A builder's plate is a plaque or piece of metal attached to a train or vehicle that provides important information about the manufacturer and specifications of the equipment. It typically includes details such as the name of the company that built the train or vehicle, its serial number, the year it was constructed, and sometimes technical information like weight or capacity. Builder's plates are used for identification purposes and can be helpful for maintenance, repairs, or historical records. They are commonly found on trains, locomotives, and other transportation equipment.

What is a "builder's plate"?

builder's plate

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A cowcatcher is a protective device attached to the front of a train, designed to clear obstacles, such as animals or debris, from the tracks. It consists of a frame with slanted bars that extend outward and downward from the train’s front. The cowcatcher allows the train to push small objects off the track safely without causing damage to the train or rails. Historically, it was used to prevent accidents with livestock, especially in rural areas where animals might wander onto the tracks. While cowcatchers are less commonly used today, they are still a recognizable feature on some older trains.

What is a "cowcatcher"?

cowcatcher

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An air brake is a type of braking system that uses compressed air to slow down or stop a vehicle, commonly used on trains, buses, and trucks. The system works by using air pressure to activate brake pads that press against the wheels, creating friction to reduce the vehicle's speed. Air brakes are reliable and powerful, making them ideal for heavy vehicles and long trains, as they can apply strong and consistent braking force. The system allows for more controlled stopping and is essential for safely managing large or heavy loads.

What is an "air brake"?

air brake

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A vacuum brake is a type of braking system used on some trains, which operates by creating a vacuum, a space with low air pressure, to activate the brakes. The vacuum is created in a chamber and, when applied, causes a valve to open, which allows brake pads to press against the wheels, slowing the train down. This system was widely used in the past, especially on older trains, but has been mostly replaced by air brakes in modern rail transport due to the greater reliability and power of air brake systems. Despite this, vacuum brakes are still found on some older or preserved trains.

What is a "vacuum brake"?

vacuum brake

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An emergency brake on a train is a safety feature that allows the train to be stopped quickly in case of an emergency or dangerous situation. It is typically activated by the train crew or passengers in case of an urgent need to halt the train, such as when there is a risk of an accident or a serious issue with the train. The emergency brake works by applying more force than the regular braking system, ensuring that the train comes to a quick stop. It is an important safety tool, helping to prevent accidents and reduce potential damage in critical situations.

What is an "emergency brake"?

emergency brake

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A reverser handle is a control used by train operators to change the direction of a train. It is part of the locomotive's control system and allows the driver to switch the train from moving forward to moving backward, or vice versa. The reverser handle is typically located in the driver's cab and is manually adjusted to set the train's direction. This control is essential for maneuvering the train on tracks, especially when switching directions or moving in and out of stations. The reverser handle works with the speed control and brake systems to manage the train's movement.

What is a "reverser handle"?

reverser handle

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A boiler is a large container used to heat water or produce steam. It is commonly used in buildings for heating, in power plants to generate electricity, in factories to power machinery, and in trains to drive the engine. The boiler works by burning fuel, such as gas or coal, or using electricity to heat the water inside. As the water heats up, it turns into steam, which can then be used to create energy, provide warmth, or power the train's locomotive. Boilers are an important part of many industries and provide a reliable way to produce heat and power.

What is a "boiler"?

boiler

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A coal pusher is a mechanical device used to move or push coal into a furnace or boiler. It is commonly found in power plants, steam engines, and some older trains where coal is used as fuel. The coal pusher helps ensure that the coal is evenly distributed and supplied to the furnace or boiler, maintaining the proper fuel flow for heating or generating steam. It is usually powered by motors or steam pressure, and it plays a key role in keeping the energy generation process running smoothly by ensuring a constant supply of coal.

What is a "coal pusher"?

coal pusher

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A feedwater heater is a device used in steam engines, power plants, and boilers to warm up water before it enters the boiler. The heater improves the efficiency of the system by preheating the water, reducing the amount of energy needed to turn it into steam. It works by transferring heat from exhaust gases or steam to the incoming water, raising its temperature. This helps the boiler reach the required pressure and temperature more quickly, saving fuel and energy. Feedwater heaters are important for optimizing the performance of steam-powered systems, including trains and power stations.

What is a "feedwater heater"?

feedwater heater

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A firebox is the part of a steam engine or boiler where fuel, such as coal, wood, or oil, is burned to generate heat. It is usually located at the base of the boiler and contains a metal platform where the fuel rests while it burns. The heat produced in the firebox warms the water in the boiler, turning it into steam. Fireboxes are essential in steam engines, as they provide the heat needed to power the locomotive or generate electricity in power plants. The design of the firebox ensures that the combustion process is both efficient and controlled.

What is a "firebox"?

firebox

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A sandbox is a container that holds sand and is used to improve the grip between the train’s wheels and the tracks. When the train starts to slip or has trouble gaining traction, sand from the sandbox is released onto the rails. This helps the wheels maintain better contact with the track, especially in slippery or wet conditions. The sandbox is typically located on the locomotive or undercarriage, and it plays an important role in ensuring the train can move safely and smoothly.

What is a "sandbox"?

sandbox

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A smokebox is a part of a steam locomotive that collects and channels exhaust gases from the firebox to the chimney. It is typically located at the front of the boiler and helps direct the smoke and hot gases away from the train. The smokebox also contains a series of tubes, known as the flue tubes, that allow the hot gases to pass through and transfer heat to the water in the boiler, helping to generate steam. The design of the smokebox helps maintain proper airflow, ensuring the engine operates efficiently while keeping the air around the train cleaner.

What is a "smokebox"?

smokebox

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A tender is a car or wagon attached to a steam locomotive that carries fuel and water needed for the engine. It is usually located behind the locomotive and contains a large supply of coal or other fuel, as well as water for producing steam. The tender ensures that the train has enough resources to keep running over long distances without needing to stop frequently for refueling. In addition to its role in supplying fuel and water, the tender also helps balance the weight of the locomotive, ensuring smooth and stable movement on the tracks.

What is a "tender"?

tender

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A train horn is a loud sound device used on trains to alert people and vehicles of the train's presence. It is typically operated by the train's conductor or engineer and can be heard from a distance, making it an important safety feature. The horn is used in various situations, such as when approaching crossings, stations, or areas with low visibility, to warn pedestrians, drivers, and others nearby to stay clear of the tracks. Train horns vary in sound and intensity but are designed to be heard over long distances and through noise from the train itself.

What is a "train horn"?

train horn

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A whistle is a device mounted on locomotives and some railcars that produces a loud, high-pitched sound. It is typically used by the train’s engineer to alert people and vehicles near the tracks of the approaching train, especially at crossings or in areas with limited visibility. Whistles can also be used to signal specific actions, like starting or stopping, or to communicate with other trains. The sound of a train whistle is an important safety tool, helping to prevent accidents by giving warnings in advance.

What is a "whistle"?

whistle

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A ditch light is a type of train headlight typically mounted low on the front of a locomotive, often near the bottom of the frame. It is used to illuminate the tracks, helping to improve visibility in areas where there may be obstructions, such as ditches, during low-light conditions or at night. Ditch lights also help alert people and vehicles near the tracks to the train's presence. They are commonly required for trains operating in certain areas, as they provide an additional safety measure by making the train more visible to those near the tracks.

What is a "ditch light"?

ditch light

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A train wheel is a round, heavy metal disc that forms part of the undercarriage of a train. It is attached to the axles and is used to support the weight of the train while allowing it to move along the tracks. Train wheels are designed to be durable and resistant to wear, as they are constantly in contact with the rails. They have a slightly tapered shape, which helps the train stay centered on the tracks as it moves. Train wheels play an essential role in ensuring smooth and stable movement, allowing the train to travel efficiently over long distances.

What is a "train wheel"?

train wheel

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A bogie is a framework that holds the wheels and axles of a train, allowing it to move smoothly along the tracks. It is typically located under a train carriage or locomotive and is designed to support the weight of the train while enabling the wheels to rotate. Bogies help distribute the weight evenly across the tracks and improve the stability of the train, especially when it is going around curves. They can also include mechanisms to reduce vibrations and noise, making the ride more comfortable for passengers.

What is a "bogie"?

bogie

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A brakeman's caboose is a small train car that was historically attached to the end of a freight train. It served as the work area for the brakeman, a crew member responsible for controlling the train's speed and braking. The caboose provided space for the brakeman to monitor the train's condition, signal to the engineer, and perform other safety tasks. It typically included small windows, a stove for warmth, and sometimes a desk or seating area. While cabooses are now less common due to modern braking systems, they were once essential for train safety and communication.

What is a "brakeman's caboose"?

brakeman's caboose

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A gangway is a narrow corridor or passage that provides access between different seating areas in a theater, airplane, or similar space.  It allows people to move easily from one part of the seating area to another, reach their seats, or exit the area. The gangway helps to keep the flow of movement smooth and prevents people from having to walk over seats or disturb others.

What is a "gangway"?

gangway

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A compartment in a passenger train is a separate section within a train carriage, often enclosed by walls, that is designed to offer privacy and comfort for passengers. Each compartment typically contains seating arrangements, and it can be accessed by a door from the main part of the carriage. The purpose of these compartments is to provide a quieter and more private space for passengers during their journey. Depending on the type of train, compartments may vary in size and layout, offering features like windows, overhead storage, and sometimes even foldable tables.

What is a "compartment"?

compartment

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A vestibule is a small, enclosed space at either end of a train carriage that serves as a passage between cars. It is typically located near the doors and provides access to the rest of the train, allowing passengers to move from one car to another. The vestibule also helps separate the inside of the train from the outside environment, offering protection from the elements when the doors are open. In addition, it often contains features such as handrails, safety equipment, and sometimes even a small area for passengers to wait while the train is in motion.

What is a "vestibule"?

vestibule

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A coupling is a mechanical device used to connect two train cars or a locomotive to a car, allowing them to be linked together so they can move as one unit. The coupling ensures that the cars stay securely attached while the train is in motion, and it allows the train to transfer power and braking force across the cars. Different types of couplings exist, but they all serve the same basic purpose of holding the cars together safely while allowing them to be separated when needed. Couplings are crucial for train operations, ensuring the smooth and safe movement of the train as a whole.

What is a "coupling"?

coupling

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A coupling rod is a solid metal bar used to link the wheels of two nearby railway vehicles, ensuring they move together in a synchronized way. It connects the wheels, allowing them to rotate at the same speed and maintain smooth movement across the tracks. This bar plays a key role in ensuring that the wheels work together efficiently, which is crucial for the proper functioning of steam locomotives and some other types of rail vehicles. By connecting the wheels, the coupling rod helps distribute the power from the engine evenly, allowing the train to move more smoothly.

What is a "coupling rod"?

coupling rod

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A cut lever is a safety device found on trains, typically located near the coupling area, that is used to disconnect the cars. It is a long lever that can be manually pulled to release the coupling between two train cars, allowing them to be separated. Cut levers are mainly used by railway workers for tasks like switching trains or preparing them for different routes. The lever is designed to be easily accessible and is an important safety feature, ensuring that cars can be safely detached when needed without risking damage or injury.

What is a "cut lever"?

cut lever

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A pantograph is a device used on electric trains to collect electricity from overhead power lines. It is a lightweight, hinged structure that extends upward from the train to make contact with the wires above. The pantograph slides along the power lines, allowing the train to draw the electricity needed to run the motor. Pantographs are commonly found on high-speed trains or electric locomotives, where they provide a continuous power source while the train is in motion. They are designed to be flexible and can automatically adjust to different heights of power lines.

What is a "pantograph"?

pantograph

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Here you will learn some English words related to train and locomotive parts such as "cowcatcher", "boiler", and "firebox."

English Words for "Train and Locomotive Parts"