What do the numbers on a steam locomotive mean?

In this system numbers are assigned to the leading, driving, and trailing wheels of the locomotive. The first number is the number of leading wheels. The middle number (or numbers) give the number and arrangement of drivers. The last is the number of trailing wheels (typically under the firebox).

What is a 4 4 2 locomotive called?

the Atlantic type
Nasmyth, Wilson & Co. This wheel arrangement is commonly known as the Atlantic type, although it is also sometimes called a Milwaukee or 4-4-2 Milwaukee, after the Milwaukee Road, which employed it in high speed passenger service.

What is a 4-6-2 steam locomotive?

Under the Whyte notation for the classification of steam locomotives, 4-6-2 represents the wheel arrangement of four leading wheels on two axles, six powered and coupled driving wheels on three axles and two trailing wheels on one axle. The 4-6-2 locomotive became almost globally known as a Pacific type.

What do the train numbers mean?

It consists of: A single-digit number, indicating the class (type) of train, followed by. A letter, indicating the destination area, followed by. A two-digit number, identifying the individual train or indicating the route (the latter generally for suburban services).

How are steam trains named?

Locomotives have been named after notable actors, artists, composers and singers (see also ‘Literature’).

What is a Pacific class locomotive?

Designed by Gresley, it was built by the London & North Eastern Railway, who classified it as an A1, but why is it called a ‘Pacific’? As steam locomotives grew in size, they were inevitably designed with more wheels, but not all were ‘driving’ wheels, ie directly powered by the cylinders.

How do you read a train code?

A single-digit number, indicating the class (type) of train, followed by. A letter, indicating the destination area, followed by. A two-digit number, identifying the individual train or indicating the route (the latter generally for suburban services).