Scott C. Gottlieb, Injury Law Attorney

SBU: Sense and Brake Unit.

Scab: Non-union members doing work usually contracted by railroads for railway union labor contracts.

Schedule: That part of a timetable which prescribes class, direction, number and movement for a regular train.

Section: One of two or more trains running on the same schedule, displaying signals or for which signals are displayed.

Semaphore Signal: A signal in which the day indications are given by the position of a semaphore arm.

Service of Process: Providing a formal notice to the defendant that orders him to appear in court to answer plaintiff’s allegations.

Shock: The effect of a sudden change in speed of a car, locomotive or train, or part of a train.

Shoe Fly Track: A temporary track built around a train wreck or washout.

Side Track: This is a track auxiliary to the main track.

Siding: This is a track auxiliary to the main track which is used for meeting or passing trains. The timetable will indicate stations at which sidings are located.

Signal Aspect: The appearance of a fixed signal conveying an indication as viewed from the direction of an approaching train; or the appearance of a cab signal conveying an indication as viewed by an observer in the cab.

Signal Dolly: A train that delivers supplies to towers.

Signal Indication: The information conveyed by the signal aspect.

Signalman: The man who controls the signals and authorizes the movements of trains on running lines

Single Track: A main track upon which trains are operated in both directions.

Single-Car Test Device: Is used to test the air brake equipment on car that is sent to a repair track

Skipper: The conductor

Slack Action: Movement of part of a coupled train at a different speed than another part of the same train.

Slack: The motion, forward or back, that one or more cars, locomotives, or parts of a train has without moving other coupled cars, locomotives, or parts of the train. Loose slack is the free movement or lost motion between parts of a train. Spring slack is the movement beyond the free or lost motion brought about through compressing the draft gear springs. Slack is necessary so as to start one car at a time and so that the train may be operated around curves and over high and low places.

Slug: A small, ballasted, four or six axle unit, semi-permanently coupled to a locomotive that does not have a prime mover, but does have traction motors. Generally used in yard duty where the switcher has enough horsepower, but not enough traction to push long strings of cars up a hump.

Spring Switch: A switch equipped with a spring mechanism to restore the switch points to original position after having been trailed through.

Station: A place designated in the timetable station column by name.

Statute of Limitations: The time period within which a plaintiff must file his action against the defendant. This time frame varies by state. In North Carolina, the statute of limitations is three years.

Strict Liability: The defendant is liable to the plaintiff regardless of fault.

Stub Track: A form of side track connected to a running track at one only and protected at the other end by a bumping post or other obstruction.

Subdivision: A portion of a division designated by timetable.

Subpoena: A form issued by the court requiring someone to appear in court and/or bring documents. (Also referred to as a “Summons.”)

SUNA: Initials of Switchmen’s Union of North America

Superior Train: One train having precedence over another.

Swing Man: The rear brakeman.

Switch Point Indicator: A light type indicator used in connection with facing point movement over certain switches to indicate switch points fit properly. One train having precedence over another.

 

Scott C. Gottlieb is licensed by the State of New York.