work train

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noun

a train that transports railroad workers, building materials, etc., to construction or maintenance assignments on the railroad.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

Origin of work train

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

The locomotive of the work-train was at the hind end and the roadmasters standing on the first flat car were signalling.
The Daughter of a Magnate|Frank H. Spearman
There are times when the work-train must be summoned, when laborers by the dozen must get to work to build new track.
The Modern Railroad|Edward Hungerford
Meantime my work train cannot be used by the superintendent for maintenance purposes.
Letters from an Old Railway Official|Charles DeLano Hine
Well, he has never come, and I have had many reports of the work train, but no one seems to know anything definite about him.
The Johnstown Horror|James Herbert Walker

A work train was started from each end with a small force (20 or 25 men) to run over the changed track.
Scientific American Supplement, No. 623, December 10, 1887|Various