This resource page is intended to assist site visitors in answering their questions and learning more about trains and railroads, including railroad-
related hobbies and preservation efforts.
It relies on the vast online resources of Wikipedia to provide quick access to detailed information on many railroad topics. Just use the links below to locate easily the information that you need.
There are many excellent learning and research resources on the Internet. Few are as comprehensive as “The Free Encyclopedia” – Wikipedia.
The first link below will take you to a broad, general treatment of the subject of trains and railroading. Or, use any of the remaining links for more specific routing of your search.
Railroad Terminology: General Reference (everything from ALCO to Zig-Zag)
Railroads, Railways, Rail Transport (moving passengers, freight, etc. by rail)
Rapid Transit (subways, elevated systems, urban, light rail)
Steam Locomotive Classification: The Whyte Notation/System
BoxcarTank Car Hopper FlatcarGondolaCaboose
Railroad Construction:
Track Gauge RailTie Spike Ballast Fishplate
Switch (frog, points, turnouts, etc.) Siding
Cuts and Fills Maintenance Of Way
Railroad Communications:
Western Union Morse Code Teletype
Railroad Workers:
On Trains:EngineerConductorFireman (Boilerman)Brakeman
On The Ground: DispatcherStation AgentTrainmaster
Railroad Buildings:
Train Station (depot) Roundhouse
Rail Companies (North America): Class IClass IIClass III
Southern Pacific Railroad Amtrak
Railroad Hobbies, Recreations & Diversions:
Model Railroading Toy Trains Garden Railways
Railroad MuseumsPhotography, Trainspotting, Railfans
Tourist Railroads (including Heritage Railways, Railroad Preservation)