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.
Uncoupling Ramp
A ramp fitted under or between the rails on a model railway to remotely uncouple rolling stock. It is not a prototypical example, but uncoupling ramps can often be seen in hump shunting yards.
Underframe
The chassis of a wagon or coach.
Upper Quadrant Signal
A semaphore signal which raises its arms to indicate the line ahead is clear.
Valve Gear
The mechanism used to power the driving wheels and pistons of a locomotive. In most steam locomotives the valve gear is exposed, although in Bulleid's West Country Class, for example, the chain-driven valve gear is enclosed within the body.
Vestibule
The corridor connection between coaches, usually a flexible gangway to enable passengers to pass between coaches in a train.
Volt
An electrical measurement meaning the pressure of electricity in the supply.
Watt
A unit of electrical measurement to describe the energy produced. A watt is the number of volts multiplied by the number of amps.
Wheel Arrangements
The arrangement of wheels on a locomotive. There are many varieties of wheel arrangements for steam and diesel locomotives depending on the number of leading, driving, trailing or load bearing wheels there are. For more, select the arrow above.
XPT
An Australian high speed train with diesel power units at each end similar to the BR Intercity 125 trains seen in the UK. These trains were specifically adapted for Australian conditions, and were introduced in New South Wales in 1982.
'Y' Point
A turnout in the shape of a letter 'Y'; A single track turning into two parallel tracks.
Zoo Keeper
A nickname for a railwayman or woman checking tickets at station barriers.
Z Stop
A comfort stop for passengers travelling in a train not fitted with lavatories.