What did the steam locomotive carry?
The steam locomotive was a self-sufficient unit, carrying its own water supply for generating the steam and coal, oil, or wood for heating the boiler.
How did steam trains pick up water?
It consists of a long trough filled with water, lying between the rails. When a steam locomotive passes over the trough, a water scoop can be lowered, and the speed of forward motion forces water into the scoop, up the scoop pipe and into the tanks or locomotive tender.
How often did the steam trains need to stop for water?
During the very early days of steam locomotives, water stops were necessary every 7–10 miles (11-16 km) and consumed much travel time. With the introduction of tenders (a special car containing water and fuel), trains could run 100–150 miles (160–240 km) without a refill.
Where is train water stored?
In case of normal passenger/ Mail express trains that use old rakes (blue colors) water is stored in tanks above the toilet area. In new design AC LHB rakes, the water tanks are located in the coach frame below the coach floor in between the two wheel sets.
How does a steam locomotive take on water?
Before a steam locomotive starts on its run its tender is filled with fuel and water. At certain points along the railroads fresh supplies of fuel and water may be taken on. In this picture the locomotive fireman is seen filling the tender tank with water.
What kind of fuel does a steam locomotive use?
The tender has a compartment for coal or oil and a compartment for water. The great majority of steam locomotives burn coal for fuel, but in some parts of the country where oil is plentiful and coal is scarce, the railroads operate many oil-burning locomotives.
What does a locomotive do when it stops for fuel?
When a locomotive stops for fuel and water, while out on the road, it is the locomotive fireman’s job to see that the tender is filled. The fireman also “feeds” the engine with fuel and water from the tender. Some locomotives are equipped with mechanical stokers, which convey coal from the tender into the firebox of the locomotive.
What do you call a locomotive that pulls a tender?
A locomotive that pulls a tender is called a tender locomotive. Locomotives that do not have tenders and carry all their fuel and water on board the locomotive (itself) instead are called tank locomotives . A brake tender is a tender that is heavy and used (primarily) to provide greater braking efficiency.