headcode

English

A four-lamp headcode was only used on royal trains.

Etymology

From head +‎ code.

Noun

headcode (plural headcodes)

1. (rail transport, UK) A code used to distinguish classes of train for the benefit of signalmen, formerly by using white oil lamps (or white discs) placed on brackets on the front of the locomotive. The various lamp positions defined the class of train.
   • 1961 July, “New reading on railways: The Locomotives of the South Eastern & Chatham Railway, by D. L. Bradley”, in Trains Illustrated, page vii:

     Another appendix elucidates the S.E.C.R. headcode system.

   • 2022 November 2, Paul Bigland, “New trains, old trains, and splendid scenery”, in RAIL, number 969, page 59:

     Gaining a new headcode, it is then rebranded as the 2103 Carmarthen-Fishguard Harbour - a place I'd never visited by rail.

Further reading

• Train reporting number on Wikipedia.Wikipedia

Anagrams

• codehead, coheaded