Russian to English translation question

[Dmitri]

The author of the Moscow Metro track map asks what are the best English terms to describe the following items:

- a device that checks rolling stock to ensure that nothing overhangs from the bottom ('external dimension checker');
- a device that detects overheated axle-boxes;
- a place where rolling stock is routinely (every 3-4 hours) inspected; a simple repair can be carried out here, too.

They are called KGU, PONAB and PTO here, but I understand that those acronyms tell nothing to the English-speaking reader.


(To admins: I'm not sure if this topic belongs here - please move it elsewhere if appropriate).

[Deleted]

dmitri said:

The author of the Moscow Metro track map asks what are the best English terms to describe the following items:

- a place where rolling stock is routinely (every 3-4 hours) inspected; a simple repair can be carried out here, too.

The depot sheds?

[CSLR]

dmitri said:

The author of the Moscow Metro track map asks what are the best English terms to describe the following items

I expect that you will get a detailed answer from some of the technical people later. In the meantime, I offer the following observations:-

Russian text - a device that checks rolling stock to ensure that nothing overhangs from the bottom
English translation - Pointwork in a depot

Russian text - a device that detects overheated axle-boxes
English translation - On locomotives this would have been the Fireman or Second Man. For carriages it was sometimes the responsibility of the wheel-tapper. These days it is the responsibility of passengers who should alert the driver or T/O by knocking on their side cab window (preferably at a station).

Russian text - a place where rolling stock is routinely (every 3-4 hours) inspected; a simple repair can be carried out here, too.
English translation - 3-4 hours!!!!

[Deleted]

dmitri said:

- a device that checks rolling stock to ensure that nothing overhangs from the bottom ('external dimension checker');

Structure gauge. TBH though, most structure gauges I've seen only check to make sure nothing protrudes from the top or sides of a train; no one seems to care about the bottom.

dmitri said:

- a device that detects overheated axle-boxes;

Axlebox detector. AFAICT LU doesn't have any on the mainlines; axleboxes are usually checked in the depot.

dmitri said:

- a place where rolling stock is routinely (every 3-4 hours) inspected; a simple repair can be carried out here, too.

Um, 3-4 hours?

Try 16-20 on LU - that seems to be the average length of time that a train spends away from the depot.

[Deleted]

theonekea said:

dmitri said:

- a place where rolling stock is routinely (every 3-4 hours) inspected; a simple repair can be carried out here, too.

Um, 3-4 hours?

Try 16-20 on LU - that seems to be the average length of time that a train spends away from the depot.

Maybe this is why the Moscow metro has much better train reliability than LU? I might be right in saying that the trains are sometimes checked in the "reverse blind alleys" as the online translators call them, as opposed to having to return to the depots? I'm sure Dmitri will know whether this is correct or not?

[Phil]

Can't add much to TOK, but axlebox detectors are often called hotbox detectors,

and the shed referred to is (in some parts of the UK) a servicing shed, as opposed to a maintenance shed. But as stated, most stock only sees a shed once a day.

Routine checks of long-distance trains are sometimes made in platforms of termini during layovers.

Admin - exactly the right place to put it

[Dmitri]

stephenk said:

I might be right in saying that the trains are sometimes checked in the "reverse blind alleys" as the online translators call them, as opposed to having to return to the depots? I'm sure Dmitri will know whether this is correct or not?

You're correct, and the item you're referring to is third in my list .

[Dmitri]

Thanks to everyone, all answers (even not very serious ones ) are very much appreciated.

theonekea said:

TBH though, most structure gauges I've seen only check to make sure nothing protrudes from the top or sides of a train; no one seems to care about the bottom.

The most 'interesting' stuff usually overhangs from the bottom.

Um, 3-4 hours?

Yes, several times for the day outside of the depots.

rbruce1314 said:

and the shed referred to is (in some parts of the UK) a servicing shed, as opposed to a maintenance shed. But as stated, most stock only sees a shed once a day.

I think the servicing (or inspection?) shed is what I need.