tripcock

Definitions

A train-mounted safety device which interacts with a trackside device to stop a train automatically if it passes a signal at danger (showing a red light).

Examples

“When a train⟳ runs onto the track, thus connecting the two rails, a short circuit is created, the current drops out and the signal switched to red. The system operates in conjunction with a lever on the tracks. If a train⟳ should pass⟳ a red light⟳, the lever, which is called a tripcock, comes into play⟳. The tripcock releases the air from the train's air-braking system, thus causing the brakes to come⟳ on and stopping the train⟳.”

“Chiltern Class 165s are fitted with tripcocks to allow⟳ them to operate⟳ on LU infrastructure between Harrow-on-the-Hill and Amersham.”

CEFR level