ancillaries

Many other functions can be performed by steam pressure.

Steam can be transmitted through the train to maintain temperature in passenger coaches. Steam heated vehicles are recognisable by an additional flexible connecting hose by the couplings. The steam is obtained from the boiler and is pressure reduced prior to distribution down the train.

Steam generators are generally mounted on top of the boiler and can produce electricity to power lighting. They are quite simply small steam turbines.

To prevent the wheels slipping on wet or greasy rails, sand can be released through a system of tubes to dribble onto the rails. This can be by gravity alone, which requires dry sand, or the sand can be deposited by steam.