builder's plate
[noun]
a metal or plastic plaque that displays important information about a piece of machinery or equipment
Ex:
Land Transportation - Train and Locomotive Parts
Here you will learn some English words related to train and locomotive parts such as "cowcatcher", "boiler", and "firebox."
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cowcatcher
[noun]
a device mounted at the front of a locomotive to clear obstacles from the tracks
Ex:
They
inspected
the
cowcatcher
for
damage
after
a
long
journey
.
air brake
[noun]
a device on a vehicle that uses compressed air to slow down or stop its motion
Ex:
Mechanics
regularly
inspect
and
service
air brakes
to
maintain
their
reliability
and
functionality
.
vacuum brake
[noun]
a braking system that uses suction to apply brakes, commonly found in older railway systems
Ex:
When
the
vacuum brake
is
engaged
,
it
creates
a
vacuum
in
the
braking system
's
pipes
,
allowing
atmospheric pressure
to
push
brake
blocks
against
the
wheels
.
emergency brake
[noun]
a safety device used to stop the train quickly in urgent situations
Ex:
It
's
crucial
for
all
passengers
to
know
the
location
of
the
emergency brake
and how
to
use
it
properly
in case of
an
emergency
.
reverser handle
[noun]
a lever used to control the direction of movement of the train's engine
Ex:
During
training
,
new
engineers
learn
the
precise
movements
required
to
operate
the
reverser handle
safely
.
boiler
[noun]
a closed vessel in which water is heated to create steam or hot water, used for heating buildings, producing electricity, or powering machines
Ex:
A
broken
boiler
in
the
middle
of
winter
can
be
a
serious
problem
.
coal pusher
[noun]
a mechanical device used to automatically feed coal into a furnace or boiler to sustain continuous operation
Ex:
Operators
monitor
the
coal pusher
to
prevent
fuel
shortages
and
maintain
efficiency
.
feedwater heater
[noun]
a device used in power plants to preheat water before it enters the boiler
Ex:
The
main
purpose
of
a
feedwater heater
is
to
raise
the
temperature
of
incoming
water
,
which
enhances
the
overall
thermal
efficiency
of
the
system
.
firebox
[noun]
the chamber in a steam locomotive where fuel is burned to heat water and produce steam
Ex:
The
fireman
shoveled
coal
into
the
firebox
to
maintain
steam
pressure
.
sandbox
[noun]
a container for storing sand, used to improve traction between the wheels of a train and the rails
Ex:
Engineers
regularly
check
and
refill
sandboxes
to
ensure
they
are
adequately
stocked
for
any
unexpected
loss
of
traction
.
smokebox
[noun]
a part of a steam engine where smoke and gases from burning fuel exit into the atmosphere
Ex:
During
its
journey
,
the
old
steam train
emitted
nostalgic
puffs
of
smoke
from
its
smokebox
.
tender
[noun]
a car attached to a steam locomotive to carry fuel and water
Ex:
The
tender
was
coupled
securely
to
the
locomotive
.
train horn
[noun]
a loud device used by trains to signal their approach or presence
Ex:
Due to
its
volume
,
a
train horn
can
be
heard from
several
miles
away
in
quiet
rural areas
.
whistle
[noun]
a device mounted on locomotives and some railcars that emits a loud, high-pitched sound to signal warnings or communicate with personnel and other trains
Ex:
The
loud
whistle
echoed
through
the
valley
,
announcing
the
arrival
of
the
freight train
.
ditch light
[noun]
a bright lamp mounted on the front of a locomotive or train to illuminate the tracks ahead and improve safety during night travel
Ex:
Modern
trains
are
equipped
with
powerful
ditch lights
to
enhance
visibility
on
dark
railways
.
train wheel
[noun]
a large metal disk that rotates to help a train move along tracks
Ex:
The
mechanics
of
a
train wheel
include
bearings
that
reduce
friction
and
ensure
smooth
movement
.
bogie
[noun]
a set of wheels and axles used in various types of rolling stock, such as freight cars or passenger coaches
Ex:
The
maintenance
crew
inspects
the
bogies
regularly
to
ensure
they
meet
safety
standards
.
brakeman's caboose
[noun]
the rear car of a freight train where the crew monitors operations and controls the brakes
Ex:
compartment
[noun]
any of the separate sections within a passenger train carriage, typically enclosed by walls and equipped with seats
Ex:
Passengers
enjoyed
privacy
in
their
compartments
during
the
long-distance
trip
.
vestibule
[noun]
a small, enclosed area between train cars where passengers can move from one car to another
Ex:
The
conductor
reminded
everyone
to
keep
the
vestibule
clear
to
ensure
safe
passage
through
the
train
.
coupling
[noun]
the mechanism used to connect railroad cars together
Ex:
The
coupling
allowed for
easy
attachment
and
detachment
of
cars
.
coupling rod
[noun]
a rigid bar that connects the wheels of adjacent railway vehicles to synchronize their movement
Ex:
Engineers
inspect
the
coupling rods
for
signs
of
wear
and
tear
to
maintain
safety
standards
.
cut lever
[noun]
a device used by railway personnel to operate the couplers between train cars
Ex:
Engineers
are
trained
to
handle
the
cut lever
safely
to
avoid
damage
to
the
couplers
.
pantograph
[noun]
a component of an electric train that connects it to overhead wires for drawing power
Ex:
Train
operators
regularly
monitor
the
pantograph
's
position
and
contact
pressure
to
optimize
power
transmission
.