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| Valve Gear |
The mechanism that controls the movement of the steam
distribution valve of a steam locomotive. Stephenson Valve Gear (link
motion) is a valve gear in which the steam lead is greatest at mid-gear
and greatest at full forward. Walschaert Valve Gear is a valve gear in
which the lead is constant at any position of the reversing gear. |
| Van |
1) Covered vehicle for conveyance of luggage or goods. 2)
A caboose. |
| Vanderbilt Tender |
A distinctive tender with a cylindrical water tank. The
rectangular oil or coal bunker is perched at the forward end. |
| Variable Reluctance |
A type of railcar wheel detector containing a coil or wire
and permanent magnet which generates an electrical pulse if a train
wheel approaches rapidly. This type of sensor cannot detect a wheel
which is stopped over the sensor. A voltage is induced in the coil as
ferrous metal approaches or recedes. The signal takes on a sine wave
shape, and characteristics are dependent upon approach speed. |
| Variable Switch |
A switch, designated by letter "V" or a yellow
bowl, when trailed through the switch points remain lined in the
position to which forced. |
| Varnish |
A passenger train, so called because wooden passenger cars
used to have many coats of varnish. |
| Vaseline |
Oil. |
| Vestibule |
1) Closed cab on steam locomotives to protect the engineer
and fireman from inclement weather. It includes doors and diaphragm
connection to tender. 2) Vestibule Cab: The enclosed area at the end of
a passenger car where the side doors are located. |
| VIA Rail |
Canada's national passenger rail service, based on the
Amtrak idea in 1976. A government corporation, VIA Rail owns some
terminal trackage and depots; operations are conducted over the rails of
CN and CP. www.via.ca |
| Volt |
A unit of electrical pressure. Commonly, 0-9 volts of D.C.
is used for "Z" scale model railroading, 0-14 volts D.C. is
used for "HO" gauge, and 0-20 volts D.C. is used for large
scale model railroading. |
| Voltage |
Electromotive force (analogous to a pressure) measured in
volts. |
| Voodoo Barge |
Updated heavy, slow freight. |