Glossary of Rail Transport Terms

Definitions	Points of Interest
KE: (Kinematic Envelope) The outline of the space beside and above the track that must be kept clear of obstructions for the train to pass. This can be larger than the static clearance around an unmoving engine or car. Keeper: A padlock or hook securing the lever of a hand-operated switch, thereby preventing the switch points from moving as rolling stock passes over them. Key (UK): Timber or sprung steel block used to secure Bullhead rail into the chairs. Kick: To shove a car a short distance and uncouple it in motion, allowing it to roll free under gravity and/or its own inertia onto a track. Commonly practiced in bowl or hump yards to make up or break down trains or classify large numbers of cars in an expedient fashion. Differs from a flying switch (see) in that the locomotive is pushing the car rather than pulling it when the cut is made. Kicker: A freight car with a defect in its brake valve that causes the entire train's brake system to go into emergency when any application is made. Knock down (US): To pass an absolute signal and thereby change its aspect to stop; originated in the days of semaphore signals whose arms would drop to the stop aspect when passed. Knuckle: The articulating part of a coupler that locks automatically in its closed position to join rail cars; so named because its movement resembles that of the human finger.

Definitions

Points of Interest

KE: (Kinematic Envelope) The outline of the space beside and above the track that must be kept clear of obstructions for the train to pass. This can be larger than the static clearance around an unmoving engine or car.
Keeper: A padlock or hook securing the lever of a hand-operated switch, thereby preventing the switch points from moving as rolling stock passes over them.
Key (UK): Timber or sprung steel block used to secure Bullhead rail into the chairs.
Kick: To shove a car a short distance and uncouple it in motion, allowing it to roll free under gravity and/or its own inertia onto a track. Commonly practiced in bowl or hump yards to make up or break down trains or classify large numbers of cars in an expedient fashion. Differs from a flying switch (see) in that the locomotive is pushing the car rather than pulling it when the cut is made.
Kicker: A freight car with a defect in its brake valve that causes the entire train's brake system to go into emergency when any application is made.
Knock down (US): To pass an absolute signal and thereby change its aspect to stop; originated in the days of semaphore signals whose arms would drop to the stop aspect when passed.
Knuckle: The articulating part of a coupler that locks automatically in its closed position to join rail cars; so named because its movement resembles that of the human finger.

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Glossary of Rail Transport Terms - K