Glossary of United Kingdom railway terms
Open-knowledge reference entry
This article contains a list of jargon used to varying degrees by railway enthusiasts, trainspotters, and railway employees in the United Kingdom, including nicknames for various locomotives and multiple units. Although not exhaustive, many of the entries in this list appear from time to time in specialist, rail-related publications. There may be significant regional variation in usage.
A
Absolute block signalling
A British signalling scheme designed to ensure the safe operation of a railway by allowing only one train to occupy a defined section of track (block) at a time, used on lines which lack automatic block signalling
Aspect
The indication displayed by a colour-light signal (e.g. a yellow aspect)
Autocoach
A passenger coach fitted with a driving cab and controls for use in an autotrain
Automatic warning system (AWS)
The specific form of limited cab signalling introduced in 1948 in the United Kingdom to help train drivers observe and obey warning signals
B
Baby Warship
North British D6300 class locomotives, which used one diesel engine coupled to a hydraulic transmission, making them effectively half a D600 Warship or D800 Warship, each of which had two engines
Bagpipes
British Rail Class 33/1 locomotives, specifically those fitted for push-pull working with 4TC stock
Basils
A nickname for the British Rail Class 755 bi-mode / diesel multiple units. Named for the TV character Basil Fawlty due to many teething problems on introduction.
Bed pan
A name used for the service that used to operate between Bedford and London St. Pancras; this service has subsequently been replaced by cross-London service on the Thameslink route. It is sometimes used when referring to the line from Bedford to St Pancras, and not any service in particular.
Black Five
A LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0.
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