Railroading 101

Learn about Railroading in North America

Rip Track

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Short for “Repair in Place”. A type of Car Shop where running repairs are made, commonly found in larger train yards.

Office of Railroad Safety (RRS) General Manual

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The RRS General Manual describes the organization of the Office of Railroad Safety within the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

It includes:

  • processes that regions and inspectors must follow when performing accident investigations,
  • clarifies general expectations for use of enforcement and other compliance tools,
  • explains in general terms other safety mechanisms and investigations the Office of Railroad Safety uses to ensure a higher level of
    safety in the United States,
  • provides interviewing guidance.

Source: FRA 2013 Budget Estimate

Blind Interchange

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The interchange of cars between railroads without mechanical inspection at the interchange point, which would provide the opportunity to reject defective equipment back to the providing road.