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.
Gantry
Bridge or walkway over railway tracks on which several signals are mounted.
Gauge
The distance between running rails of the railway track - 4ft 8½in (1mtr 43cm) in England.
Gears
Large and small toothed or cog wheels which mesh with each other to give an increase or decrease in speed.
Ground Frame
Small signal box or lever frame often seen in shunting yards. It does not usually control signals or points for a main line but for sidings and yards.
GWR (Great Western Railway)
One of the 'Big Four' group of train companies formed on 1 January 1923. The GWR was made up of smaller companies in the West of England.
Handrail
A rod or tube along the boiler of a locomotive to act as handgrips for the loco crew. They can also be found on cab sides and brake vans to assist the passenger in getting on and off the vehicle.
Handrail Knob
The fixtures for holding the handrail to a locomotive boiler (see ‘Handrail’ above).
Home Signal
The signal which controls entry into a section. It either shows the line is clear (the signal arm would be up) or another train is ahead (the signal arm would be horizontal).
Inner Home Signal
A home signal within station limits where an outer home signal is positioned. The inner home signal is in advance of the outer home and usually to the rear of the signal box.
Inoperable Signal
A lineside signal which is permanently set at stop or caution.
Jinty
The nickname for a six wheel side tank locomotive designed by Sir Henry Fowler for shunting and light freight duties.
Junction Signal
Any signal that has more than one route and is capable of displaying an indication of which route has been selected. A junction indicator will also be fitted to a junction signal to inform the driver which way a junction is set, by means of white lights.
Kettle
A lineside boiler for filling locomotive boilers directly with hot water.
King Lever
A lever in a signal box which cuts out the box’s control and allows its signals and points to be controlled remotely from another box or automatically via track circuits.
Kip
A hump at the top of a rope-hauled railway to prevent wagons or carriages accidentally running back down the incline; An incline on which wagons are built to be run off by gravity as required, usually at a colliery, to feed a loading point.