TANK LOCOMOTIVE Meaning and
Definition
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A tank locomotive is a type of steam locomotive that features water and fuel tanks mounted on either side of the boiler instead of a separate tender. It is designed to carry its own supply of water and fuel for operation, making it a self-contained unit. This configuration enables the locomotive to operate on shorter journeys without the need for frequent refueling or water replenishment.
Tank locomotives typically consist of a boiler, cylinders, and a firebox, surrounded by a framework that holds the tanks on either side. The water tanks store the water required to produce steam, while the fuel tanks hold the coal or other fuel source needed to generate heat and produce steam. The position of the tanks provides stability and balance, ensuring smooth operation even on uneven tracks.
Due to their design, tank locomotives are particularly suitable for short-distance trips and are often used in industrial and narrow-gauge railways. They have the advantage of quicker acceleration and better maneuverability compared to locomotives with tenders. However, their smaller tank capacity limits their range, making them less suitable for long-haul journeys.
Tank locomotives have been in use since the early days of steam locomotion and have played a significant role in the development of railways across the world. Today, they continue to be employed in various contexts, serving specific operational needs in industries and heritage railways.
Common Misspellings for TANK LOCOMOTIVE
- rank locomotive
- fank locomotive
- gank locomotive
- yank locomotive
- 6ank locomotive
- 5ank locomotive
- tznk locomotive
- tsnk locomotive
- twnk locomotive
- tqnk locomotive
- tabk locomotive
- tamk locomotive
- tajk locomotive
- tahk locomotive
- tanj locomotive
- tanm locomotive
- tanl locomotive
- tano locomotive
- tani locomotive
Etymology of TANK LOCOMOTIVE
The word "tank locomotive" dates back to the mid-1800s and has its roots in the British railway industry. The term "locomotive" originates from the Latin word "locomotivus", which means "able to move" or "moving". It was first used to refer to a self-propelled engine that moved along tracks, pulling trains.
The term "tank" in the context of a locomotive refers to the water and fuel tanks that are mounted directly on the locomotive's frame, rather than being carried in a separate tender. These tanks supply the locomotive's steam engine with the necessary water and fuel. The word "tank" here is derived from the idea that these tanks resemble the shape of a storage container or tank that holds fluids.
Therefore, "tank locomotive" refers to a type of steam locomotive where the water and fuel reservoirs are built into the locomotive's frame.
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