RAILROAD GLOSSARY Freight Rail Handbook Refrigerator Car A specially constructed box car, insulated and equipped with ice bunkers or baskets, or a mechanical cooling system and usually adapted for the installation of heating units, used primarily for the movement of commodities that need protection from heat or cold. Release Patron’s notice to the railroad that a car is loaded or unloaded and ready to be moved from his industry. Also a car that can be moved from one status to another (i.e., bad order to OK status). Rerailer A device connected to the track, used to return a derailed car onto the track. Restricted Equipment A shipment requiring specific operating handling procedures for safe movement. Reverse Route Returning a car the same route as shipped. Ribbon-Rail Term used to describe rail that has been welded together at the joints affecting a smoother ride. Right of Way In the strictest sense, land or water rights necessary for the roadbed and its accessories. However, it is now loosely used to describe property owned and/or operated over by a railroad. Roadbed The foundation on which a track and ballast rest. Rolling Stock Transportation equipment on wheels. Route Noun: The course or direction that a shipment moves. Verb: To designate the course or direction a shipment will move. Run-Around The term used to describe the move necessary if a car is to be set-out on a facing point siding. Engine cuts off and runs around train on nearest double-ended siding, couples to rear of train and switches cars into and out of siding as desired. A wye track or balloon track can do the same thing. Running Track A track designated in the timetable upon which movements may be made subject to prescribed signals and rules, or special instructions. OR A track reserved for movement through a yard. Scale Track A track on which a permanent scale is located. Also a storage track for cars needing to be weighed. Schedule That part of a timetable, which prescribes direction, number, frequency and times for movement of, scheduled trains. Schnabel Car A specially constructed car having two separable interlocking units that form the car body. Units may be separated and load interposed between and locked in place to form a complete unit. Serving Yard Location where cars are delivered to or received from customers. Set Out (AKA Set Off) Cars left at designated points by a train.