railroads

Steel path systems

Railroads are systems of tracks on which trains run, or the companies that operate them.

The term is primarily American; British English prefers railways.

To railroad someone is to force them into hasty action or push something through without proper consideration: They railroaded the bill through committee.

To railroad someone also means to convict them on false charges or without fair process.

infrastructure

track

Path or monitored route

tieEqual score, or neckwear
sleeperOne at rest
ballastShip stability material

gauge · switch · signal · crossing · trestle · bridge · tunnel · depot · roundhouse · turntable

history

transcontinental

Spanning an entire continent

golden spikeCompletion marker for railroads
robber baronUnscrupulous wealthy industrialist
land grantGovernment-given real estate

expansion · frontier · westward · industrialization · steam age · Stephenson · iron horse · navvy · gandy dancer · Vanderbilt

passenger

commuter

One who travels regularly

intercityBetween different urban areas
expressState or fast train
conductorOne who directs musicians

porter · coach · sleeper · dining car · observation car · compartment · ticket · timetable · platform · departure

locomotive

engine

Machine producing motion

steamHeated water's gaseous form
dieselCompression-ignition fuel
tenderSoft or sore

boiler · firebox · cab · throttle · headlamp · cowcatcher · smokestack · whistle · chuff · driver

freight

cargo

Transported goods

shipmentGoods being transported
boxcarEnclosed rail freight carrier
freight yardRail hub for cargo

container · intermodal · hopper · tanker · gondola · flatcar · manifest · switching · siding · consist

railroads

track

transcontinental

commuter

engine

cargo

railroads

Opposites

Phrases

Categories

Family