BE PREPARED
for the next CBRR event by learning these terms.
Like any trade, the railroad workers had their own language and slang terms for people places and things. Many of these terms came about during the steam era, and are seldom used today.
Bend the Iron
To throw a switch.
Dollyflopper
A brakeman or switch-tender - someone who throws switches.
Grip
Trainman's suitcase.
Jerkwater Town
A small town with few facilities, identified on the railroad by the existence of a water plug (tower) only, for filling the locomotive.
Piglet
A locomotive engineer trainee.
Copyright 2009 Marshall County Railroad Historical Society
Box 242, Waterville, Kansas 66548
Can be used with permission from the MCRHS and credit to the source.
For more fun terms: