Glossary of terms used in these pages

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English-Spanish Spanish-English

Spanish, like English, is not a single homogeneous language. Different words can be used in different places to express the identical concept. The same word can have very different meanings in different countries. For instance, the word hacienda in Argentina (in the context of railways) means livestock; however, its usual meaning in Mexico is something like stately home. Technical terms may be specific to individual railways.

Where the word is specific, but not necessarily uniquely, to a country or railway there is an abbreviation indicating the source of the word.

English / Spanish

COUPLINGS
automatic coupling = el enganche automático (RFIRT) (knuckle implied)
buckeye or MCB coupler = el acoplador (tipo) puño
buffer = el paragolpe = el tope (Uru.)
chopper coupling = el acoplador (tipo) hacha
coupling = el acople
coupling hook = el gancho (between buffers on buffer beam)
knuckle coupling = el acoplador (tipo) puño = el ganche mandíbula = la mandíbula (Uru.)
link and pin coupling = el acoplador (tipo) anillo y perno = el enganche a cadena (Arg.)
rotating coupling = el acoplador giratorio (for tippler wagons)
screw coupling = el tornillo (Uru.) (between buffers on buffer beam) = el enganche a rosca (Arg.)
three link coupling = la cadena a eslabón

LINES & ROUTES
additional line = la vía auxiliadora (RFIRT) (a line which is not a running line) = la vía auxiliar (RFIRT)
block section = sección de bloqueo
construction = la construcción (this may be used to describe both the process of constructing and the thing which has been constructed)
construction works = las obras
crossover = la interconexión (invented for these pages)
crossing place = el apartadero (RFIRT) (On this railway where there are two running lines: the main line is bi- directional; the secondary running line may be bi-directional)
curve = la curva
descent = la bajada
distance (in kilometres) = el kilometraje
down line = la vía descendente, (defined as direction of decreasing mileage)
gradient = la pendiente
level crossing = el paso a nivel
main line = la vía primera (Arg + RFIRT) = la vía principal (Arg +RFIRT) (the line which joins the stations and passes through them; the running of the trains on it is governed by rules and signals)
network (of routes) = la red, eg. la Red Norte (Chile)
permanent way = la vía permanente
radius = el radio
railway = el ferrocarril = la vía férrea
running line = la vía de tráfico (RFIRT)
second (running) line = la vía segunda (RFIRT) (at stations and crossing places)
section = el tramo (Chile)
shunting yard = patio = playa de maniobras (Arg.)
siding = el desvío (an additional line used for shunting or the parking of vehicles, exceptionally it may be used for the crossing of trains; it may be of such a length that it would be considered a branch line - the airfield siding at Puerto Madryn was 4km long and there was one in the north of Argentina no less than 101 km long!)
single track = la vía sencilla
subsidiary line = la vía auxiliadora (RFIRT)
third (running) line (not siding) = la vía tercera (at stations and crossing places)
triangle, or wye = tríangulo
up line = la vía ascendente, (defined as direction of increasing mileage)
wye, or triangle = tríangulo

LOCOMOTIVE DEPOT
engine shed = el depósito = el galpón de máquinas = la casa de máquinas (Chile)
round house = la casa redonda = la remesa
shed = el galpón
turntable = la giratoria = la mesa giratoria = la placa giratoria = la plataforma giratoria = el puente giratorio = la tournamesa (Chile)
water crane = la punta de agua = la toma de agua = la grúa de agua
water stand = el agua (Cent. Am.) (feminine gender)
water tank = el agua (Cent. Am.) (feminine gender) = el tanque de agua
workshops = los talleres (Arg.) = la maestranza (Chile)

LOCOMOTIVES
assisting engine = la locomotora auxiliadora (RFIRT) (whether located between the train engine and the train or at the rear pushing) = la locomotora auxilio (RFIRT)
boiler pressure = la presión de caldera (200 psi = 14.1 kg/mm2)
brake, air = el freno Westinghouse (Arg.) = el freno al aire comprimido
brake shoe = la zapata de freno
brake, vacuum = el freno al vacío
bunker = el pañol (for coal or wood; usually in a ship) = el tanque de combustible (fuel oil) = el tender (sometimes, by extension from separate tender)
cab = la casilla
carrying wheel = la rueda portador (not bogie wheel)
cattle guard = el miriñaque (Arg + Chile) (literally crinoline!)
chassis = la viga
coal = el carbon
coupled wheel = la rueda acoplada
cow catcher = el miriñaque (Arg + Chile)
cylinders = los cilindros
diesel fuel = el aceite diesel (Cent. Am.)
driving wheel = la rueda acoplada = la rueda propulsora
engine = la locomotora = la máquina
exploratory engine = la locomotora exploradora (RFIRT) a light engine sent out into an occupied section to look for a train, or a rake of wagons, whose whereabouts is unknown)
firebox = el fogón = la caja de fuego
footplate = el estribo
head light (strobe) = la baliza
headlamp = el reflector
horsepower = caballo vapor
light engine = la locomotora sola (may be more than one engine coupled together and may include one, or more, brake vans attached)
locomotive jack = el gato de locomotora (RFIRT) (probably a traversing screw jack of perhaps 15 tons capacity)
mainframe = el bastidor = la viga
pilot (USA) = el miriñaque (Arg + Chile) (literally crinoline!)
putting steam loco into reverse to brake the train = el contravapor
running plate = el estribo
safety valve = la válvula de securidad (invented for these pages)
sand box = el arenero = el cajón de arena
smoke box = la caja de humo / humos = el humero
snow plough = la reja quitanieves
steam release valve = el robinete
superheater = recalentador (literally 're-heater')
superheating = sobrecalefacción (Arg.)
tractive effort/force = fuerza de tracción
train engine = la locomotora titular (RFIRT) (located at the very front of the train, in front of any assisting engine)
traversing jack = el gato para mover al lado = el gato traslador (invented for these pages)
wheel arrangement = la esquema de ruedas = el rodado = el rodaje
whistle = el pito
works' number = el número de fábrica

MISCELLANEOUS
Enginemens' union (ASLEF equivalent) = la Fraternidad (Arg)
assets = los bienes (RFIRT)
in bulk (loose, not in containers) = a granel
colliery arch = la viga castillo (RFIRT)
colony = la colonia (Arg., eg. Colonia Sarmiento; settlement in unoccupied territory established by, or with consent of, the government)
company = la empresa, la compañía
concession (eg. to operate a railway) = la concesión
concrete = el hormigón
dam = el dique
decree (of government) = el decreto (Arg.)
design = el plano
district, (suburb, neighbourhood (USA)) = el barrio
electric battery = la batería (RFIRT) = la pila (Arg)
engineering work = la obra de arte (e.g. bridge)
event = la novedad (RFIRT)
fare = el pasaje
first aid box = el botiquín
mine gallery or tunnel = la galería
gas producer = el hizagas
incident = la novedad (RFIRT)
livestock = el ganado (Arg.) = la hacienda (Arg.)
law = la ley
lorry = el camión
masonry = la mampostería
mineral = el mineral
Ministry of Public Works = Ministerio de Obras Publicas (Arg.)
occurrence = la novedad (RFIRT)
outcrop (of rock or ore) = el afloramiento
packaging = el embalaje
padlock = el canado
petrol = la bencina (Chile) = la nafta (Arg.)
plan (ie map) = el plano
road motor coach service = la línea automotora Pullman (FC Central del Chubut, Arg.)
mine shaft = el pique, or if inclined = la chimenea inclineda
stores = los materiales
tap = la canilla
third party = el tercero
ticket (for pasenger) = el boleto (Arg.)
ton/tonne (weight) = tonelada; long ton = tonelada inglesa, short ton = tonelada de los EEUU.mine tunnel or gallery = la galería
ventilation shaft or tunnel for mine = el chiflón
wool = la lana
works tram = la zorra (tramway)
wrought iron = el hierro forjado

OPERATION (OF TRAINS)
bad visibility = la mala visibilidad (RFIRT) (defined as visibility of less than 200 metres)
ballast train = el tren de trabajo
banked (train) = la doble tracción
breakdown train = el tren de auxilio
delay = el retraso
diagrammed service = el servicio diagramado (RFIRT) (that is, one operating to the timetable contained within the current working timetable)
double headed = la doble tracción
fly shunting = la maniobra volante (RFIRT) (that is, when a locomotive pulling a rake of wagons is uncoupled from them while in motion and passes through facing points in a different direction to that of the following wagons)
interchange (of passengers at a junction) = la combinación
mist = la neblina (defined as visibility of less than 200 metres)
rough shunt = la maniobra brusca
running-over = el arrollamiento (of livestock or person)
shunting = las maniobras
speed restriction = la precaución (Arg + RFIRT)
train control office = el Movimiento (more fully: la Oficina de Movimiento Seccional) = oficina de control de trenes
passenger train conveying vehicles for several different destinations or branch lines = el tren combinación
hurricane force winds = el viento huracanado (Arg., of great importance to train operation in Patagonia!)
walking pace = a paso de hombre

OPERATION (COMMERCIAL / STAFF)
bale (of wool) = el bulto
bill of lading = la carta de porte
charge (for conveying freight) = el flete
expenses = los gastos
freightage = el flete
improvised service = el servicio programado (RFIRT) (that is, one operating to suit the exigencies of traffic through lack of a current working time table)
income = el producido
journey = el viaje
livestock = la hacienda (Arg)
locum = el reemplazante (RFIRT) (person undertaking those duties at the particular time)
on duty = de turno (RFIRT) = en servicio (RFIRT) (when working a shift system)
packet = la encomienda
parcel = la encomienda
ship or vessel = el buque
shipping line = la compañia naviera
shipping service = la vía marítima
shunter = el cambista
timetable = el horario (RFIRT) (that part of the working time table which specifies the class, direction, number and running of the trains)
tonne (or ton according to context) = la tonelada
way bill = la foja de ruta (RFIRT)
weighing machine = la báscula
working timetable = el itinerario de trenes (RFIRT) (a printed document which contains the timetable, together with information concerning the running and dealing with trains)

POINTS/SWITCHES
(point) blade = la aguja
catch point = la trampa
clearance post or point = la estaca del cambio (RFIRT) (indicating the point beyond which vehicles on two converging lines will foul each other) = la estaca de libranza (RFIRT)
crossing nose, vee or frog = la encrucijada
facing points = el cambio de punta (RFIRT)
hand points = el cambio a mano (RFIRT)
point lock at in-section siding operated by train staff = la cerradura de gaveta
points with a facing point lock = las agujas de securidad
points without a facing point lock = las agujas simples
position indicator for points = el indicador de cambio
sprung points = el cambio a resorte (this does not necessarily involve the use of springs, but more usually by a hand lever weighted to self park in one position only, unlike the usual arrangement where it will self park in either position)
trailing points = el cambio de talón (RFIRT)

RAILWAY OR ROUTE TITLES
EFEA = Empresa Ferrocarriles del Estado Argentina = Argentine State Railways Company, ie the official name for the nationalised railway network after 1948. Later the less official term 'Ferrocarriles Argentinos' was popularly used.
FCAF = Ferrocarril Austral Fueguino = lit. Southern Fueguinian Railway, ie. the modern 50cm tourist line at Ushuaia.
FCCC = Ferrocarril Central del Chubut. NB In Spanish this should really be abbreviated 'FCCCh' as 'Ch' counts as a separate single letter in Spanish. However the railway management always used the English abbreviation FCCC. Nota bene : La gerencia del 'FCCCH' usaba la abreviatura FCCC en sus escritos y para identificación sobre los vagones y locomotoras. La voz galesa o inglesa tiene la cuarta letra del abecedario como la 'd' no la 'ch' como castellano en aquel tiempo.
FCE = Ferrocarril del Estado, Argentina, y Chile también. = State Railways, in both Argentina and Chile.
FCGR = Ferrocarril General Roca, ie. the title given in 1948 to the division of the EFEA incorporating the former FC Sud and the former FCE lines to Bariloche, Esquel and Coronel Sosa.
FCP = Ferrocarril Patagónico = Patagonian Railway(s), ie the two isolated broad gauge lines and the ex FCCC from 1948 until their takeover by the FC General Roca a few years later.
FCPV = Ferrocarril de Península Valdés = Peninsula Valdes railway, ie. the salt line to Pto. Piramides.
FCS = Ferrocarril Sud = Southern Railway, or more formally in English the Buenos Aires Great Southern Railway Company.
RCR-CS = Ramal Comodoro Rivadavia a Colonia Sarmiento = term used here for the Comodoro Rivadavia - Sarmiento broad gauge line.
RFIEP = Ramal Ferro Industrial Eva Perón = Eva Peron Industrial Railway Line.The original name for the Rio Turbio coal line until President Peron's fall from office in the mid 1950s. El nombre original del RFIRT (abajo).
RFIRT = Ramal Ferro Industrial Río Turbio = Rio Turbio Industrial Railway Line.
RIJ-E = Ramal de Ingeniero Jacobacci a Esquel
RPD-CLH = Ramal Puerto Deseado a Colonia Las Heras
RSA-SCB = Ramal Viedma a San Antonio Oeste y San Carlos de Bariloche

ROLLING STOCK (PARTS OF VEHICLES)
archbar truck or diamond frame bogie = el boguie de forma diamante
axlebox = la caja de lubricación = la caja para punta de eje = la caja de ejes
berth (bed in sleeping coach) = la litera = la cama (Arg.)
birdcage roof = el techo jaulón (invented for the purposes of these pages)
bogie/truck = el boguie (it is also often spelt 'bogie')
braked axle = el eje frenado
brake hose = la manga de freno
brake rigging = la timonería de freno (excludes brake shoes)
buffer beam = el montaje acoplador
buffer front face = el platillo
clerestory roof = el techo con claraboya
diamond frame bogie or archbar truck = el boguie de forma diamante
end balcony of coach? = la platina
fall plate? = la platina
monitor roof = el techo catedral (invented for the purposes of these pages)
roller bearing = el rodamiente
sleeping compartment = el compartimiento or el camarote
spare part = el repuesto
tail lamp of train = la señal de cola
truck/bogie = el boguie (it is also often spelt 'bogie')
washing compartment = el lavatorio
WC compartment = la letrina
wheel = la rueda
wheel flange? = la ceja = la pestaña
wheel tread = la huella

ROLLING STOCK (VEHICLES)
baggage car = el furgón de equipajes
box car (USA) or covered van = vagón cubierto
box van = el furgón
brake van = el furgón = el furgón (RFIRT - sole meaning) = el furgón de cola (FC Patagónico) = el furgón de freno
container = el contenedor
final vehicle = el colero (RFIRT) (of block train; painted distinctively, red and white vertical bands and carrying the appropriate end-of-train signals)
flat wagon = el carro plano (Chile) = vagón plataforma (Arg.)
flat wagon for containers = la chata contenedor (modern containers)
flat wagon with no or very low sides = la plataforma
guard's compartment = el furgón (in a passenger coach)
high-sided open wagon = vagón cajón
hopper wagon = la tolva
inspection saloon = el coche reservado (locomotive hauled)
livestock wagon = el vagón-jaula = el vagón hacienda (Arg.)
loading gauge = el gálibo (RFIRT) (dimensions thereof)
low-sided open wagon = vagón medio-cajón
luggage compartment = compartimiento para equipajes = also 'el furgón' in Arg. when no special furgón vehicle is in the train
mine tub = el vagon (Mex.) (no accent)
motor trolley = la zorra (RFIRT) (usually; which can readily be removed from the track by its own crew)
officers' saloon = el coche reservado (locomotive hauled)
parcels van = furgón de equipajes; but in Arg. vagón de equipajes = higher quality parcels van with vacuum brake, passenger bogies/trucks and steam heating pipe.
railcar = el bus carril (Chile) = el ferrobus (Bol.) = el coche motor (Arg.)
railcar, small = el auto de vía
rake (of wagons) = el corte
road-rail vehicle = el satelite (RFIRT)
rolling stock = el material rodante
self propelled insection vehicle = el auto de vía (like a Wyckham or Fairmont trolley)
sleeping car = el coche dormitorio
tipper wagon = el vagón volcador
track bicycle = el velocípedo
van = el cubierto (RFIRT) = el furgón
wagon = el carro (Mex) = el vagón (Arg)

SIGNALS
Note that terms marked * all relate to traditional British signalling practice.
advanced (starting) signal* = la señal de avanzada
back light of signal = la contraluz
block section* = la sección block
burner, of oil or acetylene lamp = el mechero
calling-on signal* = la señal de llamada
cane = la caña (for attaching wires of portable telephone to overhead wires of line side telephone)
colour light signal = la señal luminosa
detonator = el pertardo
distant signal* = la señal de distancia
dwarf signal* = la señal enana
engine horn (sound) = la bocina
engine whistle (sound) = el silbato
fixed signal* = la señal fija
fixed distant in off position = el disco chico (RFIRT) (= literally 'small disc'; small disc placed below a disco de aproximación signal to indicate that the train need not stop at the entrance points to a stations as required by the disco de aproximación signal)
fixed distant in on position = el disco de aproximación (RFIRT) (= literally 'approach disc'; fixed signal indicating that the train must stop at the entrance points to the station unless otherwise given a signal at that location)
fixed stop signal = el cuadro absoluto (RFIRT) (= literally 'absolute square'; located at entrance to station (home = grande) or at exit from siding (starting = chico)
flag (for signalling) = la banderita
fog signal = el pertardo
fog signalman = el petardero
ground frame = el marco de palancas
hand bell = la campanilla
hand lamp = el farol = el farol de mano
home signal* = la señal de entrada
instruction board = el tablero
(locomotive) bell = la campana
(man's) arm = el brazo
signal lever collar (to remind signalman not to clear signal as it is protecting a train = el cuello de hierro
el mechero = burner, of oil lamp
movable signal = la señal movible
(mouth) whistle = el pito
pole = el palo (numbered from 1 each kilometre and used to make mileage location more precise)
repeater signal* = el repetidor
semaphore signal = el semáforo
shunt to siding signal* = la señal de entrada a desvío
shunting signal* = la señal de maniobra
(signal) arm* = el brazo
signal box/cabin/tower = el cabín (Arg) = la cabina (Arg) = la caseta = la casilla (de señales) (alternative nomenclatures; the particular form used will depend on the particular pre-nationalization railway on which it is / was located)
signal lamp = el farol de señal
signal lever = la palanca
signalman = el señalero
signal post = el mástil
staff, ie. for single line working = el bastón
starting signal* =la señal de salida
tail lamp of train = la señal de cola
Line clear = vía libre, on RFIRT elevated to 'Vía Libre' system of permissive block working
wrong road working signal* = la señal que autoriza a correr por vía contraria

STAFF/PERSONNEL
blacksmith = el herrero
brakeman = el guardafreno
conductor = el práctico (literally the ship's pilot; ie. the person who knows the road and advises the engine driver who doesn't)
conductor = el conductor (RFIRT) (the person who is in charge of the running of a train, he is generally the same person as the engine driver)
conductor (USA) = el conductor (Cent. Am.)
crew = la dotación
crossing keeper = el guardabarrera
employee = el agente
engine driver = el maquinista
engineer (USA) = el maquinista
engineer (professional) = el ingeniero
foreman = el capataz
guard = el guardatrén (RFIRT) (who controls the braking of an train not fitted with continuous brakes) = el guarda
handsignalman = el cambista (RFIRT)
labourer = el peón
lengthman = el peón (de vía)
locomotive fireman = el fogonero = el foguista
PW ganger = el capataz de cuadrilla
PW squad = la cuadrilla de vía
PW sub-ganger = el segundo capataz de cuadrilla
railwayman = el ferroviario
shunter = el agujero? = el cambista (Arg.) = el garrotero (Mex.)? = el palanquero (Chile)
squad = la dotación
station assistant = el auxiliar (de estación) (RFIRT) (performs duties something like a station master, but rotates amongst the station staff three monthly where there are more than one appointed to a particular station)
station master = el jefe de estación
steamraiser in a loco shed = el vaporista (Arg.)
stoker = el fogonero = el foguista
superintendent = el superintendente, eg. Superintendente Seccional Trafico
telegraph linesman = el guardahilo
wagon examiner = el revisador de vehículos

STATIONS
end loading ramp = la rampa de punta
halt = el apeadero = la parada
notice board = el tablero
pen for livestock = el corral
shed = el galpon
side loading ramp = la rampa de costado
sign board = el tablero
station in advance = la estación de adelante (RFIRT)
station in the rear = la estación de atrás (RFIRT)
(station) name board = el nomenclado
(station) platform = la plataforma (more old fashioned term), = el anden (more modern term)
ticket office = la boletería (Arg)
unstaffed station = el apeadero
unstaffed station dealing with passengers = la parada
unstaffed station = el embarcadero (station with restricted facilities, but more than a halt)
wagon tippler = el equipo vuelca vagones (RFIRT)
waiting room = la sala de espera

TRACK (see also POINTS/SWITCHES)
60 cm gauge = la vía decauville
75 cm gauge = la trocha económica (Patagonia) = la vía angosta (Cent. Am.)
broad gauge = la trocha ancha
buffer stop = la marmita
cant = el peralte
catch point = el detentor
checkrail, eg. at points/switch or through/over bridge = el contracarril
chock = la calzada (RFIRT)
clamp (for points) = la grampa
dual gauge = la bitrocha = la vía mixta (Cent. Am.)
fishplate = la eclisa = la junta para riel = la planchuela
gauge = la trocha
gradient = la pendiente
level crossing barrier = la barrera
flange lubricator = el lubricador de pestañas (NB pestaña usual means eyelash!)
metre gauge = la trocha metrica = la trocha angosta (Arg.)
narrow gauge = la trocha angosta
position indicator for points = el indicador de cambio
rail joint = la junta de rieles
scotch block = la calzada (RFIRT)
standard gauge = la vía ancha (Cent. Am.)
superelevation = el peralte
track jack = el gato de vía (RFIRT) (probably a ratchet jack of perhaps 5 tons capacity)
wheel stop = la calzada (RFIRT)

Spanish / English

la acción = share. ie in a company
el aceite diesel (Cent Am) = diesel fuel
el acoplador giratorio = rotating coupling (invented for these pages)
el acoplador (tipo) hacha = chopper coupling (invented for these pages)
el acoplador (tipo) puño = knuckle coupling, buck eye coupling (invented for the purposes of these pages)
el acoplador (tipo) anillo y perno = link and pin coupling (invented for the purposes of these pages)
el acople = alternative nomenclature for acoplador
el afloramiento = outcrop of rock or ore
el agente = agent, employee, policeman
el agua (Cent. Am.) = water stand or water tank, presumably abbreviated from el tanque de agua, el punte de agua or el tome de agua
el aguja = (point) blade (feminine gender)
las agujas de securidad = points with a facing point lock
las agujas simples = points without a facing point lock
el aire comprimido = compressed air
la alcantarilla = culvert
el almacén = store (as in workshops); grocer's shop
el andén = station platform (modern term)
el apartadero (RFIRT) = crossing place; with two running lines: the main line is bi- directional; the secondary running line may be bi-directional
el apeadero = halt, unstaffed station
la arena = sand
el arenero = sandbox
el arrollamiento = running-over (of livestock or person)
el arroyo = small stream
el aserradero = sawmill
el auto de vía = small railcar, self propelled insection vehicle (like a Wyckham or Fairmont trolley)
el auxiliar (de estación) (RFIRT) = station assistant; performs duties something like a station master, but rotates amongst the station staff three monthly where there are more than one appointed to a particular station

la bajada = slope, gradient
el balasto = (railway) ballast
la baliza = (strobe) head light
la banderita = flag
la barrera = level crossing barrier
el barrio = district, suburb, neighbourhood (USA)
la báscula = weighing machine, weighbridge
el bastidor = mainframe
el bastón = train staff
la batería (RFIRT) = electric battery (in Arg. more usually la pila)
el bebedero = cattle drinking trough at station
la bencina (Chile) = petrol
la bitrocha (Arg) = mixed gauge
los bienes (RFIRT) = assets
la bodega (Chile) = storage shed
la bocina = engine horn
el boguie = bogie/truck
el boguie de forma diamante = diamond frame bogie/archbar truck
la boletería (Arg) = ticket office
el boleto (Arg) = ticket
el borde alto (Arg) = high sided wagon
el botiquín = first aid box
el brazo = (signal) arm, (man's) arm
el brete = cattle loading ramp
el bulto = bale (eg. of wool)
el buque = vessel or ship
el bus carril (Chile) = railcar

el cabín (Arg.) = signal box
la cabina (Arg.) = alternative nomenclature for cabín; the particular form used will depend on the particular pre-nationalization railway on which it is/was located
la cadena a eslabón = three link coupling
la caja de humos = smoke box
la caja de lubricación = axlebox
la caja de ejes = axlebox
la caja para punta de eje = axlebox
el (vagón) cajón (Chile and Arg.) = high sided wagon
el cajón de arena = sand box
la caldera = boiler
la calzada (RFIRT) = wheel stop, chock
la cama = bed
el camarero = sleeping car attendant
el cambio a mano (RFIRT) = hand points
el cambio a resorte = sprung points; this does not necessarily involve the use of springs, but more usually by a hand lever weighted to self park in one position only, unlike the usual arrangement where it will self park in either position
el cambio de punta (RFIRT) = facing points
el cambio de talón (RFIRT) = trailing points
el cambista (Arg) = shunter
el cambista (RFIRT) = handsignalman
el camión = lorry/road truck
la campana = bell
la campanilla = hand bell
la canilla = tap
el candado = padlock
la caña = cane (for attaching wires of portable telephone to line side telephone overhead wires)
el cañadón = gorge or canyon
el capataz = forman
el capataz de cuadrilla = PW ganger
el carro (Mex.) = wagon
el carro frutero = banana wagon (Cent. Am.)
el carro plano (Chile) = flat wagon
la carta de porte = bill of lading
la casa de máquinas (Chile) = engine shed
la casa redonda = round house
la caseta = signal box; see note at cabina
la casilla = locomotive cab (Arg.)
la casilla (de señales) = signal box; see note at cabina
la ceja = (wheel) flange
el cemento = cement
la cerradura de gaveta = point lock at in-section siding operated by train staff
el cilindro = cylinder
la ciudad = town, city
la clase unica = classless passenger accomodation
el coche = coach
el coche dormitorio = sleeping carriage
el coche motor = motor coach or railcar
el coche reservado = officers' saloon, inspection saloon (locomotive hauled)
el colero (RFIRT) = final vehicle of block train; painted distinctively (red and white vertical bands) and carrying the appropriate end-of-train signals
la colonia = colony (Arg., eg. Colonia Sarmiento; settlement in unoccupied territory established by, or with consent of, the government)
la combinación = interchange (of passengers at a junction)
la compañía = company
la compañia naviera = shipping company, shipping line
el compartimiento = compartment
la concesión = concession (eg. to operate a railway)
el conductor (RFIRT) = conductor; the person who is in charge of the running of a train, he is generally the same person as the engine driver
la construcción = construction (this may be used to describe both the process of constructing and the thing which has been constructed)
el contenedor = container
el contracarril = checkrail, eg. over/through bridge or at points/switch
la contraluz = back light (of signal)
el contravapor = putting steam engine into reverse to act as brake
el corral = pen for livestock
el corte = rake (of wagons)
la cremallera = rack (railway), or occasionally a rope worked incline
la cruce de trenes = process of two trains passing on a single track railway
la cuadrilla de vía = PW squad
el cuadro absoluto (RFIRT) = literally absolute square; fixed stop signal located at entrance to station (grande) or at exit from siding (chico); corresponding roughly in UK practice to fixed home and starting signals respectively
el (vagón) cubierto (Arg.) = covered wagon or van
el cuello de hierro = signal lever collar (to remind signalman not to clear signal as it is protecting a train.
la curva = curve
cv = caballo vapor = horsepower

la chacra = a land holding or division; in Chubut it is used to describe the Welsh farms of 100 hectares each.
la chata contenador = flat wagon for containers (modern containers)
el chiflón = mine ventilation shaft or drift
la chimenea inclineda = sloping mine shaft for ventilation or haulage

decauville = system of light, temporary lines, cf 'Jubilee track', used in construction of public works, from the French Decauville company.
el decreto = decree ie. of government
el depósito = engine shed
en depósito = in storage (out of use)
el desvío = siding; an additional line used for shunting or the parking of vehicles, exceptionally it may be used for the crossing of trains; it may be of such a l ength that it would be considered a branch line - the airport siding at Puerto Madryn was 4km long and I've read of one in the north of no less than 101 km long!
el desvío de cruce = passing/crossing loop
el detentor = catch point
el dique = dam, reservoir
el disco chico (RFIRT) = literally 'small disc'; small disc placed below a disco de aproximación signal to indicate that the train need not stop at the entrance points to a stations as required by the disco de aproximación signal; corresponding roughly in UK practice to a fixed distant signal in the off position
el disco de aproximación (RFIRT) = literally 'approach disc'; fixed signal indicating that the train must stop at the entrance points to the station unless otherwise given a signal at that location; corresponding roughly in UK practice to a fixed distant signal in the on position
la doble tracción = double headed or banked
los dormitorios = bedrooms (sleeping coach)
la dotación = complement, crew, squad
la draga = dredger, eg. for gold
el dueño = the proprietor
el durmiente, de acero, de quebracho = steel / quebracho sleeper/crosstie

la eclisa = fishplate
el edificio = building
EFEA = Empresa Ferrocarriles del Estado Argentina = Argentine State Railways Company, ie the official name for the nationalised railway network after 1948. Later the less official term 'Ferrocarriles Argentinos' was popularly used.
el eje = axle
el eje acoplado = coupled axle
el eje frenado = braked axle
el embalaje = packaging
el embalse = reservoir
el embarcadero = unstaffed station, station with restricted facilities, but more than a halt; offers limited passenger and goods service
la empresa = undertaking, company
la encomienda = parcel, packet
la encrucijada = crossing nose or vee; frog in US or modelling usage
el enganche automático (RFIRT) = automatic coupling (knuckle)
el enganche a cadena (Arg.) = link and pin coupling
el enganche a rosca (Arg.) = screw coupling
el equipaje = luggage
la esquema de ruedas = wheel arrangement
el equipo vuelca vagones (RFIRT) = wagon tippler
la especificación = specifications
la estaca del cambio (RFIRT) = clearance post; indicating the point beyond which vehicles on two converging lines will foul each other
el estaca de libranza (RFIRT) = alternative nomenclature for estaca del cambio
la estación de adelante (RFIRT) = station in advance
la estación de atrás (RFIRT) = station in the rear
la estancia = large stock rearing farm, cf Australian sheep station
la estadística = statistics
el estanque = tank
el estribo = running plate, footplate
la explotación = operation, working, only rarely exploitation

el fabricante = maker, eg. Sharp Stewart, Henschel etc.
el farol, el farol de mano = hand lamp
el farol de señal = light (of signal)
FCAF = Ferrocarril Austral Fueguino = lit. Southern Fueguinian Railway, ie. the modern 50cm tourist line at Ushuaia.
FCCC = Ferrocarril Central del Chubut. NB In Spanish this should really be abbreviated 'FCCCh' as 'Ch' counts as a separate single letter in Spanish. However the railway management always used the English abbreviation FCCC. Nota bene : La gerencia del 'FCCCH' usaba la abreviatura FCCC en sus escritos y para identificación sobre los vagones y locomotoras. La voz galesa o inglesa tiene la cuarta letra del abecedario como la ëdí no la "ch" como castellano en aquel tiempo.
FCE = Ferrocarril del Estado, Argentina, y Chile también. = State Railways, in both Argentina and Chile.
FCGR = Ferrocarril General Roca, ie. the title given in 1948 to the division of the EFEA incorporating the former FC Sud and the former FCE lines to Bariloche, Esquel and Coronel Sosa.
FCP = Ferrocarril Patagónico = Patagonian Railway(s), ie the two isolated broad gauge lines and the ex FCCC from 1948 until their takeover by the FC General Roca a few years later.
FCPV = Ferrocarril de Península Valdés = Peninsula Valdes railway, ie. the salt line to Pto. Piramides.
FCS = Ferrocarril Sud = Southern Railway, or more formally in English the Buenos Aires Great Southern Railway Company.
el ferrobus (Bol) = railcar
el ferrocarril = railway
el ferroviario = railwayman
el fogón = fire box
el fogonero = locomotive fireman
el foguista = alternative nomenclature for fogonero
la foja de ruta = way bill
la Fraternidad (Arg.) = ASLEF in UK (roughly), ie locomen's union
el flete = freightage, charge for conveying freight
el freno al aire comprimido = air brake
el freno al vacío = vacuum brake
el freno Westinghouse (Arg.) = air brake
el frigorífico = meat freezing plant
la fuerza = force/power, eg. fuerza motriz = motive force or power
la fuerza de tracción = tractive effort
el furgón = van or box van or brake van, or sometimes a luggage compartment in passenger coach or guard's compartment in a passenger coach especially when a special vehicle for that purpose is not present
el furgón (RFIRT) = brake van (sole meaning)
el furgón de cola (FC Patagónico) = brake van
el furgón de equipajes = baggage car (USA), or luggage van/parcels van?
el furgón de freno = brake van
el furgón postal = postal van

la galería = mine tunnel or gallery
el gálibo (RFIRT) = loading gauge (dimensions thereof)
el galpón = shed
el galpón de esquila = sheep shearing shed on estancia
el galpón de máquinas = engine shed
el ganado (Arg) = livestock
los gastos = expenses
a granel = in bulk, loose (not in containers)
el ganche mandíbula = knuckle coupling, ie. buckeye/MCB coupling
el gancho = coupling hook (between buffers on buffer beam)
el garrotero (Mex.) = shunter?
los gastos (de explotación) = operating expenses excluding financial charges (producido - gastos = net operating revenue)
el gato para mover al lado = traversing jack (invented for these pages)
el gato traslador = traversing jack (invented for these pages)
el gato de vía (RFIRT) = track jack; probably a ratchet jack of perhaps 5 tons capacity
el gato de locomotora (RFIRT) = locomotive jack; probably a traversing screw jack of perhaps 15 tons capacity
gentileza + name = courtesy of + name
la giratoria = turntable
la grampa = clamp (for points)
la grasería = meat rendering plant, eg. to extract grease
la grúa = crane
la grúa de agua = water crane
el guarda = guard
el guardabarrera = crossing keeper
el guardahilo = telegraph linesman
el guardatrén (RFIRT) = guard; who controls the braking of an train not fitted with continuous brakes
el guardafreno = brakeman
el guinche a vapor, o a mano = steam / hand winch (or sometimes crane)

la hacienda (Arg) = livestock (in Mex. = stately home!)
el herrero = blacksmith
el hierro forjado = wrought iron
el hizagas = gas producer
el horario (RFIRT) = time table; that part of the working time table which specifies the class, direction, number and running of the trains
el hormigón = concrete
la huella = (wheel) tread
el humero = smokebox

el indicador de cambio = position indicator for points
el ingeniero = professional engineer (not engine driver as in USA)
el ingenio = a sugar mill; or processing plant for crops
la interconexión = crossover (invented for the purposes of these pages)
el itinerario de trenes (RFIRT) = working timetable; a printed document which contains the timetable, together with information concerning the running and management of trains
la inversión = investment

el jefe de estación = station master
la junta para riel = fishplate
la junta de rieles = rail joint
la junta sin eclisa = early form of rail joint on the FC Central Argentine without fishplates

el kilometraje = distance in kilometres

la lana = wool
el lavatorio = washing compartment
la letrina = WC compartment
la ley = law
la línea automotora Pullman = road motor coach service (Arg.)
la locomotora auxiliadora (RFIRT) = assisting engine; whether located between the train engine and the train or at the rear pushing
la locomotora auxilio (RFIRT) = alternative nomenclature for locomotora auxiliadora
la locomotora de patio (Chile) = shunting engine
la locomotora exploradora (RFIRT) = exploratory engine; a light engine sent out into an occupied section to look for a train, or a rake of wagons, whose whereabouts is unknown
la locomotora sola = light engine (may be more than one engine coupled together and may include one, or more, brake vans attached)
la locomotora titular (RFIRT) = train engine; located at the very front of the train in front of any assisting engine
el lubricador de pestañas = flange lubricator (NB for interest, pestaña usually means eyelash!)

llega = arrives

la maestranza (Chile) = locomotive workshop
la mala visibilidad (RFIRT) = bad visibility; defined as visibility of less than 200 metres
la mandíbula (Uru.) = knuckle coupling
las maniobras = shunting
la manga de freno = brake hose
la mampostería = masonry
la maniobra brusca = rough shunt
la maniobra volante (RFIRT) = fly shunting; that is, when a locomotive pulling a rake of wagons is uncoupled from them while in motion and passes through facing points in a different direction to that of the following wagons
la máquina = alternative nomenclature for locomotora
el maquinista = engine driver
el marco de palancas = ground frame (ie. signal levers in frame but not in a signal box)
la marmita = buffer stop
el mástil = signal post
los materiales = materials (not cloth), stores
el material rodante = rolling stock
el vagón medio-cajón = low-sided open wagon
la mesa giratoria = turntable
la meseta = flat-topped plateau (lit: table).
la milla = mile = 1.608km.
la mina (de carbon) = (coal) mine
el mineral = mineral
el Ministerio de Obras Publicas = Ministry of Public Works (Arg.)
el miriñaque (Arg + Chile) = cow catcher (UK), pilot (USA)
el mixto = mixed train (ie conveys both passenger and goods stock
el montaje acoplador = buffer beam
el 'Movimiento' = train control office (Arg.) (more fully: la Oficina de Movimiento Seccional)
el muelle = pier, wharf

la nafta (Arg.) = petrol
la neblina = mist (defined as visibility of less than 200 m)
el nomenclador = (station) name board
la novedad (RFIRT) = incident, event, occurrence
el número de fábrica = works or builder's number

la obra de arte = engineering work; e.g. bridge
las obras = (construction) works

la palanca = signal lever
el palanquero (Chile) = shunter
el palo = (telegraph) pole, numbered from 1 each kilometre and used to make mileage location more precise
la pampa = area of flat land (from Quechua, the language of the Incas)
el pañol = bunker for coal or wood (usually in ship)
la parada = halt; unstaffed station dealing with passengers
el paragolpe = buffer
la pasada de trenes = one train overtaking another
el pasaje = fare
el pasajero = passenger
el paso a nivel = level crossing
a paso de hombre = walking pace
el patio de maniobras (Chile) = shunting yard, sometimes abbreviated to el patio.
la pendiente = slope, bank or gradient
el peón = labourer, PW worker, surfaceman, lengthman, agricultural worker
el petardero = fog signalman
la playa = beach; also open space eg playa de estacionamiento = car park, playa de maniobras = shunting yard
la platina = end balcony of coach?? fall plate??
el peralte = cant, superelevation
el pertardo = detonator, fog signal
el peso adherente = adhesive weight
el peso propio = unladen weight
la pestaña = wheel flange?
el pique = mine shaft
el piso = deck/storey, eg. de dos pisos, de un piso = double/single deck, eg. in livestock wagons
el pito = mouth whistle, or loco whistle (Arg.)
la placa giratoria = turntable
el plano = plan, design
la plataforma = station platform (more old fashioned term) or flat wagon with no or very low sides
la plataforma giratoria = turntable
la planchuela = fishplate
el platillo = face of buffer
la playa de maniobras (Chile and Arg) = shunting yard
la población = village, population
el práctico = conductor (ie. person who knows the road and advises the engine driver who doesn't)
la precaución (Arg + RFIRT) = speed restriction
la presión de caldera = boiler pressure [200 psi = 14.1 kg/mm2]
el producido (= los productos de explotación = el producto de explotación) = gross operating revenue (as distinct from net)
el pueblo = village
el puente = bridge
el puente giratorio = turntable
el puerto = port
Pullman, see la línea automotora Pullman = road motor coach service (Arg.)
la punta de agua = water crane

el quebracho = extremely tough hardwood growing in the north of Argentina, sometimes known as ironwood; used for sleepers/cross-ties

el radio = radius
el ramal = branch line
la rampa de costado = side loading ramp
la rampa de punta = end loading ramp
el recalentador = superheater
la red = network eg. of railway routes, eg. la Red Norte de Chile
el reemplazante (RFIRT) = locum; person undertaking those duties at the particular time
el reflector = headlamp
la reja quitanieves = snow plough
la remesa = roundhouse
el repetidor = repeater signal
el repuesto = spare part
la residencia = living quarters
el retraso = delay
el revisador de vehículos = wagon examiner
RFIEP = Ramal Ferro Industrial Eva Perón = Eva Peron Industrial Railway Line.The original name for the Rio Turbio coal line until President Peron's fall from office in the mid 1950s.
RFIRT = Ramal Ferro Industrial Río Turbio = Rio Turbio Industrial Railway Line.
el riel, de hierro, de acero, = iron/steel rail
el robinete = steam release valve
el rodado = wheel arrangement
el rodaje = wheel arrangement
la rueda = wheel
la rueda acoplada = coupled wheel, driving wheel la rueda portador = carrying wheel (not bogie wheel)
la rueda propulsora = driving wheel
el rodamiente = roller bearing

la sala de espera = waiting room
sale = departs
la salina = salt flat
el satelite (RFIRT) = road-rail vehícle
la sección block = la sección de bloqueo = block section
el segundo capataz de cuadrilla = PW sub-ganger
el semáforo = (semaphore) signal
la señal de avanzada (Arg*) = advanced (starting) signal
la señal de cola (Arg*) = tail lamp of train
la señal de distancia (Arg*) = distant signal
la señal enana (Arg*) = dwarf signal
la señal de entrada (Arg*) = home signal
la señal de entrada a desvío (Arg*) = shunt to siding signal
el señalero = signalman
la señal fija (Arg*) = fixed signal
la señal luminosa (Arg*) = colour light signal
la señal de llamada (Arg*) = calling-on signal
la señal de maniobra (Arg*) = shunting signal
la señal movible (Arg*) = movable signal
la señal de salida (Arg*) = starting signal
la señal que autoriza a correr por vía contraria (Arg*) = wrong road working signal
*Note these terms all relate to traditional British signalling practice.
en servicio (RFIRT) = on duty (when working a shift system)
el servicio diagramado (RFIRT) = diagrammed service; that is, one operating to the time table contained within the current working time table
el servicio programado (RFIRT) = programmed service; that is, one operating to suit the exigencies of traffic through lack of a current working time table
el silbato = engine whistle
la sobrecalefacción = superheating (Arg.)
SA = sociedad anónima, ie. a limited company. See also Compañía Limitada, above.
la supercalefacción = superheating
el superintendente = superintendent, eg. Superintendente Seccional Trafico

el tablero = notice board or sign board
el taller = workshop
los talleres (Arg.) = locomotive workshops (series of shops with different functions, eg brass foundry, tin smith, painting, etc)
el tanque = tank
el tanque de combustible = fuel oil bunker
el techo catedral (invented for these pages) = used to mean clerestory (monitor) roof
el techo jaulón (invented for these pages) = used to mean a birdcage roof
el ténder = tender, or sometimes the bunker on a tank loco
el tercero = third party
el terraplén = embankment or cutting. (lit. ground plane).
la timonería de freno = brake rigging (excludes brake shoes)
la tolva = hopper wagon
la toma de agua = water crane
la tonelada = tonne, ton (depending on context).
el tope (Uru.) = buffer
la tornemesa (Chile) = turntable
el tornillo (Uru.) = screw coupling
el tramo (Chile) = section of line, branch line
la trampa = catch point
el tren de auxilio = breakdown train
el tren combinación = train with portions which will be detached en route to serve branch lines
el tren de trabajo = ballast train
el tríangulo = triangle, or wye (for turning engines)
la trocha = track gauge
la trocha ancha, = broad gauge (Arg.)
la trocha angosta = narrow gauge
la trocha económica (Patagonia) = 75 cm gauge
la trocha métrica = metre gauge
los trucks = trucks ie. wagons (Arg. archaic)
los tubos = tubes (of engine boiler)
de turno (RFIRT) = on duty (when working a shift system)

el vagón (Arg.) = wagon
el vagon (Mex.) (no accent) = four wheeled mine tub
el vagón de encomiendas = In Arg. a better quality parcels and luggage van with vacuum brake, passenger bogies/trucks and steam heating pipe. The less good ones without these features were 'furgones de encomiendas'
el vagón-jaula = livestock wagon
el vagón volcador = tipper wagon
el valle = valley
la válvula de securidad = safety valve (invented for these pages)
el vapor = steamer, steamship
el vaporista = a loco shed worker charged with raising steam on locos before the arrival of the crews (Arg.)
el vehículo = vehicle
el velocípedo = track bicycle
la vía ancha = standard gauge (Cent. Am.)
la vía angosta = narrow gauge (Cent. Am.)
la vía ascendente = up line (defined as direction of increasing mileage)
la vía auxiliadora (RFIRT) = additional / subsidiary line; a line which is not a running line
la vía auxiliar (RFIRT) = alternative nomenclature for vía auxiliadora; or station track other than a passing loop (Arg.)
la vía descendente = down line (defined as direction of decreasing mileage)
la vía de tráfico (RFIRT) = running line
la vía férrea = railway
la Vía Libre (RFIRT) = system of permissive block working
la vía marítima = shipping service
la vía mixta (Cent. Am.) = dual gauge
la vía permanente = track, or as in UK thepermanent way
la vía primera (Arg. + RFIRT) = main line; the line which joins the stations and passes through them; the running of the trains on it is governed by rules and signals
la vía principal (Arg +RFIRT) = alternative nomenclature for vía primera
la vía segunda (RFIRT) = second (running) line at stations and crossing places
la vía sencilla = single track
la vía tercera = third (running) line (not siding) at stations and crossing places
el viaje = journey
el viento (huracanado) = winds (of hurricane force) (which do cause serious problems for train operation in Patagonia)
la viga = mainframe, chassis
la viga castillo (RFIRT) = colliery arch
la villa = town

el wagón (Arg., but outdated) = wagon

el yacimiento = mineral deposit, mine, quarry; el yacimiento de turba = peat deposit or bog.

la zapata de freno = brake shoe
la zorra (RFIRT) = motor (usually) trolley; which can readily be removed from the track by its own crew
la zorra (tramway) = works tram

30-12-04

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