Definitions Relevant to Navy Rail Operations -Cont.

TIE. In track construction, the cross members to which the rails are attached.

TIE PLATES. Steel plates interposed between the rail and a tie.

TOFC/COFC. Trailer On Flat Car/Container On Flat Car.

TRACK CAR. Any equipment operated on track, such as motor car, hand car, trailer, or other

unit not on standard railcar trucks.

TRACK GAUGE. A device by which the gauge or width of a track is established or measured.

TRACK SWITCH. (See TURNOUT.)

TRACTION MOTOR. A specifically designed direct current, series-wound motor mounted on

the trucks of locomotives to drive the axles.

TRACTIVE EFFORT. The usable force exerted by the wheels of a locomotive at the rails for

pulling a train.

TRAILING MOVEMENT. The movement of a train over the points of a switch which face in

the direction in which the train is moving.

TRAIN. Locomotive with or without cars operating as one unit.

TRAIN CREW NOTICES. A hardcopy reference for train crews that contain information

critical to maintaining a safe operation. Notices are usually located where crews can easily read

and review them before, during and after railroad operations.

TRAIN LINE. A term applied to describe the continuous line of brake pipe extending from the

locomotive to the last car in a train, with all cars and air hoses coupled.

TRUCK. The complete assembly of parts including wheels, axles, bearings, side frames, bolster,

brake rigging, springs and all associated connecting components, the function of which is to

provide support, mobility, and guidance to a railcar.

TRUCK FRAME. A structure made of cast steel in one piece, to which the journal boxes or

pedestals, springs and other parts are attached, and which forms the skeleton of a truck.

One-piece truck frames are not generally used for freight cars but are often found on locomotives

and passenger cars.

TRUCK SIDE BEARINGS. A plate, block, roller, or elastic unit fastened to the top surface of

a truck bolster on both sides of the center plate, and functioning in conjunction with the body side

bearing to support the load of a moving car when variations in track cross level cause the body to

rock transversely on the center plates.

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