In the very early days in England, railways were more often referred to as Rail Roads, which is probably how the title caught on in the USA.

Also in England, the South Eastern & Chatham was known as the Slow, Easy & Comfortable, and the Manchester, Sheffield & Linconshire was known as the Mucky, Slow & Lazy. The London, Chatham & Dover is more usually quoted as being nicknamed The London, Smash'em & Turnover.