An old engraving of an American steam train stopping for water supplied by a steam-powered water elevator or pump. It is from a Victorian book of the 1880s. A ‘water stop’ or ‘water station’ on a railroad is a place where a steam train stops to replenish water to its boiler. To accumulate the water, water stops employed water tanks, water towers and tank ponds. The water was initially pumped by windmills, watermills, or by hand. Later, small steam and gasoline engines were used. When a train stopped for water, the boilerman swung out the spigot arm over the water tender to begin filling.
An old engraving of an American steam train stopping for water supplied by a steam-powered water elevator or pump. It is from a Victorian mechanical engineering book of the 1880s. A ‘water stop’ or ‘water station’ on a railroad is a place where a steam train stops to replenish water to its boiler. During the very early days of steam locomotives, water stops were necessary every 7–10 miles (11-16 km) and consumed much travel time. With the introduction of tenders carrying water and fuel, trains could run 100–150 miles (160–240 km) without a refill. To accumulate the water, water stops employed water tanks, water towers and tank ponds. The water was initially pumped by windmills, watermills, or by hand. Later, small steam and gasoline engines were used. When a train stopped for water and was positioned by a water tower or tank, the boilerman swung out the spigot arm over the water tender and ‘jerked’ the chain to begin filling. Some water stops grew into established settlements.
Size: 3780px × 3628px
Location: USA
Photo credit: © M&N / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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