUS Route Utilisation Strategy, produced by Network Rail
RVAR Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations (1998)
 
S
 
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
S&C Settle and Carlisle Railway. Route of freight heading to Yorkshire.
S&C Switches and Crossings. Points etc.
S&T Signalling and Telecoms
SAK Stirling Alloa Kincardine line reopened in 2008.
Salmon bogied flat wagon, for carrying track panels. Code YSA/YWA.
SAM Site Access Manager (engineering works)
Sandite a paste applied to the track in autumn, to prevent trains slipping.
SB Signal box
sb Southbound
SC Signalling Centre (called a Power Signal Box south of the border)
Scot-Rail Scotland's online rail enthusiast community. Note the Hyphen!
Scottie Dog the Scottish Terrier, a small black haired dog, often confused with a Westie. <Wikipedia>
ScR BR abbreviation for Scottish Region, later known as ScotRail
Scud nickname for class 158 DMUs, local to Scotland.
SDO Selective Door Opening
Sectional Appendix a document detailing the running lines, line speeds and operating procedures for a section of the railway.
Seacow bogie ballast hopper, code YGA/YGB/YGH
Semaphore mechanical signal with a moving arm.
Serco company which operated Test Trains on behalf of Network Rail, until 2010.
Set an individual multiple-unit, or carriages in a fixed formation.
SGT Structure Gauging Train. (more..)
Shed nickname for EWS/DBS class 66 locomotives.
Silver bullet ICA bogied tank wagon, stainless steel, with dipped centre.
SIMBIDS Simplified Bi-directional Signalling, for use when one track is blocked.
Six-foot area between a pair of running lines.
Skinhead nickname for the class 31 locos without a headcode box.
Skip nickname for class 67 locomotives.
Skoda nickname for class 90 locomotives.
SLU Standard Length Unit, a measure for freight trains. 1 SLU = 21ft
SLW Single Line Working, procedure for operating trains over one line of a double track section in an emergency or due to engineering work
SMA Strathclyde Manning Agreement (for Driver Only Operation)
Snark nickname for the New Track Construction Machine (NTC)
SO Saturdays Only
SPAD Signal Passed at Danger (without authority)
Speedlink British Rail's air-braked wagonload freight network, 1977-1991.
Spoon nickname for class 47 locomotives.
Sprinter Official name for class 150 DMUs, when introduced. Also applies to other 15X classes
SPT Strathclyde Partnership for Transport
SPTE Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive
SQUIRE Service Quality Incentive Regime. <Link>
SRA Strategic Rail Authority (2001-2006). <more on Wikipedia>
SRPS Scottish Railway Preservation Society
SRS Scottish Railfans Society
SS Section Sidings, old BR designation for a freight yard, e.g. Millerhill S.S.
SSF Speed Sensing Fitted, a device that applies the brakes should the driver select 'Engine Only' or 'Off' on the direction selector when the locomotive is moving.
SSI Solid State Interlocking. Signalling logic control using computers, rather than relays.
Stoneblower OTM which lifts the track and blows stone chippings under the sleepers.
STP Short Term Plan (train schedule)
STPR Strategic Transport Projects Review, a report published by Transport Scotland in 2008. <Link>
STRC Scotland Track Renewal Company
Streak nickname for A4 class steam locomotive
Sub Edinburgh Suburban line
Sulzer make of engines fitted to class 26, 27, 33 and 47
Super Sprinter official name for class 156 DMUs, when introduced
SWT South West Trains, operator in southern England.
SX Saturdays Excepted. A train running Monday to Friday.
 
T
 
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
T+T Top and Tail, locomotives at both ends of a train. The rear locomotive may be dead.
T3 Blockage / Engineering possession of the line (from Module T3 of the Rule Book)
TAA Track Access Agreement. A contract between a Train Operator and Network Rail
Tablet Catcher single line token exchange equipment mounted on the cab sides of locomotives. In use on Highland lines until late 1960s.
Tamper OTM which lifts, aligns and levels the track, and compacts ballast under the sleepers.
TASS Tilt Authorisation & Speed Supervision. Track to train system which allows EPS.
TC Terminal Complex, old BR designation for a freight yard, e.g. Thornton T.C.
TCB Track Circuit Block, modern method of signalling.
TCC Traincare Centre, what used to known as a Maintenance Depot, e.g. Polmadie TCC
TDM Time Division Multiplex. An electronic system used for transmitting a number of data channels over a single pair of wires. Used in both signalling and locomotive controls.
TE Ticket Examiner
TEA bogied oil tank wagon
TGS Trailer Guard Standard class carriage in HST set
Thunderbird A locomotive for rescuing failed trains. Also name for class 57 locomotives
TIA Thanks in advance
TIE Transport Initiatives Edinburgh (usually written as tie).
Tightlock type of automatic coupling fitted to EMUs
Tiptop nickname of Class 27 locomotives
TMD Traction Maintenance Depot
TOC Train Operating Company, usually a franchised passenger operator
Token a tablet or key used with Electric Token Block signalling of single lines
Tokenless Block method of signalling on single lines, introduced in 1960s
TOPS Total Operations Processing System. A computer system for managing locomotives and wagons, plus much else. (more...)
TPE Trans Pennine Express. Sometimes TPX.
TPH Trains Per Hour (in one direction)
TPO Travelling Post Office, with mail sorted by PO staff during the journey. Final TPO trains ran in January 2004.
TPWS Train Protection and Warning System. <more on Wikipedia>
Track Circuit method of train detection used by signalling systems.
Tractor nickname for Class 37 locos.
Translator a type of barrier coach used for moving EMUs to and from Works, which can operate the EMUs brakes.
Trap Points points installed at the exits from sidings or goods lines to derail vehicles and thus prevent them running away onto a running line.
Troll someone who posts a deliberately provocative message on a forum, intending to cause disruption and argument.
TRU Track Recording Unit, 950001, a test train similar to a class 150 DMU.
TRUST Train Running System TOPS. A computer system for checking train running against the scheduled timetable. (more...)
TS Transport Scotland
TSO Standard class Open carriage. T = tourist, 2+2 seating.
TSR Temporary Speed Restriction, often following track renewal work
TT Timetable
TTA 2-axle oil tank wagon
Tug nickname for class 60 locomotives
Turbostar official name for class 170 DMUs
Type 1 diesel locomotives in the 800-1000hp range, e.g. class 20
Type 2 diesel locomotives in the 1001-1499hp range, e.g. class 25, 26, 27, and class 31
Type 3 diesel locomotives in the 1500-1999hp range, e.g. class 33 and class 37
Type 4 diesel locomotives in the 2000-2999hp range, e.g. class 40, 47 and 50.
Type 5 diesel locomotives in the 3000+ hp range, e.g. class 55, 56 and 60.
 
U
 
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
UB# Underbridge (under the railway)
UGL Up Goods Loop
uid Unidentified
Unit a self contained train with driving cabs at each end. DMUs and EMUs.
UoSA steam locomotive 60009 'Union of South Africa'
UPL Up Passenger Loop
URS Up Refuge Siding
UTU Ultrasonic Test Unit, a type of Test Train which checks for rail defects.
UTX Under Track Crossing. A ducted cable route.
UUG Useless Unit Gen
 
V
 
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Valenta type of engine orignally fitted to Class 43 HST power cars
VAR Variation, an amended train schedule
Vomiter nickname for class 220 and class 221 DMUs
Voyager official name for class 220 DMUs
VSOE Venice Simplom Orient Express, operators of the Northern Belle train
VSTP Very Short Term Plan. A train schedule created at short notice.
VT Virgin Trains
VWC Virgin West Coast
 
W
 
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
WAR Work as required, (within an engineering possession)
wb Westbound
WCML West Coast Main Line, Glasgow to the south via Carstairs and Beattock
WCRC West Coast Railway Company, operators of the Jacobite and other excursion trains
Westie West Highland White Terrier, emblem of the West Highland Line and the former Eastfield TMD. Not to be confused with a 'Scottie dog'. <Wikipedia>
Wheel slide when wheels lock-up during braking.
Wheel slip when wheels spin without gripping the rail when accelerating
Wheelchex brand name for a Wheel Impact Load Detector (more...)
Whistler nickname for class 40 locos.
WHL West Highland Line, Craigendoran to Fort William. Often includes Oban and Mallaig
Wiki an easy to edit, collaborative website.
WNXX End of the Line website <http://www.wnxx.com/>
WON Weekly Operating Notice. Details of Engineering work and changes to Sectional Appendix.
Works facility for carrying out heavy repairs and overhauls of rolling stock.
WSSC West of Scotland Signalling Centre. Located at Cowlairs
WTT Working timetable, (long term train schedules)
 
X
 
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
XC CrossCounty
 
Y
 
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Yaw damper a shock absorber fitted to certain types of bogies to control their rotation at high speeds
Yellow the caution aspect of a colour light signal
YGB 'Seacow' bogied ballast hopper, some are code YGA or YGH
Ying nickname for class 66 locos.
YWA 'Salmon' bogied flat wagon, for carrying track panels.
 
Z
 
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
ZH Glasgow Works, Railcare at Springburn (depot code)



See Also

External Links


Created by Dysgraphyk and last modified by him at 00:34, 23 of August 2010.