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The list contained herein provides definitions and translations for acronyms and terms typically found on Pennsy web sites and on the "PRR-Talk" mailing list. Feel welcome to submit additional terms and definitions for consideration. Send your comments to Jerry Britton.

Cabin Car

The correct name for a caboose! (The plural is "cabeese", we have decided.)

CP

Control Point - "CP" appears in the "PC Rules For Conducting Transportation", Definitions, page 9, as: "Controlled Point (CP) A location where signals and/or other functions of a traffic control system are controlled from the control machine." It does not appear in the 1956 PRR Book of Rules. CP generally refers to TCS or CTC systems, not to manned stations (interlockings), nor to remotely controlled interlockings. There may have been no CTC installations on the PRR in 1956.

CT1000

One of many publications of the Pennsy. This lists every siding and business connected to the railroad. Used by crews in making deliveries, etc. Also lists trackside cranes and capacities and more. The most common editions were published in 1923 and 1945.

DGLE

Dark Green Locomotive Enamel - The nearly black color of Pennsy motive power which is usually referred to as "Brunswick Green" -- a term the Pennsy never used! If you mention Brunswick Green on "PRR-Talk", see "Flame" on this list to describe the e-mail you will be receiving!

FoM

Fleet of Modernism - A "scheme" the Pennsy applied to passenger service in the late 1930s-early 1940s. There's a FAQ on this subject.

The Keystone

Official publication of the Pennsylvania Railroad Technical & Historical Society.

Lines West

In the early history of the Pennsy, the road west of Pittsburgh was managed independently of the eastern road. The western portion was dubbed "Lines West".

Official Guide of the Railways

Its full name is "The Official Guide of the Railways and Steam Navigation Lines of the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico and Cuba". In its classic form, it's a list of all common-carrier railroads, along with their addresses, officers, interchange points, and passenger (and sometimes freight) schedules. It was issued monthly, and every small-town station had one on hand for reference in travel planning, and billing freight waybill, car-repair, and per-diem charges. Later it was split into freight and passenger versions. With the rapid proliferation of short line spin-offs, mergers, etc., it is often not completely up to date.

Official Railway Equipment Register

Calle dthe "ORER" for short. A listing of all freight cars, by railroad, with the capacities, weights, reporting marks and numbers, and any special modifications or equipment -- in the case of PRR, it also listed PRR freight-car classes. Beginning in 1943, a similar publication existed for passenger equipment, called the Official Register of Passenger Train Equipment. It did not list PRR classifications.

Pennsy Journal

A defunct publication by Bob Reid. Circulated in 1980-84, I believe. Only 16 issues ever made.

PRRTHS

Pennsylvania Railroad Technical & Historical Society - You gotta join! Holds an annual convention and publishes a superb quarterly periodical called The Keystone.

Rails Northeast

Another defunct publication by Bob Reid. Covered many railroads in the northeast US. Lots of material on the Pennsy.

RoW

Right-of-Way

The Signal Bridge

Official newsletter of the Northern Central Chapter of the Pennsylvania Railroad Technical & Historical Society.

Snapper

Pennsy's term for a helper engine.

SPF

The definition of "SPF" is debatable. It is typically thought of as "Slobbering Pennsy Fan". One "PRR-Talk" member suggested that this is a derogatory term used by railfans of other roads in defiance of their inability to recognize the Pennsy as "the best"! His suggestion is that SPF stand for "Serious Pennsy Fan". However, further discussion reveals that many Pennsy fans don't mind - and are even proud - to be called a Slobering Pennsy Fan! My take: Only Pennsy fans call themselves Slobbering Pennsy Fans...as a matter of pride. When coming from a non-Pennsy fan it will be deemed to mean Serious Pennsy Fan...in defiance of their misunderstanding of the true importance of the PRR.

Flame

A nasty response/scolding by e-mail. Often seen when someone sends listserv commands to the list instead of to the listserv. List members then "flame" the original sender. (This is not advised.)

IMHO

In My Humble Opinion

LOL

Loughing Out Loud

Newbie

Someone new to the online experience.

SPAM

Junk e-mail solicitations.

Copyright 1996 - 2008

Last modified: November 23 2007.

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