Western Railroad Discussion > The "pass" word

First off: not interested in an argument. Just curious why all of you use the word "pass" when there are two trains on separate tracks going opposite directions encounter each other.  Why do you say "pass"?  Why isn't it called a "meet"?  When two trains are going same direction,on separate tracks and faster train goes around the slower train, wouldn't that be "passing" the slower train?    

We say both, and none of really care what the true meaning is. Same with using slug in place of B unit. I know the difference but most don't and the rest don't care, at least in my area.

GeneL Wrote:
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> First off: not interested in an argument. Just
> curious why all of you use the word "pass" when
> there are two trains on separate tracks going
> opposite directions encounter each other.  Why do
> you say "pass"?  Why isn't it called a "meet"? 
> When two trains are going same direction,on
> separate tracks and faster train goes around the
> slower train, wouldn't that be "passing" the
> slower train?    


In addition the word pass was also used on the SP on single track main track. The train is taking the pass ( siding).

Posted from Android

GeneL Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> First off: not interested in an argument. Just
> curious why all of you use the word "pass" when
> there are two trains on separate tracks going
> opposite directions encounter each other.  Why do
> you say "pass"?  Why isn't it called a "meet"? 
> When two trains are going same direction,on
> separate tracks and faster train goes around the
> slower train, wouldn't that be "passing" the
> slower train?    


Where are you talking about geographically? I've never heard a train meet called a pass before.

I wonder if this is a region or railroad specific thing.

passing track,  side track

not sure i had this term much in colorado, you could think about a real mountain pass and cause confusion, sounds canadian to me



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/08/22 09:29 by dan.

TO:  DevalDragon:  I was referring only to the word "pass" as it is used on Trainorders.  Like pictures of trains meeting somewhere and the word "pass" is used. Not referring at all to actual railroad operating.terms anywhere.

"Meet" to me means we're on the same track... Never heard of a "Cornfield Pass".


~ Mr. MRL

TO:  MrMRL:  And when you're driving somewhere and there's another vehicle coming toward you, bet you want to "meet" them in the other lane.  

GeneL Wrote:
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> TO:  DevalDragon:  I was referring only to the
> word "pass" as it is used on Trainorders.  Like
> pictures of trains meeting somewhere and the word
> "pass" is used. Not referring at all to actual
> railroad operating.terms anywhere.


So the same people that use "stacker" and "grainer."

Thank you for the clarification.

MrMRL Wrote:
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> "Meet" to me means we're on the same track...
> Never heard of a "Cornfield Pass".

LOL, I was thinking the same thing. Much rather have my trains pass other trains than meet other trains.

Ted Curphey
Ontario, OR

Perhaps GeneL could point us to a specific Trainorders post as an example?

Posted from iPhone

TO: kevink.  Nope, don't want to identify post(s).  Someone might take it as poking fun at them or criticism.  WHICH IT IS NOT.  Its only why a situation where two trains using two tracks and traveling in opposite directions is not described as a "meet". 
Does it really matter?  Not at all.  

GeneL Wrote:
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>
> Does it really matter?  Not at all.  

Then why the post?

Posted from iPhone

If a guy is attracted to a gal, he will make a pass at her by asking her out for a date.

If the gal accepts the invitation, they will meet at a mutually agreed place and time.

If she is not interested, then "never the twain shall meet."
 

Pacific5th Wrote:
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> We say both, and none of really care what the true
> meaning is. Same with using slug in place of B
> unit. I know the difference but most don't and the
> rest don't care, at least in my area.

There is a lot of difference betwen a slug and a "B" unit!

A slug never has an engine, but may have a cab.

A "B" unit always has an engine, and never has a cab.
G

I can't say I've ever seen, heard or used the word 'pass' to describe a meet.

Posted from Android

I have real-world heard the use of "pass" (n.) as shorthand for "passing siding." I've never heard a railroader use the word "pass" as a substitute for "meet," which involves trains traveling in opposite directions on different tracks -except- for the slang "cornfield meet" representing a head-on collision, usually on single track.

I don't pay much attention to usages on Trainorders or similar forums, as there are simply too many imprecise people writing on them.
 



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/09/22 12:38 by toledopatch.

Count me as another who has never heard of a meet referred to as a "pass".  Neither have I heard of that term used to describe a siding.  The terminology I have heard, almost exclusively, is "going into the hole for a meet".

AA

Stanford White
Carmel Valley, CA

agentatascadero Wrote:
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> Count me as another who has never heard of a meet
> referred to as a "pass".  Neither have I heard of
> that term used to describe a siding.  The
> terminology I have heard, almost exclusively, is
> "going into the hole for a meet".

"Pass" for "siding" may be regional to New England. I've certainly heard "the hole" more often in that context, or just "You'll be going in at [siding name] to wait for two."

Meet: headlight to headlight...one on the main other on the passing siding or parallel main. 
Passing siding or Industrial siding....they are both sidings but the qualifier is sometimes used for clarity. 
Trim: passing a train that is going the same direction as you but is stopped to let you get in front of him...not by his choice usually....
Alternate use of trim....at a crossing at grade...you have 9 million cars and Amtrak is stopped on the opposing route and you are going through....you just trimmed Amtrak....

Generally speaking meet can be used the past tense when reviewing with your crewmates how many trains you encountered....how many have we met so far? Would inlcude those properly met and those passed and/or trimmed. This question would come up only when you have met more than a few....if you are the one dodging in and out of one siding and then the next...instead of counting them up you just say..."dang they must have opened up the flood gates!"