Well, I suppose I should make one more
post regarding RR terminology before I terminate the thread...again...because
it seems to be developing diminishing returns...again.
As I mentioned earlier, UP personnel in
"operations" referred to 4-8-8-4 steam locomotives as 4000's due to their
numbering range of 4000-4024 [ one wonders what they called an 0-6-0
numbered 4066? ]. I have no problem using either the "Big Boy" term or
"4000" but during an op session few non UP operators would know what a 4000
was...but they would know "Big Boy". So, I consider my audiance. If I'm going
to discuss some particular UP RR aspect with a known UP
historian/modeler, I'm going to prepare for that discussion and try to use UP
terms as much as possible...both "official" and not. Similarly, if I'm
going to discuss PFE reefers with Tony Thompson, I'm first going to refresh my
knowledge base about R-30-9's...etc...and, if I choose to discuss engineering
aspects about frt cars or other RR objects I'll use engineering
terms.
In my own case, although I respect
the purpose of using "approved by a higher authority" terms, Occasionally
I'll slip in the term "friction bearing" just to point out that such "unofficial" RR terms
have a place. "Roof walk"? I don't have a clue if real RR employees used it so
I try to avoid it.
Regarding other non RR terminologies,
"official" and not, I will admit that I cringe when a friend uses the term
"red bird" to refer to a cardinal bird. And, of course, at Kennedy Space
Center we launched "space vehicles". And all this time you thought those were
rockets? Ever heard of a "Space Vehicle Scientist"?
So, use what suits you but if you want
someone else to understand what you refer to, try finding out the item's
"official" or at least VERY common name.
So, let's see if we can wrap up this
latest terminology discussion tomorrow.
One last thing. On the STMFC, your humble
moderator and Head Jailer [ me ] and his able assistant [ Jeff Aley ], are the
only individuals assigned the duty of admonishing or otherwise criticizing
other members for taking any position within the rules of the
STMFC.
Mike Brock
STMFC Owner
