diesel-electric locomotive [2]
Vehicle with a diesel engine turning a generator that in turn powers the electric traction motors.
sandbox
Container for the sand that is strewn on the track in front of the wheels to provide friction.
coupler head
Device on each end of a locomotive or car for attaching it to another locomotive or car.
pilot
Steel bar attached to the frame that pushes aside debris from the track.
fuel tank
Reservoir containing the diesel fuel that makes the vehicle self-sufficient.
safety rail
Guardrail to prevent falls.
horn
Sounding device warning of the train’s approach.
driver’s cab
Compartment where the engineer operates the locomotive and has a view of the track ahead.
headlight
Lamp illuminating the track.
compressed air reservoir
Storage chamber for the compressed air.
dynamic brake
Wheel acting as a generator to turn the traction motor, which slows down the train.
main generator
Generator driven by the diesel engine, which in turn supplies electricity to the traction motors.
control stand
Panel containing the locomotive’s main controls.
battery
Device providing electricity for starting the engine and for the lights and other electrical devices when the engine is at rest.
ventilator
Mechanism cooling the traction motors.
lubricating system
Device circulating oil throughout the engine to reduce friction between its moving parts.
water tank
Reservoir for the cooling water.
diesel engine
Combustion engine in which the compressed air becomes sufficiently hot to ignite the injected fuel.
air filter
Device removing dust from the air entering the engine.
radiator
Vessel in which the coolant, which circulates around the engine, is cooled by means of flowing air.
ventilating fan
Bladed mechanism blowing air through the radiators to cool the coolant inside them.
air compressor
Device supplying the compressed air that operates various pneumatic equipment, especially the brakes.