What is a locomotive?

A locomotive is a type of railway vehicle that provides the motive power for a train. It pulls or pushes the train along the tracks, using a steam engine, diesel engine, or electric motor to power its wheels.

Locomotives come in many shapes and sizes, depending on their intended use. Some are designed to pull heavy freight trains, while others are built for high-speed passenger service. They can be single or multiple units, with as many as ten or more engines working together to move the train.

Some of the key components of a locomotive include the boiler, which generates steam or heats water for the engine; the pistons, which transfer the steam or other power to the wheels; and the wheels themselves, which move the train along the tracks.

Locomotives have played a crucial role in the development of transportation and commerce, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries. They continue to be used today, though in many parts of the world they have been largely replaced by other forms of transportation such as cars, trucks, and airplanes.