Steam Locomotive Glossaries

While transportation technology has continued to increase and electric and diesel railway vehicles now dominate the tracks, steam locomotives continue to be a great source of fascination. Although standard online dictionaries may have general terms related to steam trains, a steam locomotive glossary can offer in-depth definitions for specialized terms. The definitions of the equipment, parts, and mechanics of a steam locomotive may be a valuable resource for a variety of people. These may include individuals who collect and build model trains as a hobby, since the familiarity with the functions and designs of these fascinating railway vehicles can assist in the accurate building of the model. Those with a passion for trains may also be interested in understanding the terms and functions of the train as well. History buffs and scholars may additionally find a list of steam train definitions interesting or necessary, as will students developing projects or reports on this subject.

Locomotive enthusiasts will find that the features for various steam train glossaries will vary. Some websites offer only basic mechanical terms and others provide extensive historical information with extremely in-depth descriptions. Even the simplest, however, will usually list the basic parts of the steam train and brief descriptions of how the parts operate. Other features may include:

• Drawings, diagrams, or other visual aids
• Historical evolution of the steam train
• Various types of locomotives used throughout the world
• Locomotive profiles
• Question and answer pages
• Scale information and track plans for model trains
• Downloadable videos
• Stories and articles about steam trains and other locomotives
• Helpful links and resources for books and websites
• Search box and/or browsing categories

Resources for Steam Locomotive Terms

Finding resources on the web that offer steam train terms isn't difficult. From passionate hobbyists to certified railway technicians, there are a variety of sites that offer a steam locomotive glossary for public usage. These include:

• Railway Technical Web Pages contains glossaries of both steam locomotives and modern railway systems. A number of other features, from design and track terms to finance and fare information, are also available.
• Michael Heavener's Glossary of Steam Locomotive Terms offers a simple but excellent and informative glossary. A basic diagram allows you to choose definitions based on the part of locomotive. The definition for each term is accompanied by a helpful optional list of "Quick Fact" links, which will appear in separate text box.
• UK Heritage Railways offers an easy-to-navigate set of locomotive definitions and diagrams. There are separate sections for basic steam train anatomy, steam locomotive controls, operation of the steam injector, and boiler functions.
• Steam Locomotive Components from Wikipedia offers a basic list of definitions accompanied with a composite diagram.
• The Rensselaer Model Railroad Society's Guide to Steam Locomotive Components does not provide free diagrams, but it does offer fairly substantial definitions of basic terms. Full size pictures and diagrams are available to dues-paying members upon login.

Common Terms

If you are looking for particular terms related to steam locomotives, you may be able to find them using online dictionaries such as yourDictionary. Keep in mind some terms may only be available via the specialized train glossaries. Some basic terms commonly found in railway glossaries for steam trains include:

• Boiler: Component in which the heat is produced and steam collects at the top.
• Cylinders: Steam is propelled and exchanged through these parts of a reciprocating engine. Although the delivery of the steam is complex, its eventual result is a complete revolution of the powered wheel.
• Frame: Resting component which provides structure for the boiler and cylinders to function. British and American trains utilized different materials in frames, each with pros and cons.
• Steam Injectors: Used to force steam into the boiling unit. Pumps were originally the source of propelling the steam.
• Pressure Gauge: This appeared in the 1850s to ensure greater accuracy of the boiler pressure, although this was originally achieved through estimation.
• Condensers: These units were outfitted for some steam trains to recapture the water released from the steam. These were important for ravel through desert climates and other circumstances when water would not be as readily available for resupplying the train.
• Brakes: Large brake components are distinct systems of the steam train. Air brakes and vacuum brakes were introduced as an improvement over early brake shoes.