Trains are built to transport passengers or cargo along rail tracks.
Trains can be powered by a variety of energy sources including steam, diesel and electricity.
The development of the steam locomotive in the early 19th century transformed the world, carrying people and goods at unprecedented speeds around the globe.A steam locomotive generally burned coal in a furnace, or “firebox” and the fire heated water in a boiler to make steam.The steam was fed into cylinders to drive movable roads called pistons, and motion of the pistons was used to turn the wheels.
Diesel locomotives entered service after World War I.Together with electric locomotives, they gradually brought the age of steam trains to an end.In a diesel locomotive,
the power comes from an engine that burns diesel oil
