Tender engine

nounStandard termRailroad

A steam locomotive that pulls a separate car for its fuel and water.

A traditional steam locomotive configuration where coal and water are hauled in a dedicated, separate vehicle coupled to the rear, rather than being carried on the locomotive's own frame. This design allows for much larger fuel capacities and longer ranges compared to tank engines, making it the standard arrangement for mainline freight and passenger service.

Heard on the job

They replaced the old switchers with a heavy tender engine to handle the longer grades out of the valley.