<Dd> A point at which two lines or separate routes diverge from each other </Dd> <Dl> <Dt> Keeper </Dt> <Dd> A padlock or hook securing the lever of a hand - operated switch, thereby preventing the switch points from moving as rolling stock passes over them </Dd> <Dt> Kick </Dt> <Dd> To shove a car a short distance and uncouple it in motion, allowing it to roll free under gravity and / or its own inertia onto a track . Commonly practiced in bowl or hump yards to make up or break down trains or classify large numbers of cars in an expedient fashion . Differs from a flying switch in that the locomotive is pushing the car rather than pulling it when the cut is made . </Dd> <Dt> Kicker </Dt> <Dd> A freight car with a defect in its brake valve that causes the entire train's brake system to go into emergency when any application is made </Dd> <Dt> Kinematic envelope (KE) </Dt> <Dd> The outline of the space beside and above the track that must be kept clear of obstructions for the train to pass . This can be larger than the static clearance around an unmoving engine or car . See also: loading gauge and structure gauge </Dd> <Dt> Knuckle </Dt> <Dd> The articulating part of a coupler that locks automatically in its closed position to join rail cars; so named because its movement resembles that of the human finger </Dd> </Dl> <Dd> A padlock or hook securing the lever of a hand - operated switch, thereby preventing the switch points from moving as rolling stock passes over them </Dd> <Dd> To shove a car a short distance and uncouple it in motion, allowing it to roll free under gravity and / or its own inertia onto a track . Commonly practiced in bowl or hump yards to make up or break down trains or classify large numbers of cars in an expedient fashion . Differs from a flying switch in that the locomotive is pushing the car rather than pulling it when the cut is made . </Dd>

Another word for division of a railway carriage