Railway Terminology

These are some of the prominent infrastructure or layout terms:

Tracks:

Tracks are two parallel steel rails set on wooden or concrete sleepers, spanning vast distances, guiding trains along their predetermined paths. Tracks typically end either with switches , or buffer stops (end of line barriers).

Yard:

Cascading set of parallel tracks, used to sort and store trains. The yard tracks often converge on both ends and contain at least one track that is kept clear at all times, to enable maneuvering. On the schematic station map, every yard has its own letter designation.

Wye:
Tracks converging from three directions, forming a triangle shape. Useful for turning trains around.

Balloon loop:

Turning track that merges back to itself. Useful for turning trains around.

Double-track:

Two one-way tracks running next to each other in opposite directions.

Passing loop:

Side track designed to allow passing of two trains on a single-track railway.

Catenary:

Infrastructure designed to carry overhead wires over the tracks, for powering electric rail vehicles.

Depot:

Garage-like building that can house one or more rail vehicles. Used for vehicle servicing and storage.

Roundhouse:

High-capacity, round-shaped depot that is accessed by a turntable.