page_title: Glossary of United Kingdom railway terms
section_title: T
hierarchical_section_title: Glossary of United Kingdom railway terms / T
caption_attribution_description: English: LBSC AiX No. W8 Freshwater at Kingscote station, Bluebell Railway (November 2006)
context_page_description: This page contains a list of jargon used to varying degrees by railfans, trainspotters, and railway employees in the United Kingdom, including nicknames for various locomotives and multiple units. Although not exhaustive, many of the entries in this list appear from time to time in specialist, rail-related publications. There may be significant regional variation in usage.
context_section_description: Tadpole
  A 3R diesel electric multiple unit (DEMU), named due to having two vehicles 8 ft 2½ in wide and one vehicle 9 ft 3 in wide
  Tank engine
  A locomotive that carries its own fuel and water instead of hauling a tender
  Teddy Bear
  A British Rail Class 14 diesel-hydraulic locomotive for shunting and trip working. Coined by Swindon Works' foreman George Cole who quipped "We've built the Great Bear, now we're going to build a Teddy Bear!".
  Ten foot
  The space between sets of lines (e.g. between pairs of fast and slow lines). See also four-foot and six-foot.
  Terminus (UK)
  A station sited where a railway line or service ends or terminates
  Terrier
  The LB&SCR A1 Class 0-6-0 steam locomotive, on account of its distinctive "bark" when running
  Theatre indicator
  An illuminated number usually attached to signal indicating arrival platform for train approaching a station
  Thousands
  Class 52 diesel-hydraulic locomotives (the "Westerns") given the number range beginning with D1000
  Thumper
  Southern DEMU (BR Classes 201–207)—unlike conventional DMUs these used a single, comparatively large diesel engine and electric generator mounted immediately behind one driving cab. The power units made a distinctive "thumping" noise when working hard.
  Thunderbird
  A locomotive kept on standby at a strategic location, ready to rescue a failed train—from Thunderbirds
  Toothpaste
  The livery used by Network SouthEast. So called due to the red, white and blue colours resembling the colours of striped toothpaste.
  Top and tail
  A train with locomotives at both ends, for ease of changing direction
  Tractor
  A British Rail Class 37 diesel-electric locomotive, possibly from the engine sound, also because they could be found hauling almost anything as a mixed-traffic design
  Train driver
  The operator of a locomotive
  Train engine
  The locomotive closest to the train during a double-heading operation
  Train register
  A book or loose-leaf sheets kept in a signal box and used to record the passage of trains, messages passed, and other prescribed events
  Train shed
  The part of a railway station where the tracks and platforms are covered by a roof. Also known as an overall roof.
  Triangle
  Three railway tracks in a triangular form with points at all three corners—can be used to turn a train around
  Tug
  A British Rail Class 60 diesel-electric locomotive, as named because of their tremendous pulling power, size and sluggish nature. Class 60s upgraded by DB Schenker are called 'Super Tugs'.
caption: A preserved Southern A1 Class Terrier
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