Steam locomotive components

Main components found on a typical steam locomotive include:

TenderCabWhistleReach rodSafety valveGenerator / Turbo-generatorSand domeThrottle lever / RegulatorSteam domeAir pump / Air compressorSmokeboxSteam pipeSmokebox doorTrailing truck / Rear bogieFoot board / Run board / Running board / Tread plateFrameBrake shoe / Brake blockSand pipeCoupling rods / Side rodsValve gearConnecting rod / Main rodPiston rodPistonCylinderValveValve chest / Steam chestFireboxBoiler tubes and fluesBoilerSuperheater tubesThrottle / regulator valveSuperheaterSmokestack / Chimney / FunnelHeadlightBrake hoseWater compartmentCoal bunkerGrateAshpan hopperJournal/axle boxEqualising beams / Equalising levers / Equalising barsLeaf springsDriving wheelsPedestal / SaddleBlast pipePilot truck / Lead truckPilot / CowcatcherCoupler / Coupling
The main components of a typical steam locomotive. Click or hover over numbers to see names. (enlarge)

The diagram, which is not to scale, is a composite of various designs in the late steam era. Some components shown are not the same as, or are not present, on some locomotives – for example, on smaller or articulated types. Conversely, some locomotives have components not listed here.


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