Train engine

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Train engine is the technical name for the locomotive which is attached to the front of a railway train for the purpose of hauling that train. Exceptionally, where operating facilities exist for push-pull operation, the train engine may be attached to the rear of the train. In such cases, it is common for the leading carriage (often known as a 'driving control trailer') to have a cab from which a member of staff can communicate with the engine driver.[citation needed]

The term train engine differentiates such a locomotive from railway engines being employed in a different operational role, such as:

  • Pilot engine - a locomotive attached in front of the train engine, to enable Double-heading;
  • Banking engine - a locomotive temporarily assisting a train from the rear, due to a difficult start or a sharp incline gradient;
  • Light engine - a locomotive which is operating without a train behind it, usually because it needs to be relocated for operational reasons.