O

Observation car
A passenger coach incorporating large windows on the sides and at one end.

Occupation crossing
A road crossing a railway by overbridge, underpass, or level crossing, where the railway runs through private property.

Off
A signal showing clear to proceed is said to be off. To pull off a signal is to return it to it's all clear indication.

Oiling Up
Topping up the various oil reservoirs around a locomotive, or other rolling stock, before commencing work.

Old Oak Common
A main locomotive and carriage depot in London. It was built by the Great Western Railway to service their London terminus (Paddington Station).

On
In signaling terms, a signal at danger is said to be on.

On shed
Within the bounds of a locomotive shed.

Open Coach
Coach with the seating arranged in open saloons. Open coaches nearly always have corridor connections. Otherwise, they are more normally described as "saloon coaches". (C.f. compartment coach.)

Orenstein & Koppell
Locomotive builders

Outer-home signal
Where it is necessary to have two consecutive stop signals within station limits before the platforms are reached, the first one reached in the normal direction of travel is called the "outer-home signal".

Outside cylinders
Steam-locomotive cylinders which are secured on the outside of the frame.

Outside frames
Vehicle frames, the sides of which are outside the wheels.

Outside valve-gear
Steam-locomotive valve-gear which is located outside the frame.