What is a chair, a Jinty or a kip? What is a Q-Train, an XPT or a Z Stop? Even to the most experienced railway modeller some words are difficult to understand. Hornby’s Jargon Directory explains some of these words and phrases.
DCC (Digital Command and Control)
The application of computer technology to control the movements of locomotives.Each locomotive is fitted with a decoder (or ‘chip’) which is uniquely programmed and recognises its own identity and responds only to those control signals which are addressed to it. DCC also allows a wide range of extras including controllable lighting and on-board sound.
Diamond
The centre portion of an acute angled crossing.
Direct Current / DC
The opposite of Alternating Current/AC. DC is a current which flows in one direction. Most model railway locomotives work on a Direct Current of 12V.
Disc Wheels
Wheels which are solid, i.e. have no spokes. Sometimes a disc wheel will have holes around its circumference.
Distant Signal
A semaphore signal giving the driver advanced warning of the position of the next home signal, allowing him to slow the train if it were at danger. The facing arm of the distant signal is yellow with a fish tail.
Double Crossover
Two crossovers superimposed on one another, i.e. in a facing and trailing direction.
Embankment
A section of railway line where the surrounding countryside is at a lower level than the line and the ground has been built up to put in the line.
Facing Point
A turnout or point which faces the oncoming trains.
Fiddle Yard
Used on model layouts to store complete trains which can be ready to run out of the fiddle yard onto the main circuit of the layout. It can also be used for changing trains.
Fine Scale
A smaller scale nearer to the true scale of the prototype., i.e. Fine Scale ‘00’ gauge is often described as EM Gauge.
Fishplate
A metal plate which clamps on the end of two abutting rails to make sure the rail is in line. On a model railway a metal fishplate will conduct electricity across the gap. If an isolated section is required then a plastic fishplate is used.
Flyover
A bridge carrying railway tracks over another railway line instead of having them cross on the same level.
Footplate
The cab floor of a locomotive, or the plate of platform running along each side of a locomotive’s boiler.
Four Aspect Signal
A colour light signal using four lights. From top to bottom in order, the lights are yellow, green, yellow, red. A red indication means the next section contains a train. A single yellow light (using the lower yellow aspect) means the next section is clear but there is a train in the following section. A double yellow means the next two sections are clear but there is a train in third section. A green indicates that the next three sections are clear.