Railway Glossary and Technical Pages

These pages are produced in association with the Heritage Railway Association

My thanks to the University of East London for allowing these pages to be made available on their server.

Railway Glossary Railways in general and the UK in particular, with its rich and varied railway history, contains many confusing terms, names and abbreviations, this glossary will hopefully clarify some of them for you. The glossary currently has 967 entries.

The Basics This section is intended to explain some of the basics of heritage railways and associated matters.

Anatomy of a Steam Locomotive A diagram of some of the basic components of a steam locomotive and their functions. Clickable links call up detailed explanations for most parts.

Steam Locomotive Controls A photograph of a typical GWR locomotive footplate. Clicking on various parts of the picture will display information about the relevant control.

Injector Magic How a live steam injector works.

Boiler Diagram A diagram of a typical GWR steam locomotive boiler and its associated components. Clickable links call up detailed explanations for most parts.

Boiler Examinations Explained Why steam locomotives require regular, and expensive, boiler overhauls.

A Brief History of
Railway Signalling Explains the development of railway signals and interlocking and the need for good communications between signal boxes.

Railway Technical Web Pages Covers a wide range of railway topics for those interested in the technology, planning, maintenance and operation of railways old and new.

The 'Experts' section links have been moved to the main HRA section of this website.

Last updated 7 January 2004 by Mark Dewell.

The Basics	This section is intended to explain some of the basics of heritage railways and associated matters.
Anatomy of a Steam Locomotive	A diagram of some of the basic components of a steam locomotive and their functions. Clickable links call up detailed explanations for most parts.
Steam Locomotive Controls	A photograph of a typical GWR locomotive footplate. Clicking on various parts of the picture will display information about the relevant control.
Injector Magic	How a live steam injector works.
Boiler Diagram	A diagram of a typical GWR steam locomotive boiler and its associated components. Clickable links call up detailed explanations for most parts.
Boiler Examinations Explained	Why steam locomotives require regular, and expensive, boiler overhauls.
A Brief History of Railway Signalling	Explains the development of railway signals and interlocking and the need for good communications between signal boxes.
Railway Technical Web Pages	Covers a wide range of railway topics for those interested in the technology, planning, maintenance and operation of railways old and new.