scot-rail.co.uk...

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 <NRE website>.

Wagon types are are identified by 3 letter 'TOPS' codes, mostly ending with 'A'. Common types are listed here, but photos can be found on the <UKRailRollingstock> 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)
225	class 91 and Mk4 carriages
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
66A	Polmadie Depot (shed code 1948-1973)
89500	number on TOPS for preserved diesel loco D9000 / 55022. <Other 89XXX locos>.
98642	number on TOPS for preserved steam loco 3442 / 61994. <Other 98XXX locos>.
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
A2CB	Aberdeen to Central Belt Enhancement Project
A2I	Aberdeen to Inverness
A4	class of steam locomotive built by LNER, (more…)
AAR	Association of American Railroads
ABD	Aberdeen (station code)
ABS	Air Brake System service (wagonload freight train, later known as Speedlink)
Absolute Block	traditional form of signalling between signal boxes, with bells and block instruments
ABZ	Aberdeen (airport code!)
ACE	Area Civil Engineer (BR era)
Across the top	the Aberdeen - Inverness line
AFAIK	As far as I know
AFBCL	Automatic Full Barrier Crossing Locally Monitored (with obstacle detection. More on wikipedia).
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. (More on wikipedia).
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). (More on wikipedia).
AP	Advance Purchase. Ticket for a specific train.
APCO	Automatic Power Change Over
ASDO	Automatic Selective Door Opening, system used on modern trains for stopping at short platforms.
ASR	Abellio ScotRail (2015-2022)
ASTT	All System Timetable, the Great Britain Passenger Timetable.
ATE	Assistant Ticket Examiner
ATM	At the moment
ATOC	Association of Train Operating Companies
ATW	Arriva Trains Wales
Avantix	portable ticket issuing machines.
Autohopper	Auto ballaster, bogied hopper wagon. Ballast is unloaded by remote control. Code HQA or JJA.
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
AXA	Generator Coach (ETS)
AY	Ayr (depot code)
AZA	Test Train vehicle (ex Passenger coach)
Azuma	Brand name for the LNER class 800 & 801 trains.
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
B&KR	Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway
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
Basher	enthusiast who travels on trains for the haulage and/or to cover new track.
BB	Balfour Beatty Rail
BBA	Bogie flat wagon for steel products.
BBMF	Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, commemorated in the special livery on loco 91110.
BBTR	Boring Boxes Today, Roy. The load of an intermodal train. (more).
BCK	Brake Composite Corridor carriage (with First and Second class compartments)
BCR	Benefit-Cost Ratio, a value for money indicator used in cost-benefit analysis. <more on wikipedia>
BDTS	Battery Driving Trailer Second class. EMU vehicle.
Bedzz	overnight Sleeper trains, Caledonian Sleepers
BEMU	Battery Electric Multiple Unit train. Some types can operate as EMU under OLE.
BESR	Blanket Emergency Speed Restriction. Imposed due to severe weather.
BFK	Brake First class Corridor carriage (with compartments)
BG	Brake, Gangwayed. Carriage with Guard's van, but no passenger accommodation.
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.
BLS	Branch Line Society
BN	Bounds Green Depot in London, home to Class 91 fleet.
Bobby	Signalman
Bodysnatcher	nickname for class 57 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, now part of Wabtec
BSC	British Steel Corporation (now Tata Steel). <Wikipedia>.
BSI	type of automatic coupling used on Class 142-170 DMUs (original manufacturer's name).
BSK	Brake Second class Corridor carriage (with compartments)
BSO	Brake Second/Standard class Open carriage
BSO(T)	BSO carriage, with Miniature Buffet (a counter and trolley storage space).
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
C3	heavy overhaul on carriages and EMUs, combining C4 cand C6 work.
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.
C&O	Callander and Oban Railway. The section east of Crianlarich closed in 1965.
CAF	Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles. Spanish train builder.
Caledonian Express	proposed fast service between Glasgow Central and Edinburgh via Shotts (implemented in December 2009).
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)
CGU	City of Glasgow Union Railway. (see City Union)
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
CILT	The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport
The Circuit	the Edinburgh - Dundee loco hauled workings in the 1980s
CIS	Customer Information System (on a station)
City Union	line across Glasgow, from Shields Junction to High Street. Not used by passenger services.
CK	Corkerhill (depot code)
CK	Composite Corridor carriage (with First and Second class compartments)
Clamplock	hydraulic point operating equipment, identifiable by the small yellow boxes on the outside of either stock rail.
CNF	Carnforth (station code)
Coalfish	2-axle low-sided wagon for ballast/spoil, code MHA/MPA (MFA and MTA are similar).
CofU	Centre of Universe, thought by some to be Larbert.
Conductor	Person carrying out the duties of a guard on a passenger train.
Control	Operations Control Office
Cop	first spotting of something
COSS	Controller of Site Safety
CP4	ORR Control Period for Network Rail: April 2009 to 2014.
CP5	ORR Control Period for Network Rail: April 2014 to 2019.
CP6	ORR Control Period for Network Rail: April 2019 to 2024.
CPO	Compulsory Purchase Order (of a property)
Craigy	Craigentinny Depot, Edinburgh
Crompton	nickname for class 33 locos
CRP	Community Rail Partnership
CS	Caledonian Sleeper
CSD	Carriage Servicing Depot
CSO	Continued Service Operation (rolling stock life extension)
CSR	Cab Secure Radio, Driver - Signaller system used on DOO passenger trains, before GSM-R.
CTM	Conductor Team Manager
CUB	Cumbernauld (station code)
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
DAS	Driver Advisory System. A cab-mounted computer advising drivers of the optimum speed to achieve the timetable using minimum energy.
DB	Deutche Bahn, German national railway company, <more on wikipedia>
DBC	DB Cargo (was "DB Schenker Rail" until March 2016)
DBL	Dunblane (station code)
DBS	DB Schenker Rail UK, (formerly EWS, until January 2009), freight train operator.
DBSO	Driving Brake Second Open. A type of Mk2 carriage, now used in test trains.
DCO	Driver Controlled Operation - the same as DOO
DCR	Devon & Cornwall Railways. Operate rolling stock movements to/from Works.
DEE	Dundee (station code)
Delner	A type of automatic coupling used on EMUs. (manufacturer's name)
Deltic	Class 55 diesel locomotive
Demic	failed train, or unserviceable rolling stock.
Departmental	train for maintenance of the railway.
Desiro	range of EMU and DMU trains built by Siemens, including the class 185 and class 380.
DfT	Department for Transport (in England)
DGL	Down Goods Loop
DHS	Down Holding sidings
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.
DMBS	Driving Motor Brake Standard class. First generation DMU vehicle.
DMC	Drumchapel (station code)
DMCL	Driving Motor Composite (first and standard class) with Lavatory. DMU vehicle.
DMOCL(W)	Driving Motor Open Composite, with Lavatory (Wheelchair accessible). DMU vehicle.
DMOS	Driving Motor Open Standard class (sometimes with A or B suffix). DMU/EMU vehicle.
DMSL	Driving Motor Standard class with Lavatory (sometimes with A or B suffix). DMU vehicle.
DMU	Diesel Multiple Unit, a train with a diesel engine under the floor.
DOL	Door Obstruction Light, orange light on bodyside of carriage. On MU trains it also indicates other faults.
DOO	Driver Only Operation (trains not requiring a guard).
DOR	Dead on rear, a locomotive not powered
DOR	Directly Operated Railways. Holding company for TOCs (e.g. East Coast) temporarily brought in to public ownership. <Wikipedia>.
Down	the direction away from London (but there are some exceptions to this rule).
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
DSD	Driver's Safety Device. Ensures a train driver is in position and alert. Usually a foot pedal.
DSM	Duty Station Manager or Driver Standards Manager
DTM	Driver Team Manager
DTS	Driving Trailer Standard class (sometimes with A or B suffix). EMU vehicle.
Duff	nickname for class 47 locos. Often offends followers of this class.
DUN	Dunbar (station code)
Dutch	livery of grey with yellow upper-bodysides. Applied to BR Civil Engineer's loco fleet in the 1990s.
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+C	Engine and Carriage. Steam loco and support coach
E&G	Edinburgh and Glasgow line (via Falkirk)
E&P	Electrification and Plant (department responsible for OLE)
EARL	Edinburgh Airport Rail Link project, a plan to tunnel under the airport. Cancelled in 2007.
EAS	Engineering Access Statement (formerly RotR), <Network Rail document>.
eb	Eastbound
EBS	Emergency Bypass Switch, isolates emergency brakes on a DMU/EMU.
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
ECO	Electrical Control Operator (at the ECR)
ECR	Electrical Control Room, for electric traction supply. Cathcart ECR covers Scotland, the ECML to Chathill and the WCML to Penrith.
ECR	Euro Cargo Rail. French based subsidiary of EWS (now DB Schenker Rail).
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
EGS	E.G. Steele & Co. Wagon maintenance company based in Hamilton
EH	Electric Heating, an ETS equipped loco, e.g class 37/4
EIA	Environmental Impact Assessment
EK	East Kilbride
ELR	Engineer's Line Reference. A three letter code (sometimes with a numerical suffix) which identifies a route or section of route. <More info here>.
ELR	East Lancashire Railway. Base for several preserved locomotives.
EMR	European Metal Recycling Ltd.
EMT	East Midlands Trains, operated by Stagecoach
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.
EPA	Test Train vehicle (ex Gatwick Express Mk2 stock)
EPS	Enhanced Permissible Speed. Higher than normal line speed, for trains fitted with TASS.
ERTMS	European Railway Traffic Managment System <more on wikipedia>
ES	Engineering Supervisor (for a worksite).
ESR	Emergency Speed Restriction
ESW	Emergency Special Working. Arrangments to allow trains to pass through an area with failed signalling equipment.
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.
ETS	Electric Train Supply, from loco to carriages (alternative term for ETH).
Euroshed	Class 66 locos that have been used in France by ECR
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
EZA	Ultrasonic Test Unit vehicle (ex EMU Mk1 stock)
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
Falcon	low sided bogie wagons, for ballast and spoil. Yellow. Code JNA (IEA & MLA are similar).
FB	Facebook
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 <See TS info>
FFPS	Fiddler's Ferry Power Station, near Warrington.
FGW	First Great Western, train operator in southern England.
FHH	Freightliner Heavy Haul. Also FLHH.
FKG	Falkirk Grahamston (station code)
FLIM	Freightliner Intermodal.
FLT	Freightliner Terminal (intermodal)
FM online	Freight Master online <http://freightmaster.net/>
FNA	2-axle flask carrying wagon.
FNL	Far North Line (Inverness to Wick & Thurso)
FO	First class Open carriage
FOC	Freight Operating Company
FOI	Freedom of Information. The right to ask a public body for any information they hold. <more...>
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.
FRC	Forth Replacement Crossing, a new Forth Road Bridge
Fred	nickname for Freightliner class 66 locos.
Froth	to get over excited about a particular train/working
FSR	First ScotRail (2004-2015)
FTN	Fixed Telecoms Network
FTPE	First Transpennine Express
FTR	Fitness to Run (examination)
FTR	For the record
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
GB IV	The Great Britain (4th Year). A Steam-hauled railtour run over several days in April.
GBTT	Great Britain Passenger Timetable (or GBPTT).
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)
GLT	Glenrothes With Thornton (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)
GNSR	Great North of Scotland Railway (1846-1923) <Wikipedia>
Gotcha	brand name for a Wheel Impact Load Detector. Replaces Wheelchex
Goyle	nickname for class 31 locomotive
GPLS	Ground Position Light Signal, used for shunting, and permissive working.
GQS	Glasgow Queen Street
Grid	nickname for class 56 locomotives
Gripper	Ticket inspector
Gronk	nickname for class 08 shunting locomotives
Growler	nickname for class 37 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
GUV	General Utillity Van. Bogied vehicle used for mail, parcels and Motor-rail.
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
H&S	Health and Safety.
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
HC	Hawkear Central, Morningside on the Edinburgh suburban line.
HC	The Highland Chieftain, HST service between Inverness and London King's Cross running since May 1984.
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
HIA	Bogied hopper wagon (coal or stone) used by Freightliner Heavy Haul. White or Green.
HL	High Level
HLOS	High Level Output Specification - set by the government
HMI	Human - Machine Interface
HML	Highland Main Line. Perth - Inverness
HMRI	Her Majesty's Railway Inspectorate
HMU	Hydrogen Multiple Unit train, to replace DMUs
HNRC	Harry Needle Railroad Company. Private locomotive owner, based at Barrow Hill. <more on wikipedia>
HOBC	High Output Ballast Cleaner train
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
Hot Box	An overheated axle box.
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 hopper wagon (some are coded JJA)
HRT	Hertfordshire Railtours (1978-2008)
HRTI	High Risk Technical Incident
HS2	New High-Speed Railway being built London - Birmingham - Crewe.
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
HVAC	Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
HW series	electric point machines manufactured by Alstom (formerly GEC)
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, Class 800
IFA	various kinds of flat wagons, includes tilting deck S&C carriers (7093780XXX series)
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
Indian Ears	a common misspelling of "Engineers". Perhaps a NDS train.
INR	Inverurie (station code)
INV	Inverness (station code)
IPA	car transporter wagon
Iris II	DMU test train, used mostly for radio survey work. Retired in 2007.
IRJ	Insulated Rail Joint, at the end of a track circuit. Sometimes called IBJ (block joint).
IS	Inverness (depot code)
ISP	Independent Snow Plough, for clearing drifts. The kind propelled by locos.
ISTR	I seem to recall ...
ITPS	Integrated Train Planning System. Used by Network Rail from May 2010 TT.
ITYM	I think you mean ...
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
JJA	Auto ballaster, bogied hopper wagon (some are coded HQA)
JNA	bogied open wagon. Some are 'Falcon' type for ballast.
JPA	bogied presflow cement wagon
Juniper	name for class 334 EMUs, and other EMUs built by Alstom
JZA	bogied Long-Welded Rail wagon
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. (more..)
Kettle	steam locomotive
KGX	London Kings Cross (station code)
Kinematic Envelope	the space that a rail vehicle could potentially occupy as it moves laterally and vertically on its suspension.
Kirow	rail mounted crane used for track renewal work. (Manufacturer's name)
KM	Kingmoor, Carlisle
KVA	Ferrywagon, a bogied van.
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.
LD	Light Diesel, locomotive(s) with no train.
LDB	Live Departure Board. On the National Rail website
LDC	Local Distribution Centre (for Network Rail engineering materials).
LE	Light Engine, locomotive(s) with no train.
Lego	nickname for class 70 locomotives
LENNON	Latest Earnings Networked Nationally Over Night. Part of the RSP suite of systems
LHCS	Locomotive Hauled Coaching Stock
LIP	Locomotive Inspection Point
LKX	London Kings Cross
LL	Low Level
LLC	Local Level Committee (of trade union)
LLPA	Long-line Public Address
LMD	Light Maintenance Depot.
LMS	London Midland and Scottish Railway (1923-1947)
LNER	London and North Eastern Railway (1923-1947)
LNER	London North Eastern Railway (from 2018)
Lobster	bogied open wagon (converted from BDA) code MXA
LOM	Local Operations Manager
LOOU	Locked Out Of Use
LOP	Loss Of Power
LRA	Low Rail Adhesion
LRT	Light Rail Transit. Trams.
LUL	London Underground Ltd
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
Mallard	Name given by GNER to refurbished Mk4 carriages.
MAS	Multiple Aspect Signalling. Colour light signals with TCB.
MBA	Bogied high sided open wagons.
MCB	full barrier level crossing, with protecting signals. (More on wikipedia).
MCB-OD	automatic version of MCB with obstacle detection. (More on wikipedia).
MDTR	Modern Dynamic Thrusting Railway
MEA	2-axle high sided 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.
MFS	Material Forwarding System. 4-axle ballast/spoil hoppers with conveyor belts (code YDA Octopus).
MGR	Merry-Go-Round, a coal train which loads and discharges whilst moving at slow speed.
MH	Millerhill, depot and yard in Edinburgh
MHA	'Coalfish' 2-axle low-sided wagon for ballast/spoil (MFA, MPA and MTA are similar).
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.
MKIV	Mark 4 carriage. see above.
ML	Motherwell (depot code)
MLG	Mallaig (station code)
MOBC	Medium Output Ballast Cleaner train
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)
MoP	Member of Public
MOS	Motor Open Standard class (sometimes MSO). DMU/EMU vehicle without driving cab.
MP	Mile Post
MPA	'Coalfish' 2-axle low-sided wagon for ballast/spoil (MFA, MHA and MTA are similar).
MPD	Motive Power Depot
MPV	Multi-Purpose Vehicle. A 2-vehicle track maintenance unit, with exchangeable modules.
MRA	bogie side-tipping ballast wagon
MSC	Motherwell Signalling Centre
MSL	Miniature Stop Lights. Red & Green lights provided for crossing users at some types of level crossings.
MSL	Motor Standard class with Lavatory. DMU vehicle without driving cab.
MSP	Miniature Snow ploughs
MSP	Member of Scottish Parliament
MSRS	Mode Shift Revenue Support
MTIA	Many thanks in advance
MTU	Make of diesel engines, now fitted to HSTs
MTY	empty (wagons)
MU	Multiple Unit. DMUs and EMUs.
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.
MW	Multiple-Working. Traction units connnected with jumpers, under the control of one driver.
MWL	Miniature Warning Lights (now known as MSL).
MXA	bogied open wagon (converted from BDA) 'Lobster'
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, may refer to a version of ScotRail Livery
nb	Northbound
NB	Non-Boiler, a diesel loco not equipped for train heating.
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)
NCB	National Coal Board <Wikipedia>
NCL	Newcastle (station code)
NDS	National Delivery Service. Was the part of Network Rail which manages engineering trains and materials. See NSC.
NELPG	North Eastern Locomotive Preservation Group <website>
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
NRE	National Rail Enquiries <website>
NRM	National Railway Museum, York
NRN	National Radio Network. Cab-to-Shore radio telephone system introduced in the 1980s
NSC	National Supply Chain. From April 2014 the part of Network Rail which manages engineering trains and materials.
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	Entrance-Exit, Signaller's Panel with buttons at each signal for setting the route.
NX	National Express
NXEC	National Express East Coast, (Nov 2007 - Dec 2009)
NY	Network Yard, old BR designation for a freight yard, e.g. Carlisle N.Y.
NYMR	North Yorkshire Moors Railway
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
OAA	2-axle long wheel-base, low-sided open wagons (OBA & OCA are similar).
OB#	Overbridge (over the railway)
OCS	Overhead Contact System. Usually called OLE in the UK.
Octopus	Skako ballast distribution hopper wagon, code YDA
Off	when a signal shows a proceed aspect.
OLE	Overhead Line Equipment (Electrification). Sometimes written as OHL or OHLE
OOU	Out Of Use
OP	Original Poster, the person who started discussion thread
ORR	Office of Rail Regulation
ORCATS	Operational Research Computer Allocation of Tickets to Services. Allocates revenue between train operators on common routes.
OSGT	Optical Structure Gauging Train. (more..)
Osprey	bogied flat wagon for carrying track panels, code YKA, a modified version of a Salmon.
OSS	Over Speed Sensor. Part of <TPWS>.
OT	Off topic (Not about Scotland's Railways)
OT Land	somewhere south of Berwick or Carlisle.
OTDIH	On this day in History.
OTM	On-Track Machine, for track maintenance. see more..
OTMR	On Train Monitoring Recorder. The railway equivalent of aviation's 'black box' data recorder. Sometimes called OTDR.
OTP	On-Track Plant machinery, typically Road-Rail vehicles.
OTT	Open Train Times, <http://www.opentraintimes.com/>
OTT	Over the top
Over the top	variation on 'Across the top'
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...)
P&J	The Press and Journal, daily newspaper for the North of Scotland. <Website>
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
PCI	Paisley Corridor Improvements, project to build 3rd track between Shields and Arkleston. Remnant of GARL.
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.
Perch	bogied Long-Welded Rail wagon, code YEA
Permissive Working	allowing a train into an already occupied section.
PGS	Paisley Gilmour Street
PHBT	Person hit By train
PICOP	Person In Charge Of Possession
Pilotman	A person appointed to conduct trains over a line used in both directions, during equipment failure.
PIK	Prestwick Airport (airport code)
Pined	Terminated short of destination, from telegraph code word PINE
PIS	Passenger Information System (on a train)
PLPR	Plain Line Pattern Recognition. Video based track inspection system.
PLS	Position Light Signal, used for shunting, and permissive working.
PMOS	Pantograph Motor Open Standard class (sometimes PMS or PMSO). EMU vehicle.
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.
PQQ	Pre Qualification Questionnaire, to select which suppliers are to be invited to tender.
PRDC	Princess Royal Distribution Centre. Royal Mail Terminal at Willesden, north London.
PRM-TSI	Persons of Reduced Mobility (see TSI)
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
PSR	Passenger Service Requirement. Minimum level of services in TOC franchise agreements. (Superseded by SLC).
PTH	Perth (station code)
PTOSL	Pantograph Trailer Open Standard class, with Lavatory. EMU vehicle.
PTS	Personal Track Safety. Certificate held by staff working trackside.
PTT	Public Timetable (as opposed to the WTT)
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/>
QSA	Barrier Coach / Translator Coach / Brake-force runner Coach.
QSt	Glasgow Queen Street
QXA	Departmental Coaching stock (e.g Test Train vehicle)
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.
RAB	Regulatory Asset Base. The ORR's calculation of the value of Network Rail's assets.
RAIB	Rail Accident Investigation Branch
RailVac	Ballast Vacuum Extraction System, OTM, usually hauled to and from site. <read more..>
The Ranch	Carnforth Steamtown MPD, the home of West Coast Railway Company
RAW	unprocessed digital photo file. <more on Wikipedia>
RCE	Regional Civil Engineer (BR era)
RCF	Rolling Contact Fatigue, damage to rails and cause of the Hatfield derailment in 2000.
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.
RCM	Route Control Manager
RCTS	Railway Correspondence and Travel Society <link>
RDT	Rail Delivery Train, drops long welded rails at a worksite.
RDW	Rest Day Working
REB	Relocatable Equipment Building. (Signalling)
Red snapper	low sided bogie wagons, for ballast and spoil. Code MLA.
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.
REx	Rail Express Magazine
RFB	Buffet car / Open First class Carriage
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.
RIO	Rail Incident Officer
RLO	Lounge car on the Caledonian Sleepers.
RMB	Miniature buffet car. Mk1 Open Second class carriage with a Buffet Counter in the middle.
RMT	National Union of Rail, Maritime & Transport Workers
RMT	Royal Mail Terminal
RO	The Railway Observer. Monthly magazine of the RCTS
ROC	Rail Operating Centre (Signalling and Operations Control)
ROG	Rail Operations Group, train operator that moves rolling stock around the network
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, now known as Timetable Planning Rules (TPR).
ROTR	Rules of the Route. Document which specifies when Track Maintenance can take place, now called EAS.
RR	Run-round. The transfer of a locomotive from one end of its train to the other.
RRA	A runner wagon - acts as a barrier for overhanging loads from an adjacent wagon. (Photo).
RRB	Rail Replacement Bus
RRV	Road-Rail Vehicle
RS	The Royal Scotsman. Sometimes RSM.
RSC	Radio Survey Coach. See Test Trains.
RSG	Royal Scots Grey, diesel loco 55022.
RSI	Rolling Stock Inspector
RSP	Rail Settlement Plan, part of ATOC responsible for coordinating ticket sales, fares and allocating revenue among TOCs
RSR 99	Railway Safety Regulations 1999. Train Protection systems and restricted use of Mk1 coaching stock. <ORR info>
RSSB	Rail Safety and Standards Board
RT	Railtrack (1994-2002), predecessor to Network Rail.
RT	Right Time
RTC	Railway Technical Centre, Derby. Home to Test trains.
RTOV	Remote Train Operating Vehicle (ex DBSO). Used in Test Trains.
RTT	http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/
RTV	Rail Travel Voucher, usually given as refunds.
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 rails in autumn, to prevent trains slipping on crushed leaves.
SANOS	Scotland Accelerated National Operating Strategy (closing signal boxes)
SAPT	Scottish Association for Public Transport. Campaign group.
SARS	Signallers Assistant Route Setting.
SAYLSA	Stranraer to Ayr Line Support Association. (Website)
SB	Signal box
sb	Southbound
SB Rail	Swietelsky - Babcock joint venture, operating OTMs.
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.
SDA	Stirling-Dunblane/Alloa Electrification Project.
SDO	Selective Door Opening, system used on modern trains for stopping at short platforms.
Second Class	Pre-1987 name for Standard Class accommodation
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.
SG	The Scottish Government
SGT	Structure Gauging Train. (more..)
Shed	nickname for EWS/DBS class 66 locomotives.
Shove Duff	nickname for Push-Pull fitted Class 47/7 locos, 47701-717.
Showing	as reported by railway computer systems
Silver bullet	ICA bogied tank wagon, stainless steel, with dipped centre.
SIMBIDS	Simplified Bi-directional Signalling, for use when one track is blocked.
Single Manned	locomotive driver not accompanied by a secondman (driver's assistant).
Six-foot	area between a pair of running lines.
Skinhead	nickname for the class 31 locos without a headcode box.
SK	Second class Corridor carriage (with compartments)
Skip	nickname for class 67 locomotives.
Skoda	nickname for class 90 locomotives.
SLC	Service Level Commitment, in TOC franchise agreements.
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
SOW	Start Of Work (in the morning).
SOWC	Showing occupied when clear (track circuit fault)
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	Signal Post Telephone
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
SRH	Scottish Rail Holdings. <more on Wikipedia>
SRS	Scottish Railfans Society
SRT	ScotRail Trains. Train operator since April 2022.
SRT	Section Running Time. Point to point timings for different train types, used in timetable planning.
SS	Section Sidings, old BR designation for a freight yard, e.g. Millerhill S.S.
SSA	2-axle high-sided open wagon, carries scrap metal.
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.
SSM	Shift Signalling Manager
SSO	Special Stop Order, for a train to make an additional station call.
SST	Self-Service Ticket machine
Stabled	rolling stock parked until its next duty.
Std	Standard Class accommodation, a term adopted by BR in 1987
Stoneblower	OTM which lifts the track and blows stone chippings under the sleepers.
Stored	rolling stock that is not available for traffic, and not undergoing repairs. May be stored in serviceable or unserviceable condition.
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
Strummer	nickname for class 47 locos
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, run by Stagecoach
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
TAC	Track Access Contract. (as above).
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.
Tandem	Double-headed locomotives, driven independently (not MW)
TASS	Tilt Authorisation & Speed Supervision. Track to train system which allows EPS.
TAWS	Transport & Works (Scotland). See <TS website>
TBC	To be confirmed
TBH	To be honest ...
T-bird	Thunderbird (see below).
TBOX	Time Based Overhaul + Extra work
TBW	Temporary Block Working. Arrangments to allow trains to pass through an area with failed signalling equipment, using hand-signallers.
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
TCF	Track Circuit Failure.
TD	Train Describer. Used in signalling to identify trains by headcode.
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 tank wagon
TGFB	Trailer with Guards compartment, First class and Mini-Buffet. HST carriage.
TGS	Trailer Guard Standard class carriage in HST set
Thunderbird	A locomotive for rescuing failed trains. Also name for class 57 locomotives. (more...)
TIA	Thanks in advance
TIC	Track Inspection Coach (more...)
TIE	Transport Initiatives Edinburgh (usually written as tie).
Tightlock	type of automatic coupling fitted to EMUs
TIPLOC	Timing Point Location, a four to seven letter abbreviation used by timetable planning systems. <More info here>.
Tiptop	nickname of Class 27 locomotives
TIS	Traction Interlock Switch, isolates the doors-closed interlocking on a DMU/EMU.
TJ	Thornton Junction (depot code)
TMD	Traction Maintenance Depot
TMS	Train Management System (On-board computer)
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)
TPM	Tyre Profiling Machine (a wheel lathe for removing flat spots)
TPO	Travelling Post Office, with mail sorted by PO staff during the journey. Final TPO trains ran in January 2004.
TPR	Train Planning Rules (formerly RotP), <Network Rail document>.
TPS	Train Planning System
TPTB	The powers that be
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.
TRB	Train Register Book, log book kept in a Signal box.
TRC	Train Running Controller, in the Operations Control Office.
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
TSC	Train Service Code, 8-digit numbers used to identify groups of train services within the timetable
TSC	Track Sectioning Cabin, at a neutral section between OLE feeder stations.
TSDB	Train Service Database. Network Rail's database of train schedules.
TSI	Technical Specification for Interoperability (European Standard)
TSO	Standard class Open carriage. T = tourist, 2+2 seating.
TSR	Temporary Speed Restriction, often following track renewal work
TSS	Train Stop Sensor. Part of <TPWS>.
TT	Timetable
TTA	2-axle oil tank wagon
TTI	Travelling Ticket Inspector
Tug	nickname for class 60 locomotives
TUPE	Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) <wikipedia>.
Turbostar	official name for class 170 DMUs
TVM	Ticket Vending Machine
TWB	Tweedbank (station code)
TY	Thank you
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
UAT	Ultrasonic Axle Testing
UB#	Underbridge (under the railway)
UBA	Unsolicited Brake Application (not initiated by the train driver)
UFN	Until further notice
UGL	Up Goods Loop
uid	Unidentified
UMH	Universal Material Handling. 4-axle engineers wagon with conveyor belts and generator (code YIA) works with MFS train.
Unit	a self contained train with driving cabs at each end. DMUs and EMUs.
UoSA	steam locomotive 60009 'Union of South Africa'
Up	the direction towards London (but there are some exceptions to this rule).
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
UWC	User Worked Crossing. Protected by gates that open away from the railway, or by lifting barriers (UWB). Categorised as either Accommodation Crossing (connecting farmer's fields) or Occupation Crossing (private road). <NWR Level Crossings>.
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 WTT train schedule, often caused engineering works
VCB	Vacuum Circuit Breaker, isolates the power supply from the pantograph on electric traction.
Vomiter	nickname for class 220 and class 221 DMUs
Voyager	official name for class 220 DMUs
VP185	VP185 a type of engine fitted to Class 43 HST power cars operated by EMT.
VQ	Virtual Quarry - a large stockpile of ballast.
VSOE	Venice Simplon Orient Express, (renamed Belmond in March 2014). Operators of the Northern Belle train
VSTP	Very Short Term Plan. A train schedule created at short notice. (May appear as VST)
VT	Virgin Trains
VTEC	Virgin Trains East Coast (2015-2018)
VVR	VSTP-VAR. Very Short Term Plan Variation. A train schedule amended at short notice.
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
Week 01	NWR Calendar, week with first Monday in April (e.g. Saturday 03/04/21 to Friday 09/04/21)
Week 39	The last week in December (e.g. Saturday 25/12/21 to Friday 31/12/21)
Week 52	The last week in March (e.g. Saturday 27/03/21 to Friday 02/04/21)
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>
WFH	Working from home
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...)
Wheelskate	A device for rescuing crippled vehicles where a wheelset is not fit to rotate, by lifting the affected wheelset and providing alternative support and guidance. (Photo)
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.
WPR	Wemyss Private Railway, serving collieries in Fife.
WSP	Wheel Slide Protection or Wheel Slip Protection
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
XBN	Bounds Green Depot in London
XC	CrossCounty
XCN	Craigentinny Depot (two letter code is EC)
XFD	Ferme Park Depot in London
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
YEA	'Perch', bogied Long-Welded Rail wagon
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.
YKA	'Osprey', bogied flat wagon for carrying track panels, a modified version of a Salmon.
YLA	'Mullet', bogied wagon for carring rails or pipes. (Photo)
YT	YouTube, video-sharing <website>
YWA	'Salmon', bogied flat wagon, for carrying track panels. (Some are YSA)
YZA	Stoneblower (On-Track Machine)
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)
ZOA	Kirow rail-mounted cranes for engineering work
ZZA	snowplough, the kinds propelled by locos.

See Also

External Links

• Railway Codes and other data (Location / Infrastructure)
• List of British Railways shed codes (Wikipedia)
• uk.r FAQ - locomotive nicknames
• UK Railfan Jargon