switchman
Routes the trains
A switchman is a railroad worker who operates track switches to direct trains from one track to another.
The job involves managing the movable rail sections at junctions and in rail yards, ensuring trains are routed correctly.
The term belongs to an era when such work was done manually; modern switching is largely automated.
Train depot manager
- brakemanRail worker controlling deceleration
- conductorOne who directs musicians
- dispatcherOne who allocates resources
- railroaderRailway industry employee
engineer · flagman · trackman · hostler · carman · porter · stationmaster · lineman
Number attending an event
- crossoverGenre-blending work or transition
- frogTailless leaping amphibian
- pointExact location or meaning
- sidingExterior wall covering
spur · wye · interlocking · derail · diverge · converge · marshalling yard · route
Flag-based signaling system
- clearancePermitted passage or approval
- indicatorSign revealing status
- warningAlert about danger
- lampElectric light fixture
lantern · flag · hand signal · bell · whistle · code · proceed · stop
Propel by arm motion
- pullForce toward oneself
- handlePart for gripping
- manualWritten instructions for use
- mechanicalOperated by machinery
tower · target · padlock · maintenance · inspection · alignment · position
yardmaster
Train depot manager
- brakemanRail worker controlling deceleration
- conductorOne who directs musicians
- dispatcherOne who allocates resources
railroader · engineer · flagman · trackman · hostler · carman · porter · stationmaster · lineman · boilermaker
turnout
Number attending an event
- crossoverGenre-blending work or transition
- frogTailless leaping amphibian
- pointExact location or meaning
siding · spur · wye · interlocking · derail · diverge · converge · marshalling yard · route · alignment
semaphore
Flag-based signaling system
lamp · lantern · flag · hand signal · bell · whistle · code · proceed · stop · caution
throw
Propel by arm motion
mechanical · tower · target · padlock · maintenance · inspection · alignment · position
- trainstrains, train, locomotive, locomotives, steam locomotive
- railroadstrains, train, tracks, track, locomotive
- transit workersbus driver, subway operator, train conductor, train driver, train operator
- rail workerslocomotive engineer, train conductor, rail conductor, engine driver, train engineer
- railroad workerstrain conductor, railroad engineer, brakeman, conductor, train driver
- railway worktrack worker, shunting, signaling, train operation, engineer
switchmanrailroad executive
Leader of train company
station master · superintendent · yardmaster · dispatcher · train master
switchmanpassenger
Traveler, not operator
conductor · engineer · railroad executive · railroad tycoon · motorman