Glossary - H

Handlaying Process of laying model track using individual ties, rails, and track spikes. Hardshell A technique for building scenery made by dipping paper towels in plaster and laying them over a temporary support structure, creating a rigid, self supporting form. Headblocks The pair of extended ties that support a switch stand. Head end cars Mail, baggage, and express cars, usually run at the front of a passenger train. Heisler A type of geared steam locomotive used by logging railroads. It had two cylinders arranged in a V connected to a driveshaft which in turn was connected to the trucks. See also Climax and Shay. Helix A rising curve which turns around an axis like a corkscrew. Used on some multilevel layouts to allow trains to go from one level to another. Helper A locomotive added to a train to help it climb a grade. High iron The main line. Highball A proceed signal. Homasote A pressed-paper construction board often used for model railroad roadbed. Hood unit A roadswitcher, so called because of the construction of the locomotive, with the machinery covered by a hood rather than a full-width cab. Hopper car An open top car with funnel like bins and unloading doors or gates in bottom of car. Covered hoppers have roofs to loads that need protection from weather. Hostler A workman who services locomotives between runs and moves them around an engine teminal. Hotbox An axle bearing that has become hot because of lack of lubrication. Hy cube A boxcar that is taller than standard and thus has a higher cubic capacity. Hydrocal A hard, quick-setting plaster often preferred for model railroad scenery and made by U.S. Gypsum.

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