Terminology Help

[W5JLF]

Hello All:
I have been listening to Railroad communications for a few weeks and need some help. Is there a good reference resource to help me understand the terminology used by the dispatchers and train crews? I hear them talking about “warrants”, “boxes” and other terms that I don’t understand.
Thanks,
Joe

 

[NeFire242]

RR Terms

Track Warrant Control (TWC) is a verbal authorization system defined by the General Code of Operation Rules (GCOR), used to authorize trains to occupy Main Tracks. TWC can be used as a stand-alone dispatching and safety system in unsignaled territories, or can be supplemented with Automatic Block Signaling (ABS) to increase flexibility and traffic capacity.

The Track Warrant permits a specific train to occupy a specific piece of Main Track between named locations. The Track Warrant also contains information of its own validity; when comes in effect and in some cases when it becomes void.

To Learn a little bit more here are a few websites:

http://home.cogeco.ca/~trains/rrterms.htm
http://www.railfanusa.com/info/terms.html
http://www.icrr.net/terms.htm
http://www.google.com/search?num=100&hl=en&lr=&newwindow=1&safe=off&q=railroad+terminology

 

[DPD1]

I have a RR radio glossary on the site below that may help for some things.

Dave
http://www.dpdproductions.com
- Featuring the TrainTenna Railroad Radio Antennas -

 

[W5JLF]

Thanks to all. These will be a big help.
Joe

 

[KC0YNL]

To answer your question on boxes... A track warrant is just a form on paper. The form has around 18 lines, depending on the railroad and the system they use. There is a checkbox on each line, so when the dispatcher gives a track warrant, s/he will say something like:

"X box 2, Proceed from [Point A] to [Point B] on [Track Name] track, [Subdivision Name] sub."

On paper, the worker taking the warrant would check the box beside line two and fill in the blanks denoted by the [ ]'s. There are many different options available to the dispatcher, so there may be only one box, usually box 2 or 4, or many boxes. These frequently include:

Box 7, Not in effect until after arrival of the [Road Name & Number, Direction, and Location]
Box 8, Hold main track at last named point.
Box 10, Clear main track at last named point.
Box 17, Other specific instructions: [ __________________________ ]

 

[W5JLF]

Thanks for the "box" information.
Joe

 

[bpckty1]

Several years ago, I went Amtraking, and noticed the conductor was using a numbering system for identifying the cars. It seemed that cars behind the baggage car(s) were numbered, and the ones ahead of it (including the engine) were lettered, if my memory is correct. I have been trying to confirm this, but I have not found this information anywhere.

Any help is appreciated.

Thanx

 

[INDY72]

Not to mention that a lot of rr's also issue STA's along with those Warrants.. Specail Track Athority. This gives the operator special limits on certian sections of railway, including speeds, times in zones, times before entering, and leaving etc... All comms dealing with these must be repeated back to the dispatcher by all personnel involved to insure everyone not only knows whats up, but also so that its assured that no mistakes were made in understanding... After all.. who wants to make any mistakes with several tons of rolling stock, and locos?