Where there were no water towers, usually in smaller towns, water was procured from a nearby stream using ropes and buckets or leather bags. Most large towns had on the track water towers for this purpose, making topping off easy. In the days of steam powered locomotives, trains needed to maintain their tenders with water. JERKWATER TOWN- small unimportant, insignificant. HOTSHOT- aggressive, or skillful - A fast train frequently a freight train made up of merchandise and perishables. ![]() The word highball originated from an old-time ball signal on a post, raised aloft by pulley when the track was clear. (verb) highball or phrase 'ball the jack means to make a fast run. The s ignal was made by waving hand or lamp in a high, wide semicircle, meaning "Come ahead" or "Pick up full speed." A signal to operate a train at full speed. HIGHBALL- (noun), mixed drink usually containing whiskey or brandy. – To get off-track!ĭOUBLE-HEADER- a pair of games played in succession on the same day, usually by the same two teams. Also a fireman's derisive term for head brakeman who rides engine cab or a locomotive being hauled "dead" on a train (without passengers or cargo).ĭERAILED – to get off-track. – An employee riding on a pass any nonpaying passenger. By the beginning of the 20th century "deadbeat" came to encompass people who failed to carry their share of the load.ĭEADHEAD- a slow witted person, a dullard. The empty cars made a "dead beat" indicating they weren't paying their way. The word was coined in the late 1800's when railroad workers noticed that loaded freight cars made a different beat over the track-joints than cars that weren't carrying a load. To clear the smokestack by blowing air up through it.ĭEADBEAT- one who persistently fails to pay his debts or way. – A steam engine blowing smoke is a beautiful sight.īLOW UP- a n explosion, to loose one’s temper, to display one’s fury as by shouting. – Whistle signals were used to let people know what the trains were going to do and the bells served as a warning and a greeting.īLOW SMOKE – to brag. – A band wagon was the pay car or pay train from which wages were handed out to railroad employees.īELLS AND WHISTLES- doing something in a big way. (The modern term is given first followed by its railroad origin.)īAND WAGON- on the popular or apparently winning circle, as in an election. For example, phrases from the railroad spilled into everyday usage and continue to be used today. ![]() Its ripple affect can be seen everywhere you look. The railroad was a cornerstone in shaping our nation.
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