The interior space of a locomotive behind the cab where the diesel engine, main alternator, air compressor, and cooling systems are located. On carbody or cowl units, this space is fully enclosed and accessible via internal walkways. It is a loud, hot environment requiring hearing protection, and crews must walk through it to inspect equipment or access trailing units.
Heard on the job
Grab your earplugs before you head back through the engine room to check that tripped breaker on the trailing unit.