Early boxcars were simply that - a box on wheels with doors in the sides. Mostly for show on the model, but can also help to hold the track in position and cut down on noise transmission when used properly.īenchwork - the structure which holds up the track and scenery of a layout.īlock (electrical) - a section of track that is electrically isolated from the rest of the layout for control purposes.īlock (signal) - on the prototype, a section of track into which only one train may be allowed to enter at a time.īox car - an enclosed railroad car for the carriage of commodities that require shelter from the weather. Usually made of crushed rock, but can also be of any cheap locally available material such as oyster shells, burned clay, or locomotive cinders. Usually with one to three large side doors and few if any windows.īallast - material placed under the track structure to facilitate drainage of water while supporting and cushioning the track on the prototype. Modern auto carriers usually are enclosed to protect their cargo from vandalism while in transit.īackdrop - a photo, painting or relief model on a wall or partition continuing the background scenery to or above the horizon line or sometimes the wall or partition behind a modeled scene upon which the photo, painting or relief model is or is to be applied.īaggage car - a car for the carriage of passenger's baggage or express shipments in passenger trains. It allows extremely thin, smooth layers of paint to be applied to a model and can also be used for special effects such as weathering.Īuto carrier - a type of railroad car designed to carry automobiles and light trucks. Includes switch machines, lighting for buildings, small motors for animation, etc.Īir brush - an air powered system for applying paint from a miniature spray gun. It is also the umbrella organization that looks after political and public relations affairs for the nation's railroads.ĪC (alternating current) - electric current which changes its direction of flow or movement back and forth through a wire.Īccessories - Any of a number of electrically operated items on the layout, other than the locomotives and track. It originally established many of the safety rules now in place, most of which have been taken over by the Federal Government (see FRA). The AAR is responsible for the rules which facilitate the interchange of cars between RRs.

RossĪAR - Association of American Railroads. However, my computer seems to have a mind of its own and keeps trying to re-capitalize things that I have left lower case. I have followed the convention of only capitalizing words that are proper names, trade-marks and certain abbreviations. I have assumed that nothing RR related is too obvious to be defined.

I have also thrown in a few words that I think you will need to know (or be able to find a definition for). Note: Almost all of the words in this list are taken directly from the Beginners pages (yes, I actually read through the entire thing!).

Stock lingo bups